IOWA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION D/B/A UNION COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Programs

1. Policy development: during the year, members are asked to surface ideas important to them, their business, and/or their rural community. They are also asked to complete a survey, sharing feedback of the topics that were submitted. These ideas are considered for future organizational policy. A committee reviews the information that is submitted, and all farm bureau members are invited to join in on the process further by discussing the topics and information with the committee at the policy development meeting. The voting delegate representing the organization shares the policies and topics put together by their county at the state-wide policy development conference. State adopted policies are lobbied for with intent to be implemented as soon as possible. National adopted policies are presented at the afbf annual meeting by the iowa voting delegates. Members meet with county personnel (supervisors, engineer, etc.) throughout the year to stay abreast of the issues the county is facing and encourage the elected officials to keep agriculture at front of mind when they are making decisions affecting our rural community.

2. Ag in the classroom: the county farm bureau keeps in communication with educators, ffa advisors and schools, promoting resources and grant opportunities available to incorporate agriculture in their classrooms. Support was given to the 4-h & ffa programs in the county. The ucfb bod's sees the need to support the local 4-h and ffa programs as budgets are tight and most learning happens outside the classroom and through hands-on experiences. Book donations were made to the public and school libraries in the county. The county farm bureau leaders hosted an ag in the classroom program in elementary classrooms in the county. The books were read to elementary classrooms, and a partnership was made with the creston and east union ffa chapter members to help with reading the books and conduct a short take home activity. The county also provides scholarships for graduating seniors and supports youth programs and activities.

3. Agriculture promotions: promoting agriculture is an important part of the mission for example, the county farm bureau is the sponsor of the bi-weekly radio trivia on the local radio station and purchases radio ads promoting agriculture and the variety of opportunities farm bureau offers. They make monetary donations to the food pantries in the county and host a table at the local animal shelter halloween fundraising event. Ucfb also supports the county fair in a variety of ways. Offering sponsorship, food stand vouchers, support for youth activities and encouraging their membership to visit and support the county fair. We celebrated national ag week during the month of march by hosting an ag in the classroom program and recognizing our agriculture students at the local community college with a grab and go breakfast. The county farm bureau hosts radio psas focusing on pertinent agriculture topics. Union county farm bureau supports financially, many events, educational programs and opportunities throughout the year.

4. The company has various programs that are aimed at providing information to members on current agricultural issues through newsletters, meetings, etc. 723 members were benefitted in this manner during 2024.

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense.