Improving Rural Vitality through Farm Bureau Partnerships April 15, 2009

Mission Statement Farm Bureau is dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.

Rural & Community Development Health and Wellness Farmer & Agriculture Youth & Education Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Strategic Focus

What Doesn’t Surprise People  Farmers and Agriculture  Risk Management Education  Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers  AgraGate – carbon credit trading  Young Farmer programs  Renewable energy education/information

What Does Surprise People  Youth and Education  Ag in the Classroom  Scholarships  Teachers Academy on Ag Awareness  Governor’s Scholar Recognition  Iowa High School Athletic Association  4-H and FFA

What Does Surprise People  Health and Wellness  Rural Health Coaches  Rural Family Medicine Scholarships  Easter Seals Iowa Rural Solutions project  ROPS incentive

What Does Surprise People  Community and Rural Development  Renew Rural Iowa  Business Succession Planning  Leadership Development  Community Enhancement Grants

Farm Bureau team effort $1 million provided in 2008 Contributions through IFBF, Iowa Farm Bureau Foundation, and 100 county Farm Bureau offices

County Farm Bureaus get it done  County Recognition Program  Co. FB learn more about community foundations  Invite a presentation to the board  Become active on board or committee  Co. FB support a Community Enhancement Grant  Co. FB donate or volunteer in a community improvement activity

Consistent themes  Encourage local decisions and initiatives  Partnerships—local or statewide—are a must  Work with existing infrastructure  Preserve and build on existing strengths and assets

? QUESTIONS ? Dal Grooms Business Information Administrator (515)