Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

“The organization has members. Any person may be a county Farm Bureau member. All county Farm Bureau members have voting rights and the same access to member benefits.”

“The organizations members elect the Board of Directors.”

“Certain rights are reserved to members of the organization, including: 1) elect the Board of Directors, including the voting delegate to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, 2) adopt amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and 3) adopt amendments to those bylaws designated as member bylaws.”

“Management reviews the documents and presents the return to all members of the governing body. Following final board approval, the return is signed by an officer and submitted to the IRS.”

“On an annual basis, all officers, directors, and key employees are required to sign a statement which affirms that they have: 1) received a copy of the conflict of interest policy, 2) read and understood the policy, 3) agreed to comply with the policy, 4) understand that the Organization is tax-exempt and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish its tax-exempt purpose. A sub-committee, comprised of non-conflicted Board of Directors, annually receives all conflict of interest information, reviews, and determines if there are conflicts of interest. The committee then reports its findings back to the Board.”

“The Organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, or financial statements available for public inspection. Pursuant to state law, some documents may be available to members.”

“Part III, Line 4a - Agricultural and Membership Promotion - The company promoted agriculture to the general public and its members throughout the year. Our leaders promote agriculture through media outlet interviews and placing advertisements in local newspapers on agriculture topics. Funds are spent on local activities and promotion of agriculture and on public relations events to positively promote agriculture, including promotions for corn production, beef, pork, and other agricultural commodities, and to raise awareness of modern agricultural practices. A cooperative program is also held with the media to celebrate Ag Week with a neighboring county. The company promoted agriculture through sponsorship of in-person education programs on crops and marketing and sponsorship of events at the county fair for the general public.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Agricultural Education - The company spends time educating the public and youth about Iowas agriculture and the agricultural economy. The company works with community partners to host an event informing the non-farm public to raise awareness of the impact of agriculture on the local economy. The event features an educational speaker. The company partners with FFA students on leadership projects that impact the community. The company awards deserving college freshmen by offering scholarship funds. Funds went to educate young farmers and engage that demographic in the work of the company. The company utilized staff and volunteers to educate in youth entrepreneurial education programs, career days, Ag in the Classroom presentations, STEM programs, and other classroom programs in our elementary and middle schools.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Public Policy - The company functions as a grassroots support network for engaging in public policy education and communications affecting their membership. Throughout the year, legislative town halls are attended to advocate for agriculture. A member survey is distributed to members to obtain thoughts and opinions on issues affecting them. Legislative meetings and policy education sessions were hosted for members throughout the season through face-to-face connections and contacts. Educational training was held to help our members understand issues facing agriculture today, along with input sessions on policy issues.”

“Stacy Young, Brian Young and Brandon Young have a family relationship. Robert Maass and Leah Maass have a family relationship.”