Aug. 20, 2026

A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation.

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AAI IN ACTION

Promoting the Value Of Iowa Agribusiness And International Trade

This past week, AAI Board Chair-Elect Kent Bennis, Rosen's, and AAI CEO Julie Kenney had the opportunity to meet with USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig. The meeting at the Iowa State Fair focused on trade issues and the ways ag trade can move forward to increase markets globally.

Kenney also had the opportunity to meet with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture last weekend to discuss the importance of USMCA and other key policy issues impacting agribusiness, including fertilizer, animal health and biofuels.

AAI is grateful for the opportunity to share the perspective of Iowa’s agribusiness industry and discuss ways we can continue strengthening our agricultural relationships internationally.

Submit Iowa Agribusiness Impact Award Nominations By Sept. 1

Submit a nomination and recognize those who are shaping the future of Iowa agriculture. The deadline for Iowa Agribusiness Impact Award nominations is Sept. 1.

This recognition program from AAI honors individuals, businesses, or initiatives making a lasting impact on Iowa’s ag economy, rural communities, or the broader food and ag system. The Impact Award celebrates innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing Iowa agriculture. From agribusiness professionals and local leaders to game-changing businesses, we want to spotlight those who are moving our industry forward.

Award recipients will be recognized at the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference, Feb. 9–10, 2027, at the Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.

Full details, past honorees, and the nomination form can be found on the Iowa Agribusiness Impact Award webpage.

Final 2026 Outing Next Week In Ames

One more opportunity remains to golf, interact with others in the industry, entertain clients, and enjoy a day on the course. Join us in Ames on Aug. 26 to close out the summer and the AAI golf season.

JOIN US FOR GOLF

Central Iowa

Aug. 26

Coldwater Golf Links

Ames, Iowa

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

Out And About

Member & Industry Visits

CoBank

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

MID-CO Commodities Summer Conference

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Canadian Minister of Agriculture Meeting

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Trade Roundtable with USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

ASSOCIATION CALENDAR

Aug 26

AAI Golf Outing

10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Coldwater Golf Links - Ames

Aug 27

AAI Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 a.m. - Iowa State University Research Park, Ames

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NEWS

U.S. Receives First Moroccan Phosphate Shipment in 5 years After Temporary CVD Relief

Source: AgWeb

A vessel carrying approximately 54,000 metric tons of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) has arrived in New Orleans, marking the return of Moroccan phosphate fertilizer to the U.S. market for the first time since 2021. The Moroccan shipment is intended to support fertilizer availability for U.S. growers ahead of the fall application season.

[...] Read Full Story

Why 22 States Are Suing to Block a Federal Demand for 17 Million Truckers’ Records

Source: FreightWaves

The federal government has demanded that the operator of the national commercial driver license database hand over the records of more than 17 million truckers, and 22 states plus the District of Columbia have sued to stop it.

[...] Read Full Story

STB To Resume Rail Merger Review For UP And NS

Source: Feedstuffs

The National Grain & Feed Association announced that it submitted comments to STB on Aug. 13 and urged the board to reject the proposal, arguing it does not meet the standards for major rail mergers. Those standards contend that railroad mergers should not just preserve existing competition but increase and improve competition for customers.

[...] Read Full Story

How Close Are Farmer-Applied Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates To The Economic Optimum?

Source: Integrated Crop Management News

Determining how much nitrogen fertilizer (N) to apply is a constant challenge facing farmers. The amount of N needed to maintain yield and healthy soils is highly dependent on weather and agronomic management, and therefore differs across years and fields.

[...] Read Full Story

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