Nominations Open For AAI Board of Directors

Nominations are now open for the 2027 AAI Board of Directors election. The AAI Board of Directors shapes association policy on behalf of the membership. Elected directors serve a term of three years and are eligible to serve three consecutive terms. Any employee of an AAI member business is eligible for nomination.

Four board seats will be on the ballot in the upcoming election:

District 2 Director - Director should take special interest in representing AAI members in north central Iowa as well as the general AAI membership.

This seat is currently vacant for the upcoming election.

District 3 Director - Director should take special interest in representing AAI members in northeast Iowa as well as the general AAI membership.

This seat is currently vacant for the upcoming election.

Grain Director - Director should take special interest in representing the grain industry as well as the general AAI membership. The Grain Director also participates on AAI’s Grain Committee which meets as needed depending on issues facing the industry.

This seat is currently vacant for the upcoming election.

At-Large Director - Director represents general AAI membership.  

Current director Katie Stutsman, Corteva Agriscience, is seeking re-election.

Full details, including the AAI District Map, are available by downloading the nomination form.

Nomination forms should be submitted by July 1 to Sally Thompson - sally@agribiz.org

AAI Participates in Trade Discussion with Delegation from India

Agribusiness Association of Iowa Chair-Elect Kent Bennis joined Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa farmers, and agribusiness leaders at Corteva Agriscience this week to welcome a trade delegation from India and discuss opportunities for strengthening agricultural partnerships between the Midwest and India. The group exchanged ideas on agricultural innovation, renewable fuels policy, and sustainable farming practices that are helping farmers increase productivity while protecting natural resources. Participants also highlighted Iowa's leadership in agricultural technology, crop production, and biofuels.

India's rapidly growing economy and expanding population make it an increasingly important trading partner for Iowa agriculture. The visit provided an opportunity to build relationships, share expertise, and explore future opportunities for collaboration that can benefit farmers, ag businesses, and consumers in both countries.

AAI appreciates the opportunity to participate in these important conversations and showcase the innovation and sustainability that drive Iowa agriculture.

Students Entering ISU This Fall Encouraged To Apply For Winton Etchen Scholarship

AAI member businesses are encouraged to share this opportunity with recent high school graduates in their communities who qualify.

Iowa students enrolled in an agriculture-related curriculum at Iowa State University are eligible to apply for the Winton Etchen Scholarship.

The goal of this scholarship is to identify, recognize, and encourage outstanding students who plan careers in agriculture and/or a related field. The scholarship is named in honor of Winton Etchen, who was the executive director of the Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Association from 1964-1988.

Qualifying scholarship applicants will be enrolled in an agriculture-related curriculum, attend Iowa State University, and be legal residents of the State of Iowa. Applicants must be sponsored by a member of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Each year’s successful applicant is awarded $1,000 and is eligible to receive $250 for each of the next three years.

Applications are due by July 15, 2026.

Full details are available online or by downloading the Winton Etchen Scholarship Application

Member Spotlight: Midwest Labs

About Midwest Labs

Midwest Laboratories is an ISO 17025 and NELAP accredited lab headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. We provide reliable and defensible third-party testing services to the Agriculture, Nutrient Management, Animal Nutrition, Environmental, Food and Beverage, and Fuel Industries.

What Midwest Labs Values Most About AAI Membership

We value our partnership with the Agribusiness Association of Iowa because it provides meaningful opportunities to connect with businesses who drive agriculture throughout the region.

A Recent Milestone For Midwest Labs

We celebrated our 50th year in business this past year!

How To Contact Meyer Midwest Labs

Address: 13611 B Street, Omaha, NE 68144

Phone: 402-334-7770

Email: contactus@midwestlabs.com

YouTube Channel: @MidwestlabsOmaha

LinkedIn: @midwest-laboratories-inc.

Website: https://midwestlabs.com/browse-catalog (comprehensive catalog of services)

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.

*View 2026 Golf Sponsors Online*

View Sponsor Opportunities

Out And About

Member & Industry Visits

• Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI)

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• AgVision
• DPA Auctions

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

India Trade Delegation Visit To Corteva Agriscience

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Iowa CCA Exam In-Person Testing Aug. 5

The Iowa Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) board will be providing in-person testing for the CCA Exam on Aug. 5 in Ankeny. Online testing is also available during the testing window of Aug. 5-19.

In-Person Exam Date: Aug. 5, 2026

Location: FFA Enrichment Center, Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, Iowa

Registration Period: July 1 - July 27

Both the Iowa CCA Exam and the International CCA exam will be administered regardless of testing option. Testing registration opens July 1 and closes July 27.

Exam Registration Link

Sign up to receive email reminders about the exam by visiting the registration site prior to the registration period.

Online resources are available to prepare for the exam: 

• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) exam study tools
• Online review course for the Iowa Certified Crop Adviser Examination 

Questions? Visit Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) exam FAQ.

June 30

Nurse Tank Testing Workshop

CNH Industrial Ag Information Center - Nevada

July 8

AAI Golf Outing

11:00 a.m. Lunch | Noon Shotgun Start

Emerald Hills Golf Club - Okoboji

July 22

AAI Golf Outing

9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Amana Colonies Golf Club - Amana

Aug 26

AAI Golf Outing

10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Coldwater Golf Links - Ames