IOWA

 STATE  UNIVERSITY  
Greenlee  School  of  Journalism  and  Mass  Communication  
 

Iowa Foundation for

Agricultural Advancement

Public Relations Plan

Kennedy Core
April 20, 2017
Part 1: Situation Analysis

Every year thousands of kids face the challenge of how they are going to find the money

to pay for their college education. Each year tuition seems to get higher and it continues to get

harder for families to be able to send their children to school. According to the National Center

for Educational Statistics, “For the 2013–14 academic year, annual current dollar prices for

undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board were estimated to be $15,640 at public institutions,

$40,614 at private nonprofit institutions, and $23,135 at private for-profit institutions. Between

2003–04 and 2013–14, prices for undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board at public

institutions rose 34 percent, and prices at private nonprofit institutions rose 25 percent, after

adjustment for inflation.” Students have many opportunities to apply for monetary awards,

scholarships and financial aid but unfortunately, it seems that many companies, businesses,

colleges, and organizations are struggling to continue to provide these scholarships year after

year to help out these students.

The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is a non-profit organization that was

formed in the late 1980s by a group of individuals that were passionate about the agricultural in

Iowa and most importantly the youth. As stated on the IFAA Facebook page, “The IFAA is

dedicated to the agriculture industry and encouraging 4-H and FFA livestock, poultry and

agriculture project members to pursue ag-related careers. Their primary role is to provide

scholarships and other financial awards to college-bound youth with ag interests.” The IFAA is

composed of the board of directors and members that work to receive support from individuals

as well as larger companies throughout the state of Iowa. The IFAA works very closely with the

Iowa 4-H and FFA programs in Iowa to find students that excel within our agricultural industry.

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Every year, the IFAA works towards supporting these kids during the state fair through livestock

shows, sale of champions, and the winners circle scholarship and awards program. Increasing

their online presence through different social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter is

going to be critical for the IFAA to increase the awareness of their organization. If the IFAA

does not take advantage of these tools they will have the chance of missing out on the

opportunities to further build their organization.

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Part 2: Strategy
Target audience

•   Primary audience: Families, businesses, and organizations

•   Secondary audience: Students attending a college in the state of Iowa

Behavioral Goals

•   Increase the number of scholarships we can offer

•   Increase the number of applicants that apply for our awards

•   Continue to find those scholarships that will benefit students the most

Measurable Objectives

•   Increase the number of scholarships from 130 to 135 for 2018

•   Get more donors to attend scholarship luncheon at the 2017 Iowa State Fair

•   Increase the number of applicants from 200 to 225 in 2017

Key Messages

Primary audience

•   You have the opportunity to help a student that is passionate about ag attend a

college that may not get the opportunity without financial aid.

•   Tuition at colleges like Iowa State University are continuing to rise each year

and many students today are having to fund college by themselves.

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 •   Attending annual scholarships luncheon at the Iowa State Fair can be a

great marketing and advertising tool for you.

Secondary audience

•   It is worth your time to fill out the scholarships application. The IFAA

gave out over 130 scholarships last year.

•   Tuition for schools like Iowa State University is rising each year and your

opportunities to find financial aid is decreasing.

•   The annual IFAA scholarships luncheon is a great networking opportunity

for you to meet industry leaders.

Overall approach and rationale

The IFAA strives to offer as many scholarships and awards as possible to those students

who have excelled in the agricultural industry and that are interested in attending college in the

state of Iowa. The IFAA works closely with donors to continue to increase these opportunities

for students. To be successful the IFAA needs to use social media tools like Facebook and

Twitter to spread the word. Word of mouth will also be key in connecting with our donors. This

will be done by increasing visibility at ag related events such as Iowa Beef Expo and World Pork

Expo.

Increasing the awareness of the program will help the IFAA be able to raise more money

to supply more scholarships and awards for the students The IFAA will work to build positive

relationships with our primary and secondary audiences that will help build the positive

reputation of our organization.

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Part 3: Implementation Plan

Public Relation Tactics

•   Media Kit – (Appendix A) The media kit is a communication tool that will help

audiences understand the history, mission, and facts about the IFAA. These will help

expand the knowledge of our organization to audiences. The media kit will include a

cover letter, fact sheet, news release, backgrounder on the IFAA, and photos from events.

•   Newsletter- (Appendix B) The newsletter will be used to give IFAA audiences monthly

updates about our organization. This will include dates, times, and locations for

upcoming events, important announcements, and photos from recent events.

•   Event Planning Checklist- (Appendix C) The event planning checklist will be used to

lay out the schedule and task for the 2017 Annual Scholarship Luncheon. This will be

helpful for board members and volunteers to be aware of their duties and what will need

to be done and when.

•   Blog- (Appendix D) This blog will include a feature story over a student who has

benefited greatly from the scholarships and awards the IFAA has been able to award her.

This will give our audience an idea on how our organization can make a difference in the

student’s education.

•   Presentation- (Appendix E) This PowerPoint presentation and speech will be done by

IFAA President Paul Flint. This will be presented to a group of perspective donors. This

will cover organization history, facts, and how the perspective donors could play a roll in

our organization.

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 •   Videos- (Appendix F) B-roll for the IFAA will be used to look at the different ways

IFAA will be utilizing videography to share our story. There will three videos that will be

highlighting students who have benefited from our organization, livestock exhibitors, and

highlights of the IFAA at the Iowa State Fair.

•   Media List- (Appendix G) The media list will include key media outlets that the IFAA

will use to share our information. This list will include television, print, radio, and

website media outlets. It will also have contact information for each outlet.

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Implementation Schedule

TACTIC AUDIENCE TARGET PERSON(S) BUDGET

DATE RESPONSIBLE

Newsletter Current and Monthly Kennedy core No additional cost

future students starting in

and sponsors of January 2018

the IFAA

Media List Media outlets 01/1/18 Kennedy Core No additional cost

throughout Iowa

Presentation Donors 02/1/18 Kennedy Core No additional cost

Media Kit Media programs 02/15/18 Kennedy Core No additional cost

throughout state

of Iowa

Blog Students 03/1/18 Kennedy Core No additional cost

interested in

IFAA

Videos Friends and 07/1/18- Kennedy Core No additional cost

followers on 07/31/18

Facebook and

twitter.

Event Planning IFAA members 08/1/18 Kennedy Core No additional Cost

Checklist and volunteers

for ISF

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Part 4: Evaluation

Measurable Objective 1: Increase the number of scholarships from 130-135 for 2018.

Evaluation Method: This will be evaluated by looking at the total amount of scholarships the

IFAA awarded in 2017 then again one year later.

Measurable Objective 2: Get more donors to attend scholarship luncheon at the 2017 Iowa

State Fair.

Evaluation Method: This will be evaluated by looking at the amount of donors that were

recorded in attendance in 2016 then look at what our donor attendance is after our annual

luncheon this year at the state fair.

Measurable Objective 3: Increase the number of applications from 200 to 225 in 2017.

Evaluation Method: This will be evaluated by looking at the number of applications we receive

after our last applications are due in May.

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Appendix A: Media Kit

•   Cover Letter

•   Backgrounder

•   Fact Sheet

•   News release

•   Photos from IFAA events

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A1: Cover Letter

Kennedy Core

PR 305

Feb. 21, 2016

Dear media members,

According to trends.collegeboard.org, “Between 2011-12 and 2016-17, tuition and fee

prices rose by nine percent in the public four-year sector and 11 percent at public two-year

colleges. Up to 40 percent of low-income students who are accepted to college in the spring

never make it to the first day of class in the fall because of factors relating to the burden of

paying for their tuition.”

The Iowa Foundation for Agriculture Advancement is a non-profit organization that

focuses on providing scholarships and awards to students who excel in the agriculture industry

and will be attending a two or four-year college in the state of Iowa.

To continue to help students, the IFAA is constantly seeking individuals, businesses, and

organizations that are willing to support students. Support from these donors comes in the form

of awards, scholarships, and support at the annual Sale of Champions.

Items included in the media kit include the following: newsletter, fact sheet, a

backgrounder, and photos.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the IFAA, feel free to

contact our administrative secretary, Sue Wulf via email (sue@iffa.org) or by phone at 515-817-

3515.

Sincerely,
Kennedy Core

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A2: Backgrounder

IFAA

30805 595th Ave

Cambridge, Iowa

Phone: 515-219-3941

Linda@sweldon.net

BACKGROUNDER

The IFAA was founded in 1988 by a group of agricultural enthusiasts that were

passionate about finding ways to support students who were interested in agriculture. In 1990,

the IFAA launched their scholarship program in the state of Iowa, The Winners Circle

Scholarship and Awards Program. The IFAA is heavily focused on supporting programs such as

the FFA and 4-H throughout the state.

