The commitment to developing future leaders in the agriculture industry is the cornerstone of both the Iowa FFA Foundation and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. As part of that shared goal, both organizations are pleased to announce that the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is now an annual $100,000 donor to the Iowa FFA Foundation and its partner organizations—the Iowa FFA Association, Iowa FFA Alumni Association, Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE) and the Iowa chapter of the Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS).

As a “Sapphire” level donor, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is among the most generous contributors to the FFA programs and a key supporter in sustaining key Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) directives.  “We are proud to support such a fine organization that each year leads so many Iowa youth on a path of success.  We share the goal of helping rural Iowa youth discover and reach their full potential, and part of that picture is understanding the opportunities that agriculture has for all Iowans.  Agriculture is the cutting edge of innovation and technology and through our mutual goals of supporting STEM initiatives, the sky is the limit for Iowa youth,” says IFBF President and former FFA member, Craig Hill. 

Support from IFBF has been crucial in enabling the foundation to maintain several key youth leadership development events, such as the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium, the Agricultural Discussion Meet Career Development Event, the Iowa FFA Academic Achievement Award sponsorship, the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference and the PAS Spring Leadership Conference.

“The generous support of IFBF also helps ensure key fundraising events continue, including the annual charity golf tournament and the Black Ties, Blue Jackets Gala.  We know IFBF’s multi-year pledge is another manifestation of their longtime emphasis on STEM education. Thus, thanks to IFBF’s commitment, we are able to realize the implementation of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council grants supporting the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) program. Through this gift, thousands of students across Iowa have new opportunities for a future in agriculture,” says Iowa FFA Foundation Executive Director Joshua Remington.