Key Facts
Key Information
About
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interests of farmers and rural communities in Iowa. Founded on December 27, 1918, in Marshalltown by a group of farmers, teachers, bankers, and merchants seeking to improve their industry and state, the IFBF operates as a grassroots network with 100 offices across 99 Iowa counties (two in Pottawattamie County). It advocates for agricultural policies at local, state, and national levels, focusing on enhancing the viability of farming, supporting farm families, and fostering vibrant rural communities through education, lobbying, and economic initiatives. The organization has a long history of influencing agricultural legislation and providing resources on risk management, sustainability, and policy development.
The IFBF's economic footprint extends beyond advocacy into business ventures, notably through its historical ownership of FBL Financial Group, an insurance company established in 1939 during the Great Depression to serve farmers. FBL grew into a publicly traded entity managed by the IFBF, generating significant revenue that supported the nonprofit's operations. In a strategic move finalized in May (recent year), senior executives privatized FBL, potentially securing long-term financial benefits for the organization amid its nonprofit status. This business empire underscores the IFBF's dual role as both an advocacy group and a financially robust entity, with institutional ties such as affiliations with U.S. Senator Charles Grassley highlighting its influence in political networks.
Celebrating its centennial in 2018, the IFBF continues to adapt to modern challenges like market volatility, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in agriculture. It emphasizes member-driven programs, community engagement, and partnerships to promote a sustainable future for Iowa's agricultural sector, while maintaining a commitment to ethical advocacy and rural development.