A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation. | | Make America Heathy Again (MAHA) Report Makes Claims about Ultra Processed Foods, Seed Oils, Pesticides | |
The Trump Administration today released the highly anticipated report from its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, outlining several potential causes of chronic disease among children. The report addresses what it refers to as ultra processed foods, seed oils, and pesticides, among other aspects of the U.S. food system.
Many AAI partners and agricultural groups have expressed concerns with the report:
The Executive Order creating the MAHA Commission directs that a second report be issued within 80 days of this report, providing policy recommendations based on the findings of the first report. AAI is working with our national partners to continue to advocate for science-based policies and will provide additional information and updates to members.
| | AAI Hosts Regional Agribusiness Executive Summit | |
Regional industry association colleagues from nearby states gathered at the AAI Main Office in Des Moines this week for the annual Agribusiness Regional Executive Summit. The gathering is a time to learn from other associations' experiences, find out what is happening in other states, share discuss challenges and opportunities, gain insights, and strengthen relationships across the region.
Attendees included: Ohio AgriBusiness Association, Wisconsin Agribusiness Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, Minnesota Crop Production Association, Minnesota AgriGrowth, South Dakota Agribusiness Association, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, and Kansas Grain and Feed Association.
AAI was glad to host this event to help build success for agribusiness among the states for the benefit all our members.
| | Winton Etchen Scholarship Application Now Being Accepted Through July 15 | |
Applications are now being accepted for the Winton Etchen Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is to identify and recognize 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, 2025.
Full details are available online or by downloading the Winton Etchen Scholarship Application.
| | PCQI Training At Iowa State University | AAI members were able to take advantage of a grant to provide their employees with Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training at no cost. The food and feed safety training covers product descriptions, Hazard Analysis Risk Assessment, Preventive Controls, Monitoring, Verification, Recordkeeping, and training and communication. The in-person portion of the training took place on Thursday. We appreciate the partnership with Iowa State University as we work together to provide training opportunities to AAI members. | | AAI Member Directory Now Available Online | |
The 2025 AAI Membership Directory is a valued resource you can use on a regular basis. Whether you are looking for a service provider, a supplier, or a client, the AAI Membership Directory is a quick source to find the people you are looking for.
To access the directory, visit:
https://directory.agribiz.org
All employees of AAI member companies can request access to the directory. Use the form on the AAI Directory site to request access.
If you find your email is already in the system, reset your password to gain access.
Advertising Opportunities Available
Your business has the opportunity to be seen by AAI members when they use the directory. All ad opportunities will run through April 30, 2026. To become a directory advertiser, download the 2025 AAI Directory Advertiser Information PDF for full details.
Thank you for your membership in the Agribusiness Association of Iowa!
Not currently a member? Send us an email so we can follow up with your company and help you get connected to AAI.
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Register for AAI Golf Outings | The first golf outing of the year is just over a month away. Register now and be ready for a great day on the golf course as you tee it up with your favorite foursome or entertain some special clients. | |
BECOME A SPONSOR
The sponsorship options are starting to fill up. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be seen by the agribusiness community and recognized for your support of agribusiness in Iowa!
| | Feed Industry Leaders Encouraged to Join FAD Preparedness Discussion at World Pork Expo | |
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) is partnering with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Producers Council to host an Animal Industry Committee meeting during the upcoming World Pork Expo. This session will focus on foreign animal disease (FAD) preparedness and response efforts -specifically, how these efforts relate to Iowa’s feed industry.
Date: Thursday, June 5
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: World Pork Expo – Elwell Family Food Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
RSVP by: May 28 at Sally Thompson (sally@agribiz.org)
As global threats like African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease continue to loom, this is an important opportunity to hear from experts about what to expect in the critical first 72 hours of a disease outbreak - and how it could impact feed manufacturing, delivery, and supply chains.
Participants also will gain actionable insights into how their business can prepare now, and hear about the latest research on FAD risks and feed mill biosecurity.
Featured speakers include:
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Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
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Dr. Jeff Kaisand, State Veterinarian, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
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Dr. Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health, National Pork Producers Council
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Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, Associate Professor, Swine Production, Kansas State University
This is an important session for anyone involved in the feed industry who wants to stay ahead of potential animal health threats. We hope you’ll join us in strengthening Iowa’s feed sector readiness.
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Regional Agribusiness Executive Summit
Attended By: Julie Kenny, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director
Animal Feed PCQI Training at Iowa State University
Attended By: AAI Membership Director
Member and Industry Visits
Visit By: Julie Kenny, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director
- Energy Transfer
- Right Roofing and Siding
Visits By: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director
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June 5
AAI Animal Industry Committee Meeting
9:00 a.m. - World Pork Expo, Iowa State Fairgrounds
June 9
AAI Showcase Committee Meeting
1:00 p.m. - AAI Main Office Board Room
June 11
AAI Legislative Committee Meeting
1:00 p.m. - AAI Main Office Board Room
July 10
AAI Golf Outing
11:00 a.m. Lunch | Noon Shotgun Start
Emerald Hills Golf Club - Okoboji
August 5
AAI Golf Outing
10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Beaver Creek Golf Club - Grimes
September 10
AAI Golf Outing
9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Amana Colonies Golf Club - Amana
| | Farmers Encouraged to Sign Up for Iowa’s Cover Crop Cost-Share Program | |
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The annual program, which is available to eligible first-time users as well as returning participants, is now open for Iowa farmers to begin enrolling their acres that will be seeded this fall.
Cover Crop Cost-Share
- Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.
- Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops can receive $20 per acre.
- Cost share funding through this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.
Additional Cost-Share Assistance for First-Time Users Only
- Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre.
- Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
- Cost share funding for this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.
Funds will be made available beginning in July, but farmers may start submitting applications immediately through their county soil and water conservation offices located in their county USDA Service Center. Iowa farmers and landowners are also encouraged to visit with their local Service Center staff to inquire about additional cost share funds and other conservation programs that may be available.
