AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has been named the 2005 National Epsilon Sigma Phi “Friend of Extension.” The award will be presented at the national Epsilon Sigma Phi conference Nov. 12 in Colorado Springs. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation was nominated for the award by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension members of the Iowa Alpha Mu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.

“We are pleased that Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is receiving this national honor,” said Michael Ouart, associate vice provost for ISU Extension. “Farm Bureau has been a friend of Extension in Iowa for nearly 100 years. Iowa communities, farmers, business, families and youth have benefited from the dedication and support of Farm Bureau members.”

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Lang will receive the award on behalf of Farm Bureau.

“The Iowa Farm Bureau is honored to receive this award,” Lang said. “Farm Bureau believes that agriculture is a vital part of Iowa’s communities and new economic opportunities yet to be born. That’s why we support our communities and youth through organizations such as ISU Extension to help keep agricultural options available to Iowans.”

Farm Bureau has provided financial support to statewide ISU Extension educational programs and to 4-H volunteer leader recognition, Ouart said. The organization has offered challenge grants to 4-H club community service projects.

Farm Bureau provided the initial loan to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to purchase the land that now serves as the Iowa 4-H Center and also contributed a $1 million leadership gift to the Extension 4-H Youth Building on the ISU campus, Ouart continued. In addition, Farm Bureau staff and board members serve on numerous boards and committees in conjunction with 4-H and other ISU Extension programs.

Gene Mohling, ISU Extension education director for Johnson and Washington counties, is ISU Extension’s Epsilon Sigma Phi awards chair. “Farm Bureau has been a strong partner and friend of Extension. I have truly enjoyed our working relationship at the county, district and state level. Farm Bureau deserves this honor,” Mohling said.

An ISU Extension team will receive regional recognition at the national Epsilon Sigma Phi conference. The Food and Fitness Craze project addresses fitness and nutrition issues in youth. Team members are Heidi Bell, Sue Bogue and Jane Hayes-Johnk, 4-H youth specialists; Kim Brantner, Taylor County extension education director; Deb Hall, Adair County extension education director; Sharon Johnson and Susan Klein, nutrition and health field specialists; and Ruth Litchfield, extension nutritionist.

Epsilon Sigma Phi is the national organization of Cooperative Extension professionals. The organization promotes and supports professionalism in extension work.

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