This year marks a significant milestone: the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th anniversary of serving members and enriching Iowa’s communities.

In this special publication, we celebrate our proud history as Iowa’s largest grassroots farm organization and highlight Farm Bureau’s key contributions to Iowa agriculture, our rural communities and beyond. We also explore the exciting future for our organization, Iowa farming and for all of agriculture in the next century.

Agriculture and Iowa have changed immensely since pioneering Farm Bureau members joined forces in 1918 to form a statewide organization. Horse-drawn plows and other equipment have been replaced by satellite-guided tractors and drones. Science has revolutionized crop and livestock farming, helping farmers produce more food, fiber and energy while using fewer resources and improving our ability to care for precious land and water resources. Improved transportation and communications technology has also brought our once-remote rural Iowa communities into the heart of the world.

Yet despite these significant advances, some things remain the same.

Farmers, and all Iowans, still place great value on hard work. They have a passion for the land and character rooted in faith and family.

While Iowa has grown and diversified over the years, agriculture remains a driving force in the state’s economy, accounting for one in five Iowa jobs.

And Farm Bureau remains dedicated to our grassroots membership. The issues we adopt and causes we champion are those that rise from our membership, are thoroughly debated at the county and state levels and are galvanized into sound policy that allows us to speak with a united voice.

That grassroots focus and ongoing innovation means that Farm Bureau will continue to remain a relevant and vital part of Iowa into the next century and beyond.

Please enjoy this special Centennial publication which explores the people, progress and pride that has propelled your Iowa Farm Bureau to success for 100 years. Also, because Farm Bureau’s strength comes from its members, please take the time to share your story about your farm, your business and your family at iowafarmbureau.com/100.

Sincerely,  

Craig Hill