The IFAA is made up of board members from the state of Iowa. These board members

work throughout the year to receive support for the kids. Board members seek out sponsorships

from individuals, businesses, and organizations that are looking to give towards the scholarships

and awards. Since the foundation started back in 1988, it has raised over $7.4 million in

scholarships and awards.

Finding individuals who are willing to support the youth is an extremely important task

of the IFAA. Board members work very closely with industry leaders and businesses to build a

positive relationship. The IFAA depends on those people that believe in the future of our youth.

Some businesses that support the IFAA are those businesses like Faraway, Hy-Vee, and Iowa

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Select Farms. There are many others who show continuous support the the foundation. It is

important for the foundation to continue to connect with their supporters. The IFAA’s yearly

goal is to increase the dollars that are given to the youth each year. As the IFAA continues to

grow, the foundation will continue to increase support for the students.

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A3: Fact Sheet

IFAA

30805 595th Ave

Cambridge, Iowa

Phone: 515-219-3941

Linda@sweldon.net

Iowa Foundation for Agriculture Advancement

FACT SHEET

•   The IFAA was founded in 1988 by a group of agricultural enthusiasts from across

the state of Iowa.

•   In 1990, the IFAA launched their scholarship program, The Winners Circle

Scholarship Program, that is focused on helping students who are interested in

agriculture who are attending or going to be attending a college in the state of

Iowa.

•   The IFAA is comprised of members within the agricultural industry and receives

support from individuals, companies, and organizations.

•   The IFAA works hard to support students who are passionate about agriculture

through awards and scholarships.

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 •   In 2016, the IFAA gave away over 130 scholarships adding up to over $212, 250.

Also, IFAA awarded students over $31,150 in performance and carcass awards.

•   Each year at the Iowa State Fair they sell 16 animals including cattle, pigs, sheep,

goats, and poultry through their Sale of Champions.

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A4: News release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact Information:
February 23, 2017 Kennedy Core, Communications Director
FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE kjcore@iastate.edu

IFAA Advancement Holds Annual Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program Luncheon

DES MOINES, IOWA – The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a nonprofit

organization is dedicated to helping students that are passionate about agricultural attend college

in the state of Iowa. Once again, the IFAA will be hosting the annual Winner’s Circle

Scholarship Program Luncheon and Sale of Champions at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, Aug.

19th, 2017.

The luncheon will be held at the Farm Bureau park on the Iowa State Fair grounds next to

the livestock pavilion. The luncheon will start at noon beginning with a reception and meal.

Donors will have a chance to sit down and meet the students who have received the scholarship

or award in which they have sponsored. This is great networking opportunity for students to meet

industry professionals and also a great way for professionals to market their business or

organization. After lunch, Secretary of Agriculture in the state of Iowa, Bill Northey, will

address the attendees.

After the luncheon students and donors are invited over to the Iowa State Fair Cattle

Barn’s Penningroth Media Center for the annual Sale of Champions that will begin at 2 p.m.

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Scholarship recipients will be recognized for their achievements with donors presenting the

awards. After the scholarships and awards have been presented, the 16 animals that qualified for

the Sale of Champions will be sold.

Paul Flint, president of the Iowa Foundation for Agriculture Advancement, said “The

donors that contribute to the Foundation are key to helping our youth gain resources they need

to continue their education. The picnic gives donors the opportunity to meet with the winners of

their scholarship and establish a relationship, plus allows the students to thank the donor for their

support. "

The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is a non-profit organization that was

founded in 1988 by a group of agricultural enthusiasts that were passionate about helping

students attend a two or four-year college in the state of Iowa. The IFAA’s two key events

include the annual Sale of Champions at the Iowa State Fair and the Winner’s Circle Scholarship

Program. Support for the IFAA comes from individuals, businesses, and organizations and over

100 kids annually will benefit from these sponsors.

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A5: Photos from IFAA Events

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Appendix B: Newsletter

January Newsletter

Iowa Foundation for

Upcoming Events
Agricultural April 1

Advancement
Undergraduate scholarship
applications are due!

