New Training Materials Available for Iowa Pesticide Applicators

The Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program has revised several applicator manuals and exams to reflect the updated pesticide applicator certification and training rules implemented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on Jan. 1.

The training manuals are intended to provide Iowans with the basic understanding of effective pesticide use and the information needed to successfully pass the revised certification exams. The updated training manuals are available through the ISU Extension Store.

The updated Iowa Core Manual (CS445) is now available for purchase. New exams based on the revised core manual are available at all Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship test sites.

For more information, contact Betsy Danielson at betsydan@iastate.edu.

Agribusiness Impact Award Honoree Highlight

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 during the evening reception on Feb. 10, 2026. The Showcase takes place Feb. 10-11 at the Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa.

This is the third of three weeks highlighting each honoree individually, and showcasing their contributions to Iowa agriculture and the broader industry.

Liqui-Grow



For 67 years, Liqui-Grow has exemplified excellence in agronomy, sustainability, and community stewardship. Under the leadership of the Tinsman family, the company has maintained its Iowa roots, creating jobs and investing in local communities.

Liqui-Grow’s innovations in nutrient management, including the use of nitrogen and phosphorus stabilizers, liquid suspension fertilizers, and its Exactstrip application technology, have advanced both productivity and environmental stewardship. The company also emphasizes education and mentorship, providing field research, internship opportunities, and digital learning resources through Liqui-Grow Loop.

Beyond agronomic innovation, Liqui-Grow demonstrates a deep commitment to Iowa communities, supporting FFA programs, 4-H, local schools, and charitable initiatives. Its contributions strengthen both the agricultural economy and the communities where it operates.

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

Reserve Your Sponsorship for Career Day

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.

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

Member Spotlight: Cryotech Deicing Technology

About Cryotech

With more than 30 years of experience, Cryotech is a leading manufacturer of premium acetate-based pavement deicers and glycol-based aircraft deicing and lavatory fluids. Driven by customer needs, Cryotech has expanded into agriculture, delivering potassium acetate–based solutions that promote soil health, nutrient efficiency, and sustainable agronomic practices.

Services Offered

Cryotech offers acetate-based liquid nutrient solutions, including 0-0-24, 0-0-29, and custom fertilizer blends. Acetate is a naturally occurring organic compound that supports efficient nutrient uptake. Production is supported by Cryotech’s southeast Iowa facility, featuring significant storage capacity, room for expansion, and direct truck and rail access.

What Makes Cryotech Unique

Cryotech pairs advanced chemical manufacturing expertise with scalable infrastructure and a partnership-first approach. Rather than selling directly to retail, the company focuses on supporting trusted industry partners.

What Cryotech Values Most About AAI Membership

Cryotech values being part of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa for the opportunity to connect with industry leaders who understand Iowa agriculture. The Association fosters collaboration, insight-sharing, and partnerships that strengthen Cryotech’s ability to support producers and agribusinesses across the state.

Recent Successes

Cryotech earned an EcoVadis Bronze medal for sustainability, ranking in the top 35% of companies worldwide for responsible business practices. In 2025, employees launched a vegetable garden providing free produce, and the company’s annual cleanup removed more than 400 pounds of waste from Mississippi River banks and nearby areas.

Something You Might Not Know About Cryotech

Cryotech Deicing Technology is an affiliate of General Atomics, a San Diego based company specializing in defense and diversified technologies. 

How To Contact Cryotech

www.cryotech.com

Phone: 319-372-6012

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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.

Out And About

Member & Industry Meetings

• Foster Group

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

MID-CO Winter Outlook Conference 

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Roundtable discussion with USDA Under Sec. Luke Lindberg and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig 

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

AGP Annual Meeting

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