AAI Announces Inaugural Agribusiness Impact Award Honorees

Two individuals and one business have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the Agribusiness Impact Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to Iowa agriculture.

This year's award honorees are:

• Steve Sukup, Sukup Manufacturing
• Dave Tierney, Bayer CropScience (retired)
• Liqui-Grow

The awards will be presented at the Agribusiness Showcase and Conference, February 10–11, 2026, at the Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa.

Over the next three weeks, AAI will highlight each honoree individually, showcasing their contributions to Iowa agriculture and the broader industry.

Steve Sukup – Sukup Manufacturing

Steve Sukup has made a profound and measurable difference in Iowa agriculture through his leadership, innovation, and public service. Growing up in Sheffield, Iowa, Steve has devoted his career to the family business, Sukup Manufacturing, and currently serves as co-chairman of the board of directors. He also served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1994–2002, championing policies to strengthen rural communities and support farmers.

Under Steve’s leadership, Sukup Manufacturing has remained family-owned and committed to its Iowa roots and has expanded beyond its traditional product lines to become a global leader in agricultural manufacturing. As the business has grown, it has created high-quality manufacturing jobs in rural Iowa and driven innovation in grain storage, drying, handling, and safety. Beyond business success, Steve has supported ethanol and biofuels advocacy, disaster relief efforts through Safe T Home®, and numerous local nonprofits, reflecting his deep commitment to Iowa communities.

Steve serves on multiple boards, including the Iowa Motor Truck Association, Iowa Public Television, and Ringneck Energy, and holds leadership positions with Golden Rule Insurance and Golden Grain Energy.

Gov. Reynolds Issues Proclamation Easing Hours of Service For Heating Fuel Delivery

Governor Kim Reynolds issued a proclamation to ease restrictions for transportation of and access to heating and motor fuels.

The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2026. The proclamation suspends the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code pertaining to hours of service for crews and drivers delivering propane, diesel, natural gas, and other fuels used for residential, agricultural, and commercial heating purposes.

View the full proclamation

Make An Impact With Legislators - Attend The AAI Legislative Breakfast Jan. 21

You can help promote AAI member priorities and a positive environment for agribusiness in Iowa by meeting in person with legislators this session. The AAI Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 21 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines is a great opportunity to meet with a wide range of legislators, help them connect a face to your agribusiness, and provide personal perspectives related to legislative issues.

AAI LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

Jan. 21 | 7:30 a.m. (meet at AAI by 7:15 a.m.)

Iowa State Capitol - Legislative Dining Room 

Des Moines, Iowa

If you are planning to attend the AAI Legislative Breakfast, please let Sally Thompson know you will be there - sally@agribiz.org or call 515.262.8323. A prior response is not required, but it will allow AAI to have a name tag prepared for you.

Stay Up To Date On Legislative Progress

All AAI Legislative Committee members along with the AAI Board of Directors receive a weekly legislative update during the session. If you are part of an AAI member company and would like to receive these updates, please contact Sally Thompson, sally@agribiz.org, to be added to the list of recipients.

Support A Positive Agribusiness Environment In Iowa

Your personal contribution to the Agribusiness PAC helps amplify the voice of agribusinesses and promote a positive environment for agribusiness in Iowa. Personal checks can be sent to the AAI Main Office or you can make a PAC Contribution Online.

(Please forward this information to your HR department and anyone responsible for hiring.)

Connect With Your Future Workforce

Get meaningful visibility with students who are actively exploring their future in agriculture. As an Agribusiness Career Day Sponsor, you connect motivated students with real-world career opportunities and show them the breadth and potential of today’s agribusiness sector.

Career Fair Business | $200

Help students discover the opportunities within your organization and connect

with the future workforce.

• Career Fair table
• Promotion of company attendance in promotional materials

Primary Event Sponsor | $1500 (6 remaining)

• One $1000 scholarship from your company awarded to a student attendee
• Career Fair table
• Sponsor recognition on registration site
• Verbal introduction by the emcee
• Recognition in Career Day materials and promotions

Premier Event Sponsor | $5000

• Logo included on all Career Day materials and promotions
• One $1000 scholarship from your company awarded to a student attendee
• Career Fair table
• Sponsor signage and recognition at the event and on event registration site
• Speaking opportunity to introduce your business and career opportunities to attending students

Questions? Contact Sally Thompson at sally@agribiz.org or 515.262.8323.

Member Spotlight: Latta Harris, LLP

About LattaHarris

LattaHarris is a CPA and Consulting firm that serves producers, ag retailers, landowners, and rural communities across Iowa and the Midwest.

Services Offered

LattaHarris provides tax, accounting, transition planning, valuation, and advisory services tailored specifically to the agricultural industry. 

What Makes LattaHarris Unique

We are deeply specialized in the agricultural industry. We understand the struggles and triumphs that our clients are going through, and we're constantly working to keep up on the changes in tax laws to better serve them.

What LattaHarris Values Most About AAI Membership

The ability to connect with other agribusiness professionals and having the opportunity to gain knowledge that we can use to better serve our clients

Something You Might Not Know About LattaHarris

43% of our professionals grew up on a farm, 59% have family members who farm, and 59% have hands-on experience working on a farm or in an ag-related business

How To Contact LattaHarris

https://www.lattaharris.com/

tdietz@lattaharris.com (Toni Dietz)

lstockdale@lattaharris.com (Levi Stockdale)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lattaharriscpas/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-dietz-cpa-macc-012374155/ 

The Member Spotlight highlights AAI member companies to help you understand more about these businesses and create stronger connections across the agribusiness industry. If you are an affiliate member and would like to see your business highlighted in the Member Spotlight, contact hdeyoung@agribiz.org for details.

Thank You For Your Membership!

As a member of AAI, you support the industry that is leading innovation, stewardship, and growth. Thank you for your membership and your commitment to the success of agribusiness in Iowa.

The following companies have recently joined or renewed their membership for the 2026 Membership Year.

Out And About

Member & Industry Meetings

• Koch

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• Landus

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

Land Investment Expo 

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

StoneX Ag & Dairy Market Outlook Conference

March 11-13, 2026 | Nashville, Tenn.

Insights into macroeconomic trends, weather predictions, and specific agricultural and dairy market outlooks, providing a thorough overview of the factors influencing the markets and future expectations.

More Information