Neal Vaughn from IDALS presented anhydrous ammonia regulation updates to the Agronomy Committee during their March 16 meeting. The updates provided insight into how the department is handling NH3 storage issues. Vaughn covered how to read storage tank data plates and what to be looking for to avoid future problems with using the tanks.

"This is critical for members to understand going forward to deal with this new rule of having to take storage tanks with no data plate out of service by 2030," said Reilly Vaughan, AAI Membership Director.

The agronomy committee met at the AAI headquarters in Des Moines. Committee members in attendance were Steve Meyerholz, Stutsmans, Paul VonTersch, Van Diest Supply, Kent Schrof, AgriLand FS, Craig Dick, Midwestern BioAg, Dave Stiltz, ABIS, and Mark Morrissey, USA. Denny Lawrence, Monsanto, joined via teleconference.

AAI joined 22 companies and associations that have signed on to a letter sent by the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) encouraging the  confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as quickly as possible as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).  The letter states " W e believe prompt confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is an essential step in putting in place a U.S. government team that can robustly engage in trade negotiations to further enhance U.S. economic growth and job creation."

Newly published research from Iowa State University agronomists shows the application of nitrogen fertilizer at optimum levels to corn and soybeans is required to maintain carbon in the soil, giving rise to a range of environmental and production benefits.

"Our data show that nitrogen fertilizer, when applied at a level that maximizes crop production, is critical to maintain soil carbon for sustainable agricultural systems," Michael Castellano, an associate professor of agronomy and co-author of the study, said in a news release. "In fact, I'd say it plays an essential role." [...] READ MORE.

by: IowaCCA.org

Brian Berns of Brian Berns of Lohrville, IA was announced as the Iowa Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) of the Year during a recognition luncheon held for the organization at the Agribusiness Showcase and Conference, held February 14, 2017 in Des Moines, IA.

The Iowa Certified Crop Adviser of the Year Award is designed to recognize a CCA who delivers exceptional customer service, is highly innovative, has shown that they are a leader in their field, and has contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the agriculture industry.

Berns has been an agronomist for Landus Cooperative the past 23 years based out of Farnhamville and Churdan, and has been a Certified Crop Adviser since 1996. He  was noted for his dedication to his customers and his diligence in providing excellent customer satisfaction. [...] READ MORE . 

by: Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

New bipartisan legislation would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Senators' Chuck Grassley and Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan, proposed the "Food Security is National Security Act of 2017.

"This year we are including the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the committee because of it's jurisdiction over the Food and Drug Administration. Because of increasing numbers of agriculture firms being purchased by foreign investors, this legislation is needed now more than ever before," Grassley says. [...] READ MORE. 

by: ITBusinessNet.com

Beth Ford, group executive vice president and chief operating officer at Land O'Lakes, will be the keynote speaker at this year's annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, September 26-28, at the Hyatt Regency. 

Ford, who has spent the last several years negotiating the changing dynamics of the agri-food business, will present on opening day of the conference on "Navigating Ag's Disrupted Business Environment Why Ag is Still Right for Women." She'll give her perspective on the issues and why she believes ag should be a top career choice for women, in addition to some tips on how preparation,confidence and resilience are the keys to success. [...] READ MORE.