AAI was represented at a number of meetings this week as staff presented information about environmental data and initiatives.

Nutrient Management and Environmental Stewardship Director Dean Lemke spoke at The Fertilizer Institute 4R conference in Minnesota this week and shared results from the most recent Iowa Agricultural Retailer Survey. The talk gave an overview of the insights gained from the survey with a special focus on nutrient stewardship results. Click Here to View Survey Results >>

Lemke also made additional stops this past week related to environmental activities. He shared an update on Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) activities during an Iowa Pork Producers Association committee meeting and was part of a discussion at the Land Improvement Contractors Association regional meeting about possible options for decreasing the amount of time required to process engineering requests for environmental services on agricultural land. 

Progress is being made on multiple fronts as activities supported by the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) mission reach various milestones.

During a board meeting late last week, the INREC board of directors heard from Iowa State University Professor Dr. Matthew Helmers on efforts to develop a baseline measurement to use as a comparison for the Nutrient Reduction Strategy Progress Measurement activities of INREC. The baseline will serve as a way to determine if nutrients are increasing or decreasing over time.

The INREC board also heard about the activities of the INREC liaisons hired to help implement phases two and three of the Progress Measurement Survey pilot. The liaisons have been visiting AAI member retailers to help familiarize the retailers with the survey and provide support for those within organizations who are completing the online form with data from retailer records.

Iowa State University hosted the INREC board at Elings Hall on the Iowa State campus. A special thank you to Dr. Helmers for the accommodations for the meeting.

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) was represented at Governor Reynold's Inaugural Ball on Friday, June 2. This was a historic event, as Governor Reynolds takes over as Iowa's first female Governor and follows Governor Branstad who is the longest serving Governor in the United States.    

Jose Laracuente, AAI Services Vice Chair (left), Gov. Kim Reynolds (middle), and Shelley Laracuente (right) pose for a fun snapshot during the Governor's Inaugural Ball at the Embassy Suites downtown Des Moines, IA on June 2. 

The inaugural ball took place at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines and was hosted by the Republican Party of Iowa. Comments were provided by Governor Reynolds, Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, and Senator Joni Ernst.

Joel Brinkmeyer (left) AAI CEO, Gov. Kim Reynolds (middle), and Linda Brinkmeyer (right) pause for a light-hearted conversation during the Inaugural Ball on June 2.

AAI was represented by Joel Brinkmeyer, CEO, and his wife Linda, and Jose Laracuente, Vice Chair, AAI Services, and his wife Shelley, along with Mark Stutsman, AAI Past Chair. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt yesterday signed a final rule to further delay the effective date of EPA's Risk Management Program Amendments an additional 20 months to allow the agency to conduct a reconsideration proceeding and to consider other issues that may benefit from additional comment. The new effective date of the rule is February 19, 2019.

"We are seeking additional time to review the program, so that we can fully evaluate the public comments raised by multiple petitioners and consider other issues that may benefit from additional public input," Pruitt said.

The Agricultural Retailers Association applauds this decision. The association weighed in with comments to the agency. The EPA says the extension will allow the agency time to re-evaluate the RMP Amendments. EPA will consider the relevant questions and concerns submitted to the agency through during the public comment period and public hearing.  Read More.

For more information on the RMP Rule visit:  www.epa.gov/rmp/final-amendments-risk-management-program-rmp-rule 

An  online review course is being offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to help individuals prepare for the next Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) examination on Aug. 4, 2017. The review course is offered exclusively online and includes presentations on crop management, pest management, nutrient management and soil and water management.

The enrollment period for the Aug 4, 2017 exam runs May 1 through June 23, 2017. Exam registration is through the national  Certified Crop Adviser organization.

 by: Iowa Biotechnology Association 

Bio Nebraska Executive Director Phil Kozera and Iowa  Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) Executive Director Joe Hrdlicka announced last week that the new Iowa Lieutenant  Governor Adam Gregg will be a speaker at the Animal Health Symposium in July.  Gregg will speak at  approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19. 

The second annual Animal Health In the Heartland: Ensuring A Safe Food Supply symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19th, 2017, at the Scheman Building, ISU, Ames. The program will be preceded by an optional tour of the USDA facilities in Ames and a networking social the afternoon of Tuesday, July 18th.  Click here for details and registration.