Iowa Farm Bureau Offers Free Personal Assistance for Farm Families

Federation President Brent Johnson discusses new support services for rural communities

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:00pm

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In an interview on the Washington Page radio program, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson discussed the organization's new free Personal Assistance Services available to farm families across the state. The services aim to provide mental health resources, financial planning, and other support to rural communities facing economic and lifestyle challenges.

Why it matters

The Iowa Farm Bureau is a powerful agricultural advocacy group, and its decision to offer these free personal assistance services highlights the growing need for mental health and financial support in rural areas that have faced economic hardship, isolation, and other stresses in recent years.

The details

The Personal Assistance Services provided by the Iowa Farm Bureau include access to licensed counselors for mental health support, financial advisors for budgeting and planning, and referrals to local community resources. The services are available at no cost to all farm families in the state, regardless of their membership status with the organization.

  • The new Personal Assistance Services program was launched by the Iowa Farm Bureau in early 2026.

The players

Brent Johnson

The president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, a powerful agricultural advocacy group in the state.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

A non-profit organization that advocates for Iowa's farming and rural communities, providing resources, education, and political representation.

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What they’re saying

“We recognize the unique challenges facing our farm families, from economic pressures to mental health struggles. These new assistance services are designed to provide the support and resources they need to thrive.”

— Brent Johnson, President, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

What’s next

The Iowa Farm Bureau plans to promote the new Personal Assistance Services program through outreach to local farming communities and partnerships with mental health organizations across the state.

The takeaway

The Iowa Farm Bureau's decision to offer free personal support services for farm families underscores the growing need for mental health and financial resources in rural areas, as agricultural communities continue to face economic challenges and isolation. This program could serve as a model for other state farm bureaus and agricultural organizations to follow.