IFBF Has Invested More than $80 million in Rural Iowa in a Decade

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - March 11, 2014 -- Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa program, which has helped more than 2,500 Iowans successfully own and grow their business since the program launched in 2006, is bringing new offerings to Iowa entrepreneurs in 2014.  New seminar content, online curriculum, exclusive peer forums for those who qualify and financial advice are now available to Iowa entrepreneurs to help grow their existing business.

"We're excited about the new offerings to our program this year that will feature 'the best of the best' national business leaders, including Mike Kleis, president of Renaissance Executive Forums of Iowa, and Joel Bennett, lead consultant with Veel Hoeden Consulting, to help rural Iowa businesses flourish," said Sandy Ehrig, IFBF economic development administrator. "IFBF has always believed that strong, vibrant rural communities are the fabric of Iowa and we are committed to helping them thrive for the long-term; that's why we've invested more than $80 million in rural communities in the last decade."

The online curriculum, Renew Rural Iowa Pathways, is available at www.renewruraliowa.com and is designed to provide entrepreneurs with advice and critical business data needed to hire and retain the best employees and also help entrepreneurs put together a profitable business plan.  "Pathways offers guidance in areas of organization management, marketing and sales, product and service, financials and funding and even exit strategies," said Ehrig.  "Pathways curriculum can be customized, too, so you have a menu of options for training that suit your needs whether you're in manufacturing, retail or service industries.  A live concierge is also available for individual consultation."

"Select business owners who attend a Renew Rural Iowa seminar and wish to grow themselves and their business can apply to join exclusive peer forums after completing an interview and assessment.  These peer forums enable business leaders to learn from each other in a confidential environment and enhance their ability to lead their business.  Integrity, quality, profitability and people are the foundations for a successful future and that is the life goal of all who participate in our special peer forums," said Ehrig.

Organizers say those who work with Renew Rural Iowa in 2014 will learn how to identify the obstacles to their business growth and find new pathways to success.  Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative, launched in 2006, to support new and existing businesses through education, mentoring, and financial resources.  More than 35 seminars have been held around the state since then, connecting entrepreneurs, business leader mentors and finance opportunities.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com/.                               

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Iowa Farm Bureau Helps Bring Cover Crop Workshops and Expert Insight to Iowa Farmers

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - January 20, 2014 - Iowa farmers have made significant long-term progress protecting Iowa's soil and water resources while actively working to improve conservation practices.  To accommodate farmers' desire to learn the latest conservation methods, 45 one-hour sessions about cover crops, sponsored by Iowa Farm Bureau, will be offered during the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show held January 28-30 in Des Moines.  The cover crop workshops are included with the $6 admission ticket.

Farmers have shown great interest in adding cover crops to their operation and the workshops and educational sessions will address the latest practices that improve soil health, maintain organic matter and increase productivity.  "Iowa farmers have shown great innovation developing conservation plans on their farms," said Rick Robinson, IFBF environmental policy advisor.  "Protecting the land has always been a top priority for Iowa farmers, so we are proud to help bring these cover crop workshops to the Iowa Power Farming Show."

Each day, the workshops will feature five overview sessions in the morning and afternoon on cover crop basics, seeding, termination, integrating with livestock, and four daily in-depth sessions on aerial and high-clearance seeding.

"Workshop attendees will learn the benefits of cover crops, find direction on choosing the right cover crop seeds, receive information on application and termination of cover crops, and learn more about how cover crops fit with a livestock operation," said Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

On all three days, grain marketing analyst Elaine Kub will speak from noon to 1 p.m. in Rooms 104-106.

For more information on the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show visit www.iowapowershow.com.  To hear firsthand accounts of diverse conservation practices farmers are using or to learn about upcoming field days and other conservation events, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/conservationcounts.