"Growing Connections" served as the resonant theme for the 17th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference, which took place on August 3rd at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA.  This 2023 gathering delved into the multifaceted challenges presented by the contemporary economic and environmental landscape of agriculture.  Topics of discussion encompassed the implications of the 2023 Farm Bill, intricate marketing scenarios, initiatives geared towards soil and water quality, a comprehensive financial forecast, the potential of social media advocacy, adept transition and succession planning, and the pivotal roles played by women in this ever-evolving industry.

Whether you're taking your first steps into conflict management or you're a seasoned expert, our programs cater to all proficiency levels. Participate in immersive learning experiences drawn from real-world situations, develop effective communication strategies, and acquire profound knowledge of negotiation tactics. Keen on enhancing your mediation abilities? Feel free to click on the brochures below for more details and brace yourself to boost your professional trajectory!

IMS presented an uplifting evening for the book signing of:
Conflict Imagery: Developing a Reflective Framework by Kiley Fleming!
Full of wonderful people and memories!

Iowa Mediation Service (IMS) celebrates recent accomplishments among the staff. Stephanie VonAhnen joined IMS in October of 2021 and has already been promoted from Office Administrator to Business Operations Coordinator. Stephanie has also become a Certified Life Coach and a Level 3 Reiki Master Teacher. We are fortunate to have such a high achiever on our team and look forward to seeing her talents in action.

Iowa Mediation Service will be closing for our winter holiday starting December 23, 2021, and we will return on January 3, 2022. As we prepare to close for the holiday break, we are taking a look back at the new developments from 2021. In response to the ongoing pandemic issues, IMS embraced technology this year, holding our first completely virtual live Introductory Mediation Training and Advanced Mediation Skills Training. It was a wonderful experience for everyone thanks to the care and dedication of the team and the very engaged trainees. We love the opportunity to work with exceptional trainees from across the state!

Our Development and Communications Manager, Elena Greenberg, was recently interviewed on The Delicious Story Podcast. Click the link below to listen to the podcast or watch the YouTube video of the interview. Elena talks about how to navigate conflicting points of view with your family during the holidays.
https://www.storiedgifts.com/blog/5-tips-to-keep-peace-during-family-gatherings-elena-greenberg
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Elena Greenberg on the Delicious Story Podcast

On Thursday, staff from Iowa Mediation Service(IMS) visited the Urbandale offices of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide information about the mediation process in Iowa. Kiley Fleming, Kathy Hall, and Daniel Butters of IMS presented information to new Farm Service Agency Loan Officers about the role of mediation when it comes to agricultural debt in the state of Iowa.
​Since 1985, the State of Iowa has mandated that mediation be offered to debtors before a creditor can take certain actions to collect agricultural debts. As the USDA’s Farm Service Agency is a popular source of financing for farmers in Iowa, it is important for new Loan Officers to understand the laws, purpose, and benefits of mediation. 

Kiley Fleming, the Executive Director of IMS, said, "Mediation empowers all parties to find solutions that may not otherwise be available,” adding “We really find it to be a successful method to resolve disputes between creditors and debtors. When we get to the mediation table, we have success, reaching an agreement over 75% of the time.”

The training lasted approximately 2 hours and covered the legal, administrative, and personal aspects of mediation.

Stan Deardeuff, Regional Coordinator for Iowa Mediation Service, shares his experience with farmers and the rising Farm Bankruptcies in Iowa. Click the image above or the link below to view the article in the Des Moines Register.