IFBF President Brent Johnson, Guthrie County Farm Bureau President Jim Calvert and IFBF District 4 Director Sharyl Bruning

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Farm Bureau was recognized as an “Outstanding County Farm Bureau” during Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th annual meeting, held Dec. 5-6 in Des Moines.         

This designation is awarded to Farm Bureaus that connect with community members and elected officials about today’s family farm practices and engage in local, philanthropic activities.

“Our organization’s success starts at the county level,” said Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “That’s what it means to be grassroots, and it cannot be stated enough the important role our members play in advocating for agriculture and creating vibrant rural communities.”

IFBF Vice President Brian Feldpausch, Jim Calvert, IFBF President Brent Johnson

Special to the Times Vedette

Jim Calvert of Guthrie County was recognized as a graduate of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Leaders Institute during Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s 105^th annual meeting held Dec. 5-6 in Des Moines. 

The Institute is a year-long training program for emerging county Farm Bureau leaders. Through working sessions, participants develop skills to become effective community members, volunteers, advocates or elected officials.

 “Many Ag Leaders Institute graduates have gone on to serve in various levels of leadership,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “From county Farm Bureau president to positions within the Iowa Legislature, the skills mastered in this program strengthen Iowa farms and rural communities.”

To date, the Ag Leaders Institute has recognized more than 500 graduates.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The 2023 Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development President Chris Arganbright was awarded a plaque by John Twillmann on Jan. 3 at the organization’s meeting to recognize her service to the organization, which has a mission to encourage and foster sustainable economic development activities through job creation, job retention, increased tax base and an improved quality of life for the citizens in the Panora and Lake Panorama area. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Buena Vista University congratulates more than 500 students who were named to the fall 2023 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester. Those from the area include Lacie Davis of Coon Rapids; Audrey Franzeen of Guthrie Center; Easton Hays of Coon Rapids; Halley Joel of Stuart; Gabriel Obert of Coon Rapids; Drew Taylor of Redfield; Evan Taylor of Redfield; and Claire Woodworth of Panora.