May 1
30805 595th Ave 515-817-3515
Cambridge, Iowa admin@ifaa.org Incoming freshman
applications are due!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IowaFoundationForAgriculturalAdvancement/ May 20

Twitter: @IAWinnersCircle IFAA May board meeting will

be held at Iowa State Fair
Administrative Building.
Dear agricultural enthusiasts,

It has been an exciting month for the Iowa Foundation for

Agricultural Achievement. In this past few weeks, the Important Announcement
scholarship applications were published and made available to
If you would be interested in
students. We are happy to announce that we will be offering
volunteering with the IFAA
more incoming freshman as well as undergrad scholarships
during the State Fair, please
than we ever have! Scholarship applications are due back to feel free to contact Sue. We
the IFAA on April 1 for undergrad students and May 1 for are always looking for
incoming freshman. Scholarship list and applications can be volunteers to assist at the
found at scholarship luncheon as well
https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/competition/sale-of- as the Sale of Champions.
champions/scholarships/

If you have any questions, please contact Sue Wulf. Contact

information is available above.

In February the IFAA elected their 2018 Executive Board: left to

right, Paul Flint, President; Tim Messenger, Vice President; Isaiah
Speth, Secretary; Steve Weldon, Treasurer. We want to thank
these four in advance for the hours of work they will dedicate to
our organization over the next year.

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Appendix C: Event Planning Checklist

Name  of  Event:  Annual  Winner’s  Circle  Scholarship  Luncheon  

Date:  August  19,  2017  

Time:  12  p.m.  

Location:    Farm  Bureau  Shelter    

Pre-­‐  Planning:  

  Objectives:  The  purpose  of  this  luncheon  is  to  give  recognition  to  the  scholarship  and  

award  recipients.  We  will  have  donors  and  recipients  in  attendance  so  this  will  give  each  party  

the  chance  to  get  to  know  each  other  and  network  with  each  other.  Iowa  Secretary  of  Ag  Bill  

Northey  will  also  speak  to  the  audience  about  our  agricultural  in  the  state  of  Iowa.  After  lunch,  

receipts  and  donors  will  have  their  picture  taken  together.    

  Audience:  The  audience  for  this  event  will  be  students  who  have  received  the  

scholarships  but  also  the  donors.  We  will  have  guest  speaker,  Iowa  Secretary  of  Agricultural  Bill  

Northey  come  and  address  the  audience.    

  Cost:  Cost  for  this  luncheon  will  include  table  cloths,  center  pieces,  meal,  name  tag  

supplies,  program  printing  fees,  signs  to  hang  around  the  shelter,  drinks,  and  printing  for  

awards  certificates.    

  Dates:  August  19,  2017  

  Location:  Farm  Bureau  Shelter  at  Iowa  State  Fair  grounds  

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Programs:  

  Topics:  The  main  topic  for  the  event  will  be  giving  recognition  to  the  scholarship  

recipients  and  also  the  donors.    

  Speakers:  Speaker  for  the  luncheon  will  be  Iowa  Secretary  of  Ag  Bill  Northey  

  Equipment:  The  equipment  for  the  event  will  include  podium  for  speaker,  tables  to  

serve  lunch,  and  easels  to  hang  various  signs.    

  Hand-­‐outs:  The  IFAA  will  put  together  a  program  for  the  event.  This  will  include  a  

schedule  and  a  write  up  about  each  award  recipient.  Donors  and  students  will  also  receive  a  

name  tag  with  their  name  and  the  award  they  received  or  donated  to.    

Facilities:  

  Number  of  people  expected:  The  IFAA  expects  over  250  people  to  be  in  attendance.  In  

2016,  our  official  number  was  265.  Attendees  include  award  recipients  and  family’s  as  well  as  

donors  and  their  families.  During  June,  recipients  will  be  contacted  that  they  have  received  and  

award  and  they  are  expected  to  RSVP  to  the  event  so  we  will  have  a  more  accurate  number  to  

expect.    

  Room  design  and  seating:  Fortunately,  the  Farm  Bureau  Shelter  is  already  set  up  with  

tables  and  benches  so  seating  and  room  design  are  already  done  for  us.  Extra  tables  and  chairs  

will  be  set  up  in  surrounding  grass  areas  so  we  make  sure  we  have  room  for  everybody.    

