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.”

“Steve Swenka and Amy Swenka have a family relationship. Travis Spevacek and Erinn Spevacek have a family relationship. Russell Meade and Sarah Neary have a family relationship. Shonda Hahn and Jeremy Hahn have a family relationship.”

“Part III, Line 4a - Ag Education - Reaching teachers regarding incorporating agriculture into their curriculum, thus reaching youth with accurate information, is a priority of Johnson County Farm Bureau. A full-time staff member was employed to reach youth with the goal of reaching all schools in the county. Two elementary schools and several libraries have utilized this program.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Youth Education - Investing in tomorrows leaders, especially those involved with agriculture, is important to Johnson County Farm Bureau. Eight high school graduates were awarded scholarships. All students submitted applications that were reviewed by the selection committee and received their respective awards at graduation ceremonies.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Ag Promotion - Residents of Johnson County are made aware of the importance and range of agriculture while attending the Johnson County Fair by stopping at the Heritage Barn staffed by our volunteers. Interaction between volunteers and adults/youth allowed the opportunity for discussion and promotion of agriculture during the four-day-long event.”