An online option was approved this week to meet the auxin (dicamba) applicator training requirement.

Links to the online training modules for Xtendimax, Engenia, and Fexapan can be found at:

http://DicambaTrainingIowa.org

Completing an online training option from any of the providers will meet the dicamba training requirement for licensed applicators. Contacts for questions about the training can be found at the link above.

Rural Development activities took center stage at the AgSTATE meeting last week in Des Moines. The meeting was hosted by the Iowa Pork Producer's Association. AAI Past Chair Dave Tierney and CEO Joel Brinkmeyer attended the meeting which also drew representatives from nine other commodity and farm organizations, Iowa State University representatives, and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

 

The focus on Rural Development activities included discussion of successes and challenges for agribusinesses and producers. One of the primary concerns expressed by agribusiness is the ability to hire qualified local talent for numerous roles, particularly applicators and truck drivers. With a potential changing environment in rural communities, changes may need to be made to incorporate a workforce with different backgrounds, and communities need support and expertise from a number of agencies and specialized organizations.

 

Related to Rural Development, presentations were provided by Tom Dorr, former USDA Undersecretary of Rural Economic Development, Steve Schulz, President of Northern Iowa Community College, and John Lawrence, Vice President of ISU Extension and Outreach. The Ag Labor Task Force also gave a report.

 

The meeting ended with updates on Ag Trade issues and potential changes and timelines for the Farm Bill.

 

AgSTATE meets quarterly and includes 12 ag industry organizations, typically represented by CEO's and organizational leadership.

The Asmark Safe & Sound Online Training Management tool is ideal for organizations seeking a comprehensive training solution. The platform incorporates advanced technologies to help you manage your employee training from start to finish, simplifying and streamlining the process.

View proposal and other info on Safe & Sound  online.

The Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) held their quarterly meeting at the Agribusiness Association offices last week. The INREC board received updates on projects being funded by the organization, welcomed new board members, and elected officers for the coming year.

INREC officers are - Chair Dave Coppess, Heartland CO-OP, representing fertilizer retailers; Vice Chair Craig Hill, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Treasurer Dave Struthers, Iowa Pork Producers Association, representing livestock producers; and Secretary Roger Zylstra, Iowa Corn, representing Iowa corn producers. The board also welcomed new member John Weber, a farmer who represents soybean producers in the state, and Zylstra who recently took over the corn producer seat.

The board received updates on the Progress Measurement Assessment Survey from the INREC liaisons, and an update on a management practices mapping project being funded through INREC. Dr. Michael Castellano, Iowa State University Department of Agronomy, shared information about EnGeniousAg, a venture he is part of that is developing an inexpensive instant read nitrate sensor for in season stalk tests, soil samples, and water.

INREC is a private nonprofit organization formed of members representing all facets of agriculture industry. The three core missions of INREC are measuring and demonstrating environmental progress, fostering innovation and development of new technologies, and enhancing crop advisor and ag retailer roles as "change agents" working with Iowa farmers to achieve environmental goals.

Our golf tournaments are a great way to network and grow your connections in the agribusiness community.  We host four golf tournaments in the state of Iowa, two in July, one in August, and one in September. Save these dates!

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Julie Kenney will be the new Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Kenney has been active in the agribusiness industry for 15 years, in marketing and communications, for private industry, agriculture associations, and checkoff programs. 

She and her family also own and operate a corn and soybean farm in Story County.

Kenney says it's an honor to serve as Deputy Secretary, "I look forward to working with Secretary Naig and the team at the Department. The Department plays an important role in protecting consumers, improving our natural resources and promoting Iowa agriculture." Read More

Related Articles:

Lohrville Native Named Iowa Deputy Secretary Of Agriculture

Story County Farmer Hired for NO. 2 Ag Post

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to offer additional cost share dollars to pig farmers installing new nutrient loss reduction technologies.

Through this program, IPPA will provide up to $25,000, throughout the next year, to offset up to 50 percent of costs for pig farmers to install saturated buffers or bioreactors on their farm land. Sites will be selected based on greatest opportunity for nitrate reduction and be geographically dispersed throughout the state to aid in education and demonstration opportunities. Read More

The expansive, mostly rural areas of Butler, Grundy, Hardin and Story Counties that comprise state senate district 25 will move into the spotlight next Tuesday as a special election to fill a seat vacated by former Majority Leader Bill Dix could set the tone for November and play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Des Moines.

 

Two women with impressive resumes will be on the ballot. The winner will serve the remainder of Dix's term and presumably run again in six months for a chance at a full four years.  Read More