  Tables  for  materials:  Like  I  previously  stated  tables  for  seating  will  already  be  placed  but  

we  will  need  5-­‐7  tables  for  various  signs,  papers,  programs,  and  name  tags.    

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   Parking:  Attendees  will  be  expected  to  find  their  own  parking.  Because  the  will  not  be  

able  to  park  on  the  fairgrounds  they  will  have  to  rely  on  surrounding  streets  or  parking  lots  to  

find  parking  outside  the  fair  grounds.  This  will  not  be  provided  by  the  IFAA.    

  Directional  Signs:  We  will  have  signs  around  Farm  Bureau  Shelter  that  will  help  people  

be  able  to  find  their  way.  We  will  also  have  various  signs  around  the  livestock  barns  at  the  state  

fair  grounds  that  will  give  information  and  direct  people  the  right  way.    

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Appendix D: Blog

Blog  Title:  As  IFFA  Scholarship  Deadline  Approaches,  Hear  From  Three-­‐Time  Recipient,  Allie  

Ferguson  

It  is  almost  that  time  again  for  students  across  Iowa  to  open  their  computers,  fine  tune  

their  resumes  and  start  filling  out  their  scholarship  applications.  Even  though  this  can  be  a  very  

time  consuming  project,  the  benefits  students  can  receive  from  these  scholarships  are  worth  

every  minute  of  filling  out  the  applications.  Every  year  the  Iowa  Foundation  for  Agricultural  

Advancement  is  honored  to  be  able  to  award  over  122  IFAA  Scholarships  totaling  more  than  

$200,000!  The  brightest  and  best  of  Iowa’s  agricultural  youth  fill  out  the  scholarships  annually  

in  hopes  of  getting  to  attend  the  annual  picnic  at  the  Iowa  State  Fair  and  to  be  able  to  walk  

across  those  purple  chips  on  that  Saturday  afternoon  to  get  their  name  announced  as  a  

scholarship  winner.  Winning  an  IFFA  scholarship  goes  way  beyond  a  check  to  put  into  the  bank,  

these  scholarships  are  helping  kids  advance  their  agricultural  education  and  careers  every  year.    

This  week  I  sat  down  and  talked  with  Allie  Ferguson,  a  recent  alumni  of  Iowa  State  

University  and  a  student  who  benefited  greatly  from  the  IFAA.  .  Throughout  her  years  as  a  

student,  Allie  had  the  opportunity  to  receive  three  different  scholarships  through  the  IFAA  

while  attending  Iowa  State  University.  Through  receiving  the  Sinclair  Tractor  Agronomy  

Scholarship,  Iowa  State  Fair  Blue  and  Gold  Gilt  Sale  Scholarship,  and  the  Maschoffs  Pork  

Industry  Scholarship  Allie  was  awarded  over  $6,000  towards  her  education.  When  I  asked  Allie  

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how  the  IFFA  scholarships  benefitted  her  through  her  four  years  at  ISU  she  replied,  “My  goal  

was  to  fund  100%  of  my  education,  the  IFAA  helped  me  do  that.”  She  also  talked  about  how  the  

picnic  was  an  awesome  way  for  kids  to  network  with  those  generous  sponsors  that  were  able  to  

help  her  receive  those  scholarships.    

When  asked  what  one  piece  of  advice  she  would  give  to  those  who  are  filling  out  the  

applications  Allie  stated,  “Take  the  time  to  fill  out  the  application  in  and  honest  and  truthful  

manner.”  I  couldn’t  have  said  it  better!  These  generous  sponsors  are  looking  for  truthful,  

honest,  and  talented  individuals  who  are  ready  to  make  a  difference  in  our  industry.    

Allie  is  currently  working  for  the  DuPont  Pioneer  Emerging  Leader  Program  where  she  is  

a  Production  Agronomist.  Agriculture  was  instilled  deep  in  Allie’s  roots  from  the  beginning.  Allie  

spent  many  years  with  her  dad,  uncles  and  brothers  around  the  farm  learning  the  ins-­‐and-­‐outs  

of  the  industry.  Allie  states  that,  “For  me,  Growing  up  around  and  my  dad,  grandpa,  and  uncles,  

I  found  that  agriculture  was  one  giant  class,  and  I  always  news  I  had  a  passion  for  agriculture  

and  knew  I  wanted  to  make  an  impact.”    

