WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (October 21, 2025) — The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) will host its 107th Annual Meeting on December 9-10 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.
On December 9, attendees will hear from expert speakers, including Brenda Clark-Hamilton, a workplace trainer specializing in fresh perspectives for leadership, communication, and team building. Alan Feirer, founder and CEO of Group Dynamic, will guide attendees through practical approaches to strategic planning, goal-setting, and development. Amanda Van Steenwyk, IFBF business development manager, and Erin Herbold-Swalwell, IFBF and FBFS senior counsel, will lead a session on an important farm legacy decision — succession planning — and the legal, financial, and relational aspects of transitioning a farm.
A celebration luncheon will feature graduates of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute, a year-long program focused on building skills and knowledge in agriculture and communication. County Farm Bureaus and members will be celebrated for their outstanding service to agricultural issues, their communities, and their efforts in recruiting new members.
In the afternoon, young farmers, ages 18-35, are encouraged to participate in the Discussion Meet, a cooperative-style dialogue on agricultural issues. The winner, who will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Convention in January, will be announced at the Young Farmer evening reception. Three young farmers will be presented with the Young Farmer Leadership Award for their involvement with their local Farm Bureau, community service and commitment to their family farms.
“Iowa Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting not only provides an opportunity for members to network, socialize, and gain insightful information for their farms, it’s also a great time to celebrate our achievements and recognize our member leaders. We’ll recognize our county Farm Bureaus, Ag Leaders graduates, and several other young farmer award winners as we celebrate the grassroots and members that make our organization special,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.
On the morning of December 10, Farm Bureau agencies, community partners, and Distinguished Service to Agriculture award recipients will be acknowledged. President Johnson will deliver remarks and attendees will hear from legendary former coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program, Lisa Bluder.
Over an extraordinary 24-year career, Coach Bluder retired as the all-time winningest coach in Big Ten history and redefined what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Her legacy includes 22 post-season appearances, five Big Ten Tournament championships, and back-to-back National Championship appearances in her final seasons.
“We are honored to host legendary women’s basketball coach, Lisa Bluder as this year’s keynote speaker,” says Johnson.
“After an award-winning career, it’s clear Coach Bluder knows all about leading with purpose and passion and will share her powerful story about building a culture of excellence and resilience, a message that’s sure to resonate with our members.”
The event will close with a final educational session, “Enough is Enough: Turning Plans into Progress,” led by Ron Rabou, President and CEO of Rabou Farms.
For the full agenda and registration details, visit iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.
About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating more than 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families, and their communities. For more information, visit iowafarmbureau.com.
