O'Brien County Farm Bureau honored for excellence

The O'Brien County Farm Bureau has been designated a 2021 Outstanding County Farm Bureau by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). Brett Peelen, county president, accepted the award at the 103rd annual meeting held in Des Moines.

The award is given to Farm Bureaus that participate in year-round activities that share the story of today's agriculture, communicate to elected officials the importance of rural issues and support local communities in times of need.

"We understand farming is about more than what we do on the land, it's about being involved," Peelen said. "And we're proud that what we do out here in our counties contributes to the Iowa Farm Bureau's larger mission of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and our communities."

Also during the annual meeting, Brent Johnson, of Calhoun County, was elected the 14th president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, succeeding Craig Hill following his retirement after 40 years of Farm Bureau leadership, serving as IFBF president for the past 10 years. Johnson previously served as IFBF District 4 director.

Matt Schuiteman, of Sioux County, was re-elected as IFBF district director representing District 3, which is comprised of 12 counties in northwest Iowa. Schuiteman was first elected to the board in 2018.