Students  who  are  looking  into  going  into  agriculture  careers  or  lifestyles  are  getting  

ready  to  make  the  smartest  decision  for  their  future.  The  agriculture  industry  the  best  place  to  

be  right  now.  The  opportunities  are  endless  and  you  have  the  opportunity  to  be  successful  as  

you  want/  There  are  many  benefits  to  being  part  of  agricultural  one  of  those  being  the  amount  

of  networking  and  connections  you  can  make  with  professionals  every  day.  When  I  asked  Allie  

what  she  thought  was  the  best  thing  about  agriculture  was  she  replied  with,  “All  along,  we  had  

networking  opportunities  and  there  always  something  to  be  you  mentor.”    

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 Make  sure  to  get  your  applications  filled  out  and  sent  it!  Deadline  for  April  1st  of  

undergraduates  and  May  1st  for  incoming  freshman!  We  are  excited  to  hear  from  you!  

  25  
Appendix E: Presentation by IFAA President

Good  evening,  I  would  like  to  thank  you  all  for  giving  me  the  chance  to  speak  you  today  about  

the  Iowa  Agricultural  Advancement.  Today,  we  hope  that  you  can  get  a  better  understanding  of  

what  we  do  and  how  your  support  can  be  put  to  good  use.    

So  your  question  might  be  so  exactly  who  we  are  and  what  we  do?    

The  IFAA  is  a  non  profit  organization  that  is  comprised  of  agricultural  enthusiasts  who  are  

passionate  about  helping  the  future  of  agriculture  and  have  an  interested  in  pursuing  a  career  

relating  to  agricultural.  Our  mission  is  to  help  financially  support  students  who  are  attending  a  

secondary  education  in  the  state  of  Iowa.  We  are  supported  through  donors  consisting  of  

individuals,  organizations,  and  businesses.  Our  organization  is  comprised  a  board  of  directors  

and  board  members  that  work  year  around  to  find  the  support  needed  to  make  our  

organization  successful.  We  currently  have  35  members  from  across  the  state  who  serve  as  

board  members  for  the  IFAA.    

A  key  part  of  providing  this  support  has  been  through  partnerships  with  FFA  and  Iowa  4-­‐H.  Each  

year,  thousands  of  Iowa  Students  participate  in  4-­‐H  and  FFA  beef,  swine,  poultry  and  other  

agricultural  projects.  IFAA's  role  is  to  provide  scholarships  and  other  financial  awards  to  college-­‐

bound  youth  with  ag  interests.  The  IFAA  organization  would  not  be  possible  without  our  donors  

that  continue  to  support  our  youth  and  our  organization  year  after  year.    

  26  
One  of  our  primary  program  is  the  annual  Sale  of  Champions  that  is  done  in  conjunction  with  

the  Iowa  State  Fair.  Through  the  Sale  of  Champions  sixteen  FFA  and  4-­‐H  members  get  the  

chance  to  sell  their  livestock  projects.  These  include  champion  and  reserve  4-­‐H  and  FFA  market  

hog,  champion  and  reserve  4-­‐H  market  steer  and  market  heifers,  champion  and  reserve  4-­‐H  

and  FFA  market  lamb,  champion  4-­‐H  market  boilers,  and  champion  4-­‐H  and  FFA  meat  goat.  This  

event  is  held  on  the  second  Saturday  of  the  Iowa  State  Fair  at  2  p.m.  in  the  afternoon.  This  is  a  

very  special  afternoon  for  these  exhibitors  as  many  of  them  have  worked  all  summer  for  the  

moments  like  the  ones  they  get  to  experience  in  at  the  sale.    

The  second  program  of  the  IFAA  is  the  Winner’s  Circle  Scholarship  and  Awards  Program.  

Between  2011-­‐12  and  2016-­‐17,  tuition  and  fee  prices  rose  by  nine  percent  in  the  public  four-­‐

year  sector  and  11  percent  at  public  two-­‐year  colleges.  Students  are  being  faced  with  the  

decision  if  they  are  going  to  attend  college  based  on  if  they  have  the  financial  needs  that  can  

cover  the  cost.  With  growing  tuition,  it  is  important  that  we  continue  to  find  donors  like  

yourselves  that  are  willing  to  support  these  students  that  are  passionate  about  continuing  their  

education  in  our  state.    

