WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 10, 2014 - When it comes to meat, poultry and dairy products, "price" and "taste" drive most purchasing decisions of Iowa grocery shoppers, according to new research from the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index^SM, conducted online by Harris Interactive® in November and December of 2013.  Nearly 8 in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers cited price (79% for meat/poultry; 80% for dairy) and taste (76% for meat/poultry; 77% for dairy) among the most important factors to them when buying meat, poultry and dairy products.  That finding on price was consistent, even among higher income Iowa grocery shoppers (those who make $75,000 or more).

The next most important considerations for Iowa grocery shoppers are "food safety" (39% for meat/poultry; 40% for dairy) and "nutrition" (41% for meat/poultry; 37% for dairy).

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index^SM surveys Iowa residents between 20 and 60 years old who have primary or shared responsibility for household grocery shopping; 502 such respondents were interviewed for this wave of research. It is the first in a semi-annual survey of Iowans to study the factors driving their food purchases.

Iowa grocery shoppers read labels

While the survey points to the common sense food priorities of Iowa shoppers, it also shows they're hungry for more information about how or where their food is grown or raised.  About two-thirds of Iowa grocery shoppers (68%) pay attention to such labels on their food.  Among those who do, the highest percentages say labels indicating that the food was raised in the U.S. (50%) give them the information they are seeking, followed by raised locally (43%), hormone free (36%) or antibiotic free (32%).

"This survey shows us there is an opportunity for farmers to share how they raise farm animals

or use antibiotics to protect the animals' health and that's an important issue because here in Iowa, where we lead the nation in several types of meat production, there are too many Iowans who don't understand the 'big picture' of antibiotic use on the farm," said Dr. Scott Hurd, DVM, PhD and Associate Professor, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Hurd, who served as Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety at the USDA in 2008, directing all federal meat and poultry inspection, says advances in feed, housing and veterinary medicine guide the care of all food chain animals and by law, there are strict withdrawal guidelines.  "That means no animals are on antibiotics when they go into the food chain, so there are zero antibiotics in meat.  Furthermore, Iowa farmers are also subject to standards of care on the farm which require regular supervision, ongoing research and certification programs to make sure animals raised in Iowa are kept safe, well-fed and pain-free," he said.

Farmers agree the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index^SM shows a need for conversations to continue with consumers. "This shows us that Iowans believe their food is safe, but they want information about their food, so this is an opportunity for all farmers to connect with them and clarify a few things.  Since many Iowa shoppers pay attention to labels that claim the food is 'raised hormone free', they need to know that all foods come from living organisms and all living organisms have hormones.  In fact, science has long documented (http://www.usmef.org/growth-hormones-in-cattle/) that meat or dairy products have a fraction of the amount of hormones that cabbage contains.  This is an opportunity for critical food safety dialogue," said Craig Hill, Iowa livestock farmer and president of IFBF.

Farmers more trusted than doctors regarding food safety questions (Click here for Infographic)

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index^SM also showed that when it comes to the most trusted sources about food safety information, farmers (26%) ranked higher than dietitians/nutritionists (16%), medical professionals (11%), the government (7%), food companies (5%) or chefs/cooks (2%).

Additionally, 50 percent of Iowa grocery shoppers ranked farmers in their top three - the highest

percentage for this status - followed by dietitians/nutritionists (46%).

Methodology

Harris Interactive conducted the survey online on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau, within the United States from November 21-December 2, 2013.  A total of 502 Iowa residents aged 20-60 were surveyed, who have primary or shared responsibility for grocery shopping for their household.  For a complete methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Laurie Johns at ljohns@ifbf.org.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight.  Known widely for the Harris Poll, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research across a wide range of industries.  For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

For more information on the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index^SM, please visit Iowa Farm Bureau at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

FORMER IOWA AGRICULTURE SECRETARY, AN AG BROADCASTING LEGEND, AND AN ISU EXTENSION CROP SPECIALIST NAMED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO AG WINNERS AT 95^TH IOWA FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Dec. 6, 2013 - Patty Judge is a trailblazer in Iowa agriculture, serving as the state's first woman to be elected Secretary of Agriculture, where she served two terms;  Mark Pearson, the late host of IPTV's "Market to Market" and the "Big Show" on WHO Radio, was a household name for many Iowans; and George Cummins, retired crop specialist with ISU Extension Service, who still uses his agronomy background and farming experiences to serve as an advocate for agriculture.  The efforts of these Iowans help the cause of Iowa agriculture and rural communities over the past few decades.  Their work has earned Judge, Pearson, and Cummins the 2013 Iowa Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture award.  They were recognized during the Iowa Farm Bureau (IFBF) annual meeting in Des Moines, Dec. 4.

