Exhibit 23.1




                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-17007) pertaining to the Amended and Restated FBL Financial Group,
Inc. 1996 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, of our reports dated February
5, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
FBL Financial Group, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
August 21, 2002