Iowa Farm Bureau recognizes AG achievements

WEST DES MOINES — Members of Iowa Farm Bureau gathered at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines this month to celebrate the achievements of 100 county Farm Bureaus.

Brent Johnson of Calhoun County was elected to a two-year term as president.

Farm Bureau members engaged in several educational breakout sessions during the two-day meeting, receiving updates on national policy and insight into economic factors shaping agricultural markets.

Members received updates on the status of the extended farm bill and the next steps for a new five-year farm bill.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds addressed members virtually during the closing session and shared her strong support of Iowa farm families and agriculture, proclaiming Dec. 4-8 Iowa Farm Bureau Week.

The Governor highlighted recent achievements, including taxpayer relief and protections and biofuels advancements, both championed by IFBF.

Andy Hill, of Manly, was re-elected to the IFBF board to represent District 2, made up of 11 counties in north central Iowa.

Rick Plowman, of Douds, was re-elected District 7 director. The district is made up of 11 counties in southeast Iowa.

Will Frazee, of Emerson, was re-elected as District 9 director representing 12 counties in southwest Iowa.

Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the 2024 AFBF Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in January: Johnson; IFBF Vice President Brian Feldpausch, of Grundy County; District 1 Director Randy Brincks, of Winneshiek County; Jeff Pape, of Dubuque County; Meghan Leibold, of Buchanan County; Dave Bolin, of Butler County; Gary Rees, of Louisa County; Dan Hanrahan, of Madison County and Kevin Schechinger, of East Pottawattamie County.

Craig McEnany and Dale Uehling were the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award recipients.

McEnany was nominated by the Story County Farm Bureau for his contributions to Iowa agriculture and his impact on students and young adults during his teaching career spanning more than four decades.

Dale Uehling was nominated by the Wapello County Farm Bureau for his decades of service with ISU Extension and local community leadership.

Sarah Tweeten, of Cerro Gordo County, was the winner of IFBF’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet and will represent Iowa in the AFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet during the AFBF Annual Convention in January.

The second-place finisher was Larissa Schippers, of Mahaska County. Third place finisher was Molly Dolch, of Adair County, and Coltin Schachtner, of Pocahontas County, finished fourth.