At their January meeting, the Board of Directors approved a statement concerning the new 199A section of the tax bill passed in December. You can read that statement here:

AAI will continue to communicate with our members on this issue and share ideas and concerns with our National organizations.   AAI is supportive of the efforts of NGFA and NCFC to resolve this issue quickly and equitably, maintaining and preserving, to the extent possible, the benefits that cooperatives and their customers previously enjoyed under Section 199.

AAI continues to stay engaged with the National Grain and Feed Association as they work with both the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and members of congress to bring the 199A provision back in line with the intention expressed by federal legislators.

NGFA reports there is currently legislation being drafted to enact a solution. The goal is to provide that legislation as part of the February 8 funding bill or as part of other spending bills likely to be considered during the month of February.

The 2018 Community College Student Job Fair will highlight exhibitors and ag industry companies looking to hire students. Exhibitors will be on the south wall of the showcase floor near the stage in the varied industries building. This space will allow for students to access all companies and give room for personal conversations. 

If your company would like to participate in the Student Job Fair.  Please email [email protected] or register online at  https://www.agribiz.org/jobfairregistration/ .

Please visit  AgribizShowcase.com for more details, a full schedule of events, and speaker details. 

The 2018 ASC mobile app is now available for download. You can find it on the Apple and Anroid stores click here to download. 

Welcome to our newest sponsors of the 2018 Agribusiness Showcase & Conference.  Thank you to all who support the association and our events. 

by: Cultivation Corridor 

Billi Hunt has been named the Executive Director of the Cultivation Corridor. Hunt brings 20 years of experience working for one of the leading agriculture companies in the state.

Hunt joins the Cultivation Corridor after working as the Government Affairs Manager - U.S. Central Region for DuPont. The U.S. Central Region includes Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In this role, she supported DuPont's global business through state-level advocacy, public policy initiatives and government-related business collaborations. Read More

 

Nominations are now being sought to find the 2017 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year, a prestigious honor with a substantial prize; the winner receives use of a new John Deere 6E utility tractor for a year.  The award, co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Ag and land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honors the Iowa farmer who has a proven track record of excellence in soil conservation and water quality improvements and is committed to continuing efforts that continuously improve the land and water. 

"Iowa farmers continue to take on the challenge of better protecting their soil and improving water quality.  This award is an opportunity to highlight and recognize a farmer that has gone above and beyond in their conservation efforts and serves as a model of land stewardship in their community and across the state," Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said. Read More

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Jan. 22 that the proper jurisdiction for challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency's Waters of the United States or Clean Water Rule is in federal district court, not the circuit court level.

Environmentalists consider the ruling an initial blow to the Trump administration, but the Obama era rule won't go into effect because EPA intends to release a rewritten rule within a month, E&E News reported. Justices rebuffed arguments by the administration that a federal appeals court should instead hear the litigation. Read More

Farmer, crop insurance agent and former USDA official Tim Gannon announced today he is running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Tim, who grew up in Mingo and farms 900 acres on his family's Century Farm in Jasper County, is pledging to strengthen support for Iowa's core agricultural products while also expanding investment in new products designed to grow jobs and opportunity in the state. Read More

Mike Naig, current Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, is considering running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, but told the Des Moines Register that  "If Bill is not confirmed and decides to run for re-election, I would not run."  

Already in the race for Iowa Secretary of Ag are Craig Lang,  past president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Ray Gaesser, a Corning farmer, and Chad Ingles, EPC Chair and Fayette County farmer. 

Naig also told the register that it's "been an honor to partner with Secretary Northey to help lead the Iowa Department of Agriculture ... and there is still important work to be done."

Citing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability while working with farmers to enhance profitability through sound agronomic practices, GROWMARK and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials today signed a national Memorandum of Understanding. 

The Memorandum formalizes a collaborative partnership in which GROWMARK and NRCS will identify collaborative training opportunities to equip GROWMARK System employees with consistent information and technology that's science-based and highlights conservation practices and programs available through NRCS. Read More