ISU Pres. Cook Shares Importance Of Ag, University Update At Aug. Board Meeting

The AAI Board of Directors meeting on Thursday included a visit from Iowa State University President David Cook. He shared highlights of his vision for the future of ISU, including the importance of agriculture both to the university and the state of Iowa. Cook also provided an overview of enrollment, some of the challenges facing the university, ways ISU has been well positioned to adapt to a changing grant environment, and took questions from the board.

Also attending the meeting from ISU were VP of Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Interim Dean Ruth MacDonald. They discussed specific ag related activities and solicited input and feedback from board members.

In addition to the special guests, the agenda for the late summer meeting included multiple items focused on preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. The board approved budget proposals for 2027 and discussed legislative priorities for the next session. They also reviewed the past year, including the continued growth of membership and the positive results of active engagement by the association with the industry and state government officials.

Recognition Of Service

This was the final meeting for board members with terms ending on Sept. 30. Directors transitioning off the board are Bill Beukema, StateLine Cooperative, and Dana Gee, Heartland Co-op. The board expressed gratitude for the service of these individuals to the industry.

Also transitioning off of the board is Past Chair Mark White, Smith Fertilizer & Grain. White was recognized with a plaque and specially commissioned artwork for his many years on the board as both a director and in leadership positions.

Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project Expands In Greater Des Moines, Middle Cedar Watersheds

The Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project is expanding to deliver free nitrogen soil testing for farmers in additional counties upstream from the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids metro areas. The project provides field-level data to help optimize fertilizer use and benefit water quality.

Free fall nitrogen soil sampling is available in the following counties: Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Clay, Dallas, Dickinson, Emmet, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Polk, Sac, Tama, Webster, Winnebago and Wright.

This is a three-year project from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC).

Learn more and sign up online. 

About INREC

INREC brings together major farm and commodity groups, agriculture retailers, agribusinesses, and crop advisors to help lead agriculture’s efforts to implement and measure progress toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa is a member organization of INREC and INREC Executive Director Ben Gleason is a member of the AAI staff. If you have questions about this or other INREC programs, contact Ben.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this season and thank you to all of our sponsors for their support of agribusiness and helping to make the golf outings a success.

Out And About

Member & Industry Visits

• Lumost Harvest

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

Ever.Ag Ag Smarter Conference

Speaker: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

2026 DMACC Agribusiness and Horticulture Career Fair Sept. 28

The Agribusiness Department at Des Moines Area Community College is hosting their annual Fall Career Fair in September.

DMACC Agribusiness & Horticulture Career Fair

Monday, Sept. 28 | 9 a.m.

FFA Enrichment Center on the Ankeny Campus

Businesses wishing to attend and display may register online and should complete the registration survey by Sept. 18, 2026.

The event will be offering "Lunch and Learn" sessions in addition to the career fair. This is an opportunity for companies and universities to set up a time to meet with students.  

An agenda and final information will be sent out one week prior to the event.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Andrea Rouse, Professor of Agribusiness, at adrouse@dmacc.edu or 515-964-6866.