Agribusiness Policy Priorities In Motion for 2026 Legislative Session

Next week marks the start of the 2026 Iowa legislative session. Agribusiness Association of Iowa member policy priorities for this year's session were set last fall and the work has already begun related to these priorities prior to the session.

Some of the AAI member priorities related to taxation, transportation, and regulation are in included in the Iowa Farm Act, a bill championed by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The Iowa Farm Act brings together ideas provided directly from farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state. AAI looks forward to working with the Sec. Naig in support of this bill.

Make Personal Connections With Legislators

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.

Connect With Future Employees And Promote Ag Careers At The Agribusiness Career Day

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

Iowa agriculture relies on the next generation of skilled, motivated leaders. Agribusiness Career Day helps bridge the gap between education and employment – connecting students’ passion for agriculture with real-world opportunities to make an impact in Iowa communities.

Now in its 12th year, the Career Day has become an important event for showcasing the industry to emerging talent. Last year, we welcomed more than 300 students – including first-year community college students and high school FFA seniors – all eager to learn, network, and discover their path forward.

Become A Career Day Sponsor

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 (12 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: AgTrax

About AgTrax

AgTrax is a proven leader in the Agribusiness Technology field. Our ever-growing customer base spans the top U.S agriculture-producing States. For 29-years and counting, our company has been developing software solutions designed specifically for full-service cooperatives, grain elevators, feed stores, agronomy product and service providers, and other types of businesses in agriculture. Agribusiness Accounting is the core of what AgTrax does, but the diversity in our system architecture, including advanced Grain Bin Management & Traceability Technology; and the introduction of Integrated Partner Applications collectively support our Market Leadership role.

Services Offered

Agribusiness Software Solutions

What Makes AgTrax Unique

AgTrax continues to introduce new API technologies and integrate with strategic partners that provide convenience and value to our agribusiness customers. 

What AgTrax Values Most About AAI Membership

AgTrax sincerely values its membership with AAI. The support, communications, and member networking opportunities we receive from the association and its representatives are first class!

Recent Successes

Mr. Cody King, Regional Sales Manager, has just joined our Team and is responsible for the Iowa Region. Cody can be reached at: cking@agtrax.com

Something You Might Not Know About AgTrax

AgTrax has been serving the Agribusiness market for 29-years and counting. 

How To Contact AgTrax

www.agtrax.com

sales@agtrax.com

866.360.0016

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

WILBUR-ELLIS INTEGRA SEED AND AGRONOMY RISK MEETING

Keynote Speaker: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Advanced Feed and Milling Short Course Offered In Partnership With Iowa State University

A new advanced short course for feed manufacturing and milling is being offered in partnership with Iowa State University for grain, feed, animal and bioproducts industry professionals. The five-day course will provide instruction utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex in Ames, Iowa.

IGFIA Advanced Feed Manufacturing & Mill Management Short Course

March 16-20, 2026

ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Complex

Ames, Iowa

Course Fee - $1750

Registration Online

The course will cover:

• Principles of Hammer and Roller Milling
• Maintaining Quality of Stored Grains, DDGS, SBM and Ingredients
• Principles of Batching and Mixing
• Utilization of Plant Automation Systems
• Principles of Steam Generation, Distribution and Regulation
• Mash Conditioning, Hygienizing and Pelleting 
• Cooling, Crumbling, and Post-Pelleting Liquid Applications 
• Optimizing Feed Mill Operations and Moisture Management
• Benchmarking Feed Mill Performance and Profitability
• Implementing Quality Management, Feed Safety and Biosecurity Plans

The course also will provide hands-on training and a facility tour. Additional details and information can be found on the short course registration site and on the ISU Kent Feed Mill website.