Over  the  years,  the  IFAA  has  had  continues  support  from  many  donors.  Some  of  our  biggest  

donors  include,  Caseys  General  Stores,  Hy-­‐Vee,  Fareway,  The  Machine  Shed  Restaurant,  Swine  

Genetics  International,  Iowa  Select  Farms,  and  Summit  Farms.    

  27  
Because  the  IFAA  is  focused  on  awarding  students  who  will  be  continuing  their  education  within  

the  state  of  Iowa  scholarships  and  awards  follow  strict  criteria.  Three  requirement  must  be  

met.  They  must  be  a  incoming  freshman  or  undergrad  that  is  attending  a  school  in  the  state  of  

Iowa,  incoming  freshman  must  be  a  resident  of  the  state  of  Iowa,  and  students  must  plan  to  

study  a  major  directly  related  to  agriculture.      

The  IFAA  has  focused  on  2018  goals  that  are  going  to  be  the  area  of  focus  for  2018.  The  first  

goal  is  to  increase  the  amount  of  scholarships  and  awarded  handed  out.  In  2017,  we  have  130  

scholarships  and  awards  that  will  be  awarded  to  students.  Our  goal  for  2018  is  to  increase  that  

number  to  135.  We  have  over  200  applicants  for  our  awards  so  this  would  give  us  a  chance  to  

award  more  of  the  deserving  students.    

The  second  goal  of  the  IFAA  is  to  increase  the  amount  of  dollars  that  we  are  able  to  award.  In  

2017,  we  will  be  awarding  $243,00  to  deserving  students.  For  2018,  we  hope  to  increase  that  

amount  to  $240,000.  This  can  be  and  will  hopefully  done  in  two  different  ways.  This  can  be  

done  by  increasing  the  amount  of  scholarships  awarded  but  also  increasing  the  amount  that  the  

scholarships  are  for.  We  believe  that  by  achieving  these  two  goals  we  will  be  able  to  continue  to  

hold  a  high  reputation  for  our  organization.    

  28  
How  can  Trans  Ova  genetics  play  a  roll  in  making  these  dreams  come  true  for  kids?  Whether  it  

be  $5  or  $5,000  Trans  Ova  has  the  opportunity  to  invest  in  the  future  of  agriculture.  These  

students  are  the  future  of  our  industry  and  Trans  Ova  can  play  a  role  in  helping  them  achieve  

their  dreams,  just  like  the  other  students  have  done  in  these  pictures.  We  (The  IFAA)  ask  that  

you  would  consider  finding  your  role  in  how  you  can  support  our  organization  in  helping  out  

future  students.    

We  would  now  like  to  entertain  any  questions  you  may  have  regarding  our  organization.    

  29  
Appendix F: Videos

1)   My  first  element  of  my  B  roll  package  would  be  a  video  story  over  an  alumni  of  Iowa  

State  that  benefitted  greatly  from  the  Iowa  Foundation  for  Agricultural  Achievement.  

When  interviewing  for  the  internship  position  through  the  IFAA  I  had  to  write  an  essay  

on  agricultural  in  general.  I  chose  to  interview,  Allie  Ferguson,  who  had  received  five  

different  scholarships  through  her  college  career  from  the  IFAA.  I  ended  up  using  it  as  a  

blog  post  idea  for  my  essay.  I  think  a  video  interview  and  story  about  how  this  really  

benefitted  Allie  would  be  a  great  element  of  my  B  roll.  This  would  give  students  a  first  

hand  looks  at  how  it  can  really  make  a  difference  at  paying  for  your  education  if  you  

take  the  time  to  fill  out  the  scholarship  application  annually.    

2)   Another  video  that  I  would  want  to  be  part  of  my  b  roll  is  a  story  of  a  past  livestock  

exhibitor  that  have  gotten  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  Sale  of  Champions.  For  

many  livestock  exhibitors  the  Sale  of  Champions  at  the  Iowa  State  Fair  is  something  that  

they  work  all  summer  for.  Kids  are  up  before  the  sun  comes  up  in  the  morning  and  not  

done  till  the  sun  goes  down.  This  video  would  be  partially  done  at  the  exhibitor’s  home  

farm  or  show  barn  and  then  at  the  state  fair.  It  would  be  cool  to  show  the  exhibitors  

daily  routine  and  what  the  work  they  put  in  every  single  day  to  help  make  their  dreams  

come  true.  After  that  part  of  the  video  is  complete  we  would  then  go  into  sharing  their  

story  of  the  year  that  they  won  at  the  state  fair  and  got  to  be  put  into  the  sale  of  

champions.    This  would  include  more  than  just  the  exhibitor.  This  could  include  family  

  30  
 members,  friends,  or  other  people  that  were  influential  in  helping  them  be  successful!  

