WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – March 3, 2011 – The average YouTube viewer watched 93 videos last year and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) wants to make sure stories that showcase  the “People, Progress and Pride” of Iowa are among them!  That’s why the state’s largest grassroots farm organization has selected YouTube as the platform for a unique contest designed to highlight the best of Iowa; the grand prize is a new iPad and lifetime Farm Bureau membership.

The “Ultimate Farm Bureau Member Contest” is simple; make a 60-second-or-less video about why you are the ‘Ultimate Farm Bureau Member’ and post that video to YouTube.  There are many possibilities; you can showcase your work with local schools on behalf of your county Farm Bureau, or Food Bank volunteer projects, youth leadership or rural vitality or civic leadership duties.  IFBF members are actively involved with their local communities and the videos are a way to showcase their involvement.  With the prevalence of creative videos on the net, IFBF leaders believe Iowans will find a lot of options!

“The video doesn’t have to be professional quality; it can even be something that a member records on a cell phone or camera,” said Dana Ardary, IFBF Marketing Manager. “What we are really looking for, are members who are passionate about belonging to Farm Bureau and want to tell others about it. It’s really something you can have fun with.”

To enter, members can click the Ultimate Farm Bureau Member tab on the Iowa Farm Bureau Facebook page or visit our website at: www.iowafarmbureau.com to view details, contest rules and enter to win.  Final videos need to be submitted to YouTube and then a link sent to IFBF communications staffer Bo Geigley at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 18.

A panel of judges will select the top five videos that best exemplify a passion for Farm Bureau’s “People, Progress, Pride” brand and will be featured on the IFBF website (www.iowafarmbureau.com).  The public will cast the final vote on the “ Ultimate Farm Bureau Member” winning video.  The winner will be announced April 15.  The contest deadline is nearing, so get your cameras rolling!

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“Today’s quarterly forecast shows that U.S. agriculture continues to be on track for its best export year ever in fiscal year 2011, eclipsing the previous record set in 2008 by more than $20 billion. Compared to fiscal year 2010, export value is expected to grow 25 percent and volume by 10 percent.

“Furthermore, the agricultural trade surplus is expected to reach a record $47.5 billion, far surpassing the previous record of $36 billion set in 2008.

“Agricultural exports continue to be a bright spot in these trying economic times. The first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was the highest-grossing quarter ever for U.S. agricultural exports.

“Our export success is a testament to the productivity of our farmers and ranchers and underscores the quality and value of U.S. farm and food products. Agriculture also continues to play an important role in support of President Obama’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling all U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

WHAT: Julie Schocker of New Liberty has been selected as a winner in America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. The donations are available through the Monsanto Fund. Schocker has designated the Dixon Memorial Park to receive the award in Scott County.

WHO: Dixon Memorial Park Board members, Julie Schocker, and a Monsanto representative will participate in a check presentation ceremony. Media are invited to attend the check presentation. Interview and photo opportunities available.

WHEN: 2/28/2011 at 6:30pm

WHERE: Dixon Fire Station, 306 Davenport St., Dixon, IA

ONSITE CONTACT: Maria Jacobsen- 563-357-7532

Overview: In more than 1,200 eligible counties, farmers can win $2,500 for their favorite community non-profit.  The Monsanto Fund expects to invest more than $3 million in local communities. America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. To date, more than 60,000 farmers participated in the program, which is designed to benefit nonprofit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. For more information and to see a full list of winners, visit www.growcommunities.com.

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Finance Senators’ Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act Would Permanently Extend Tax Breaks for Donating Land for Protection

Washington, DC – February 16, 2011 - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have introduced legislation to permanently extend income tax relief for ranchers, farmers and other landowners who donate agricultural land for conservation.

“This bill rewards ranchers and farmers in Montana and across the country who want to conserve our land and preserve open space for their kids and grandkids,” said Baucus. “Our nation is losing precious agricultural and ranch lands at a record pace, resulting in a loss of natural habitats for wildlife and open spaces for our communities.  We need to protect our land for future generations and to support the ranchers, farmers and other landowners who rely on it to make a living.  These tax incentives provide the right tools to help landowners move toward conservation.”

“Economists say if you want more of a certain behavior, give incentives to encourage the behavior,” Grassley said.  “Land conservation is something people want.  Farmers already practice good stewardship of the land used for production agriculture.  Conserving land is another example of good stewardship.”

The Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act of 2011 would permanently extend an increase in the maximum tax deduction for charitable contributions of conservation easements from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI).  The bill further benefits farmers and ranchers by permanently extending the current law allowing a charitable deduction for up to 100 percent of AGI for their donations of conservation easements.  Any unused deduction can be carried forward for up to 15 years.

Baucus and Grassley first introduced legislation to create an enhanced conservation easement tax deduction in 2006 as part of the Pension Protection Act.  The provision was subsequently extended in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 and the Taxpayer Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010.  The tax deduction currently expires at the end of 2011.  In 2009, the Senators introduced legislation to make the enhanced deduction permanent.

The text of the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act of 2011 can be found on the Finance Committee website here: http://finance.senate.gov/legislation/.

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