Since its early beginnings, the Iowa Farm Bureau has supported and invested in our state’s most valuable resource — our children. Our enthusiastic young students represent the next generation of farmers, community leaders, professionals, healthcare providers, educators and citizens who will continue to make Iowa a great place to live, work and raise a family. That’s why Farm Bureau remains a leading contributor to educational programs and annual scholarships for the youth of our state.

“There are so many ways that Farm Bureau has had our back and been at our side. They have truly been a partner with us,” says Josh Remington, executive director of the Iowa FFA Foundation and a Polk County Farm Bureau board member.

The Iowa Farm Bureau recognizes Iowa youth for their academic success with one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind in the state, awarding $250,000 in scholarships each year. Started 50 years ago by the former Iowa Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, the Iowa Farm Bureau scholarship program now awards 54 scholarships of $1,000 each to Iowa students who attend accredited two-year or four-year colleges and universities. Recipients are eligible to re-apply for the scholarships for the following year, for an additional three years of their education.

“I’ve been so thankful to be in a major where there are people willing to support youth who are trying to get their degree and go on to do bigger and better things to feed the world,” says Mary Heiller, a senior in animal science at Iowa State University and an Iowa Farm Bureau scholarship recipient. “Having people like Farm Bureau support me is an incredible feeling.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau is also proud to support the next generation of Iowans as the sole title sponsor of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA).

“One of the reasons the relationship between the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Farm Bureau has lasted for over 15 years is that we share similar values and philosophies,” says Alan Beste, executive director of the IHSAA. “Both organizations, and their members, are committed to helping students prepare for life beyond high school and work to create experiences for students that will help them develop skills to be positive contributors to their communities as adults.”

I’ve been so thankful to be in a major where  there are people willing to support youth who are trying to get their degree and go on to do bigger and better things to feed the world, having people like Farm Bureau support me is an incredible feeling.”    –Mary Heiller, Iowa State University Student

In addition to supporting the state high school athletic associations, the Iowa Farm Bureau sponsors the annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Program, which recognizes more than 400 of Iowa’s best students at a ceremony held in Des Moines.

Plus, the Iowa Farm Bureau is a long-time supporter of youth education programs on the local and state level, including the Iowa 4-H Foundation and the Iowa FFA Foundation. “Farm Bureau has been involved with 4-H from the very beginning, with financial support and board leadership,” says Emily Saverid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “But we are also equally grateful to the thousands of local Farm Bureau members who are club leaders and community volunteers. Those volunteer hours and financial support are integral to the success of the program, which benefits young people across the state.”

But we are also equally grateful to the thousands of  local Farm Bureau members who are club leaders  and community volunteers. Those volunteer hours and financial support are integral to the success of the program, which benefits young people across the state.” –Emily Saverid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation

Over the years, county Farm Bureaus have also played an important role in helping students understand today’s agriculture through their work with local school districts and the Ag in the Classroom program.

And more recently, the Iowa Farm Bureau helped spearhead the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) in collaboration with the state’s farm, education and business community to help increase the knowledge and awareness of agriculture and its global significance.

“The whole idea is really trying to help students and teachers become aware of the food, fiber and energy systems, and ag’s role in it. We want to show how ag is part of your daily life,” says Will Fett, executive director of IALF.