The award honors individuals who have played a significant role in the agricultural industry at the local, state and/or national level.  This is the 35th year for the award.  The three winners received plaques honoring their achievements and will be added to a permanent display at IFBF headquarters in West Des Moines.

Patty Judge

With years of experience in the healthcare field, efforts to promote rural Iowa, and public service, Judge spent her life promoting the state of Iowa.

After a career in healthcare as a registered nurse, Judge turned her attention to public service.  Judge was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 1992 and re-elected in 1996.  During her six years in the senate, Judge held numerous leadership positions including: assistant majority and minority leader, ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, member of the Appropriations Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Economic Development Committee.  She also served as chair of the Regulation and Administration Appropriations Subcommittee.

In 1998, Judge became the first woman in Iowa to be elected Secretary of Agriculture.  She served the role for two terms, following re-election in 2002.  Judge and her family have owned a cow/calf farm in Monroe County for over 40 years.  Her knowledge and experience of production agriculture help her effectively work with leaders to increase market opportunities for Iowa's agricultural products.  Judge traveled the world, leading trade missions on behalf of corn growers, soybean growers, and livestock producers.  Judge's legacy as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is tied to her tireless promotion of renewable fuels, allowing renewable energy to become an integral part of Iowa's economy under her leadership.

In addition to working on the family farm, Judge owns and operates her own strategic planning business.

Mark Pearson

If you have farming ties in Iowa, chances are good you listened to the late Mark Pearson.  As former host of IPTV's 'Market to Market' for over 20 years and 1,000 episodes and longtime farm broadcaster and host of WHO Radio's 'Big Show', Pearson, was heard by nearly one million listeners and viewers.

In addition to serving as an agriculture personality on television and radio, Pearson worked as the Markets Editor for Successful Farming and as Iowa's Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.  In 1980, he received the most coveted award in agricultural broadcasting, the DeKalb Oscar.  In 1986 he enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a Military Intelligence Officer and eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 1995, Pearson and his family moved to a farm in east Peru, Iowa, where he built a diversified grain and livestock operation.  Pearson was a popular speaker for farm, business, and financial gatherings across the country.

Pearson developed a reputation as someone able to bridge the gap between rural and urban America through his work on television, radio, business, and public speaking engagements.  He will be remembered for an incredible work ethic and an unwavering commitment to agriculture and rural Iowa.

George Cummins

Cummins is well renowned for his unique combination of agricultural experience and knowledge coupled with the ability to teach others.  Cummins has amazed those in the agricultural community with his animated and engaging seminars and training sessions, all the way up to his retirement.  Although officially retired, one doesn't have to look hard to find Cummins actively engaged in Iowa agriculture.

Cummins moved to Floyd County in 1981 as the new ISU County Extension agent.  Loyalty to the land grant college system and commitment to his farmer clients earned Cummins the reputation as a strong leader for agriculture.  Cummins orchestrated the countywide Floyd County Agricultural Development Authority (FCADA), a coalition of agricultural producers, businesses, and industry leaders to promote economic growth.  The multi-year leadership development program provided the dialogue and laid the groundwork for regional economic advancement.

Early in life, Cummins developed the same beliefs as his role model, Dr. Norman Borlaug.  Using Borlaug's work as inspiration, Cummins had an integral role in the creation of the Borlaug Learning Center located at the ISU Research Farm near Nashua.  Cummins has been recognized for his inherent desire to assist others in improving their lives through agricultural education.  His guidance and mentoring of young people while showing our role in feeding the world has earned the respect and admiration of many in the agricultural community.

Former Hawkeye/NFL Stars On Hand to Celebrate Iowa's Farmers

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - October 21, 2013 - Since teaming up to raise awareness of the food and energy options that today's farmers provide through the America Needs Farmers (ANF) campaign, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the University of Iowa (U of I) Athletics Department have contributed more than $60,000 to the Iowa Food Bank Association through donations and sales of ANF merchandise. The third annual ANF Game Day will be celebrated at Kinnick Stadium October 26 against Northwestern.

During ANF Game Day, the U of I will enshrine former Hawkeye and Detroit Lions player, Jared DeVries, on the Wall of Honor in the ANF Plaza.  The ANF Plaza, located on the northwest side of Kinnick Stadium, will feature DeVries as its second inductee into the ANF Wall of Honor, joining former Hawkeye and Kansas City Chiefs player, Casey Wiegmann. "Jared is a great role model for other student athletes with a tremendous work ethic and a reputation for always striving to be his best," said Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz.  The ANF Wall of Honor recognizes former U of I student football athletes who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer, qualities that have helped Iowa remain the leading agriculture state in the nation.

