Rising beyond the ordinary to become national leaders in conservation practices and agriculture production makes Iowa farmers exceptional in their field. Their dedication to improving soil health, reducing erosion and farming sustainably while improving water quality has been a priority for decades, earning Iowa the top national rankings in seven conservation practices. Additionally, Iowa farmers lead the nation in producing ethanol, biodiesel, eggs, corn and pigs – all while making animal care a top priority. From protecting soil and water quality to producing safe, nutritious food for the world, Iowa farmers exemplify what it means to be a cut above the rest. 

Be sure to stop by Farm Bureau Park at the Iowa State Fair for a chance to meet real Iowa farmers who are making a real difference and pick up your free member gift. Members who visit the fair are eligible to win a grand prize of $2,500 in free groceries plus $2,500 in free fuel. Bring your membership card or this publication’s address label with bar code for quick and easy registration. 

You also have a chance to win $500 in free groceries when you take the Member Benefit Challenge. Know a friend or family member interested in joining Iowa Farm Bureau? Have them sign up in Farm Bureau Park for their chance to win $500 in free groceries plus $500 in free fuel. There is no better time to join!

Every Farm Bureau Park visitor can enjoy meeting Iowa farmers and testing their ag IQ for a chance to win fun prizes in our game tent. On Saturday, Aug. 10, Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmers will provide special kid-focused activities and prizes, as well as share their experiences and goals in farming, animal care and conservation, with all the young (and young-at-heart) visitors. 

The Farm Bureau Cookout Contest will kick off Farm Bureau Day at the fair on Tuesday, Aug. 13 on the Grand Concourse. Backyard chefs will be competing in one of six categories, with only one grand champion to be crowned that morning. 

You won’t want to miss the Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) tent for a fun activity and a chance to win prizes. Watch the FBFS Facebook page for further details. Also, to drive home the importance of seat belt use, FBFS has teamed up with the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to offer the Seat Belt Convincer experience at Farm Bureau Park. The Seat Belt Convincer simulates a 5 to 10 mph crash, and participants quickly realize how beneficial the use of seat belts can be, even at low speeds. 

Be sure to visit the health tent in Farm Bureau Park, too. Most days will feature demonstrations of the new hands-only CPR method, a valuable skill to learn that could save a life. Other health screenings planned are glaucoma, hearing, balance and blood pressure. Check iowafarmbureau.com for the daily schedule of health partners and screenings. 

Information on membership and member benefit partners, including Ford, John Deere, Case IH, Caterpillar and Morton Buildings, will be available. Make sure a stop at Farm Bureau Park is on your must-do list for the Iowa State Fair this summer.