This  would  be  the  most  emotional  element  of  the  b  roll  package.    

3)   The  next  part  of  my  b  roll  package  I  think  would  be  useful  is  to  have  someone  video  

every  element  of  the  event  that  the  IFAA  puts  on  during  the  Iowa  State  Fair.  There  are  

many  people  who  think  the  IFAA  only  does  the  luncheon  and  Sale  of  Champions  when  

board  members  are  busy  all  10  days  doing  various  activities.  My  capturing  all  these  

events  and  putting  it  into  a  video  you  would  be  able  to  really  show  the  true  purpose  of  

the  Iowa  Foundation  for  Agricultural  Advancement.  Other  events  that  could  be  captured  

besides  luncheon  and  the  sale  are  IFAA  members  interacting  with  exhibitors  after  they  

have  won  their  livestock  shows,  board  members  selling  raffle  tickets  and  networking  

with  others,  and  the  buyers  reception  that  the  IFAA  holds  after  the  Sale  of  Champions  

every  year.    

  31  
 Appendix G: Media List

IFAA

30805 595th Ave

Cambridge, Iowa

Phone: 515-219-3941

Linda@sweldon.net

Organization Name Title Address Phone Email

Print

CALS Amanda Editor 206 Curtiss 563-920-3096 calsconnections@gmail.com

Connections Crow Ames, Iowa

50011

FFA New Julie Head 725 Cool (800) 333- jwoodard@ffa.org

Horizons Woodard Magazine Springs

8842
Editor Blvd., Suite

400

Franklin,

TN 37067

Television

  32  
IPTV Justin Director of 6450 515-725-9700 justin.beaupre@iptv.org

Beaupré Programming Corporate

and Drive

Production P.O. Box

6450

Johnston, IA

50131

Radio

Nash FM 97.3 Bob Advertising 4143 109th 515- 331- bob.jenkins@cumulus.com

Jenkins Director St. 9200

Urbandale,

IA, 50322

Website

CALS Iowa State Andy Scholarship 138 Curtiss (515) 294- cals@iastate.edu

Scholarship Zehr Director Hall, Ames, 2518

Website IA 50011

Iowa State Fair Not Not Provided East 30th 515-262-3111 info@iowastatefair.org

Provided Street and

East

University

Avenue,

  33  
 Des Moines,

IA

  34  
Appendix H: Opinion Editorial

1)   In 2016, President Leath proposed implementing a program that would increase tuition

for upperclassmen. This would mean that junior’s and senior’s tuition would be more

than a freshman or sophomore student. Leath’s reasoning behind this plan was that once

you get older you will have more specialized coursework with smaller class size and

more one-on-one instruction with professors. This affects my organization because if I

this were to happen juniors and seniors would have to be paying for money for school

and therefore looking for more financial aid.

2)   My primary audience would be the students attending Iowa State University. Even if they

aren’t a junior or senior now they will have to worry about this issue when they are that

age.

3)   The best person to write my guest editorial would be Harrold Hodson. He is the head of

the scholarship committee for the IFAA. He would be the most knowledgeable person

about our scholarship program.

4)   1- If this plan gets implemented juniors and seniors will have an increase in tuition at

Iowa State University. “The president of Iowa State University has proposed

implementing a two-tier tuition structure at the Ames-based school — eventually

charging more in tuition for juniors and seniors than for freshmen and sophomores.”

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2016/09/16/iowa-state-

proposing-tuition-changes-new-fundraising-campaign/90431818/

2- With an increase in tuition it will be essential for some students to increase their

amount of financial aid. The IFAA is great place for students to apply for scholarships.

  35  
 90% of the IFAA scholarships go to kids attending or going to be attending Iowa State

University. http://www.iowastatefair.org/upl/downloads/library/ifaa-scholarship-results-

bios.pdf

3-Even if this plan doesn’t get implemented tuition has been slowly rising at Iowa State

University. You will have to expect tuition to keep rising at state funding slowly gets

lower. http://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2017/01/12/budget

  36