A key feature of the IFBF's Legends Tent at Krause Family Plaza will be an autograph session featuring former Hawkeye/NFL players including: Aaron Kampman, Robert Gallery, Brad Banks, and Jared DeVries.  Former Hawkeye and current Minnesota Vikings player Chad Greenway also joined the ANF team this year, but his NFL schedule won't allow him to join his former Hawkeye teammates on ANF Game Day.  "The importance of farmers is never going to go away.  The foundation of human nature is farming: being able to produce something from the land, being able to feed your family, feed your community, and feed the world," said Greenway.  "It's the backbone of America.  It's what we're all about.  It's the fabric of our being."

Iowa Hawkeyes fans and Iowa farmers agree that having NFL and Hawkeyes legends join the ANF team is a game-changer when it comes to sharing agriculture's message.  "We are honored to have these former Hawkeye greats support our cause," said Craig Hill, president of the IFBF.  "We understand that consumers today are interested in knowing more about their food and how it's grown or raised.  The ANF initiative is an opportunity to reach new audiences about today's farming and these players help us achieve that.  There may be fewer of us than when Coach Fry launched ANF during the 1985 Farm Crisis, but we are also more diverse and face new challenges meeting consumer demands."

In partnership with U of I Athletics and Hy-Vee, IFBF has organized the ANF Great Grocery Giveaway which invites Iowans to meet today's farmers through video tours of their farms, and register for a chance to win $5,000 in free groceries.  "There's a great story to tell and we invite you to visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org to learn more about your food and energy and the farm families who produce it, while having the opportunity to win free groceries for a year," said Hill.

In addition to the autograph session, the IFBF Legends Tent will also feature games like Tailgate Toss and Hi-Striker where visitors can interact with Iowa farmers and earn a chance to win ANF prizes, or participate in a drawing for autographed ANF items.  The tent will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the autograph session running from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

On ANF Game Day, ANF 'Farm Strong' merchandise will be available at Herky's Locker Room locations around the stadium. A portion of proceeds from the sale of ANF 'Farm Strong' merchandise goes to support the Iowa Food Banks.

ANF was first launched in 1985 during the height of the Farm Crisis by legendary Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry, who wanted to show an increasingly urban nation why agriculture matters.  For more information about the Iowa Farm Bureau/U of I ANF partnership, click on www.americaneedsfarmers.org. To learn more about the growing number of Iowans in need and how you can connect with your local food pantries, click on http://iowafba.org/.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 13, 2013- Justin Palmer of Winterset was crowned the 2013 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest winner.  Palmer beat out 51 other grillers, representing counties from around the state, to win the 50^th annual competition.  The annual Iowa Farm Bureau-sponsored contest featured outdoor chefs using their best grilling, roasting and smoking techniques.  "Every year, we are amazed at the competitiveness and creativity of Iowa's grillers. Each recipe has been tested and tasted and each one brings out the different qualities and traits of each type of meat," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill.  "Iowa's livestock producers are so proud to raise healthy livestock that provide important sources of protein and inspiration for cooks like the ones at our annual contest."

Cookout Contest champion, Palmer, won first place in the beef category before being selected by the judges as the overall winner.  He received $200, a crown and a permanent trophy as the 2013 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest Champion.

Other first place winners and their categories were: Helen Schubert of Clarion, lamb; Luke Spencer of Logan, pork; Ashley Hanson of Kamrar, poultry; Sara Cronk of Toledo, turkey; and Gene Petersen of Vinton, combo/speciality.  All winners received $75.

Second place winners and their categories were: Andy Grein of Wesley, beef; Bruce Campbell of Marshalltown, lamb; Andy Wilson of Salem, pork; Tracy Christeson of Exira, poultry; Nate Miller of Davenport, turkey; and Mary Weisinger of Ft. Madison, combo/specialty.  All second place winners received $50.

Winners in special categories were youth first place - Trenton McDonald of Hamilton and youth second place - Andrea Greve of Harlan; showmanship - Bruce Campbell of Marshalltown; and team - John Sellman of Alburnett, Chad Meyer of Cedar Rapids and Scott Bahmann of Vinton.  The youth winner received a gas grill and $75 and second place received $50 as prizes from the Iowa Propane Association.  The showmanship winner received $100.  The team winners received $150.

Prize sponsors for the Cookout Contest include : the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau Financial Services, GROWMARK, Inc., Iowa Propane Gas Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Turkey Federation and the Iowa Poultry Association, and the Iowa Sheep and Wool Promotion Board.

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