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About the IFAA

Our Story

For as long as the Iowa State Fair has been in existence, youth from around the state have exhibited their livestock projects with pride at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in search of a purple banner. Until the late 1980s, the kids who earned the right to be called Grand Champion were often rewarded with less than market price for their animals. In 1987 at the conclusion of another dismal sale of the champion animals, a group of livestock industry members decided a change was in order to not only reward the hard work of the grand champion projects but to provide more incentive for others to participate in raising livestock projects. In 1988, the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement was born.

The original mission was simply to provide a base level of funds to support the sale of grand and reserve champion projects for the major species at a premium. After years of success growing the Sale of Champions into the envy of many state fairs around the country, IFAA expanded giving to include scholarship programs and performance awards in order to reach more youth.

Today, the IFAA offers over $240,000 per year in scholarships funded by groups such as the Governor of Iowa, Bruce Rastetter, Sinclair Tractor, Cargill, Rain and Hail Insurance, HyVee, Fareway, and ISF Beef Champion Supporters to name a few. Support for the IFAA Sale of Champions and subsequent scholarship and awards programs has steadily grown from $50,000 in the first year to nearly $725,000 today.

My family is humbled and thankful for the support that the IFAA offers to youth in agriculture. We've had the opportunity to earn a spot in the Sale of Champions, benefiting from the sale and breaking a record not once, but twice. My sisters and I have also been recipients of IFAA scholarships. Three out of four Marek girls pursued a degree in agriculture and were benefactors of IFAA scholarships. The IFAA has positively affected me and each of my sisters in various ways. We are forever grateful for the businesses and individuals who support this organization, as it truly has made a substantial impact on our future and supported our paths to joining the agriculture industry.

Lexi Marek Beeler

Want to help support our programs?

The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement operates on the time and resources donated by members and supporters each year. We are always looking for people with a passion for supporting Iowa’s next generation of agricultural leaders.

If you are interested in learning more or joining one of our meetings, email admin@ifaa.org for more information!

Recent News

Iowa Foundation For Agricultural Advancement Sponsor Of The Winner’s Circle Scholarships

January 1, 2025

Contact: Stacy Konz – (515) 681-0183 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DES MOINES, IOWA — The IFAA (Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement) would like to announce the availability of our 2025 Scholarships. 2025 Winner’s Circle Scholarships are available to incoming freshman and undergraduates who have graduated from an Iowa high school and

Matt Heiller

President

Robin Sampson

Vice President

Lexi Beeler

Secretary

Josh Williams

Treasurer

Mike Doran

Sale Manager

Stacy Konz

Administrative Secretary
515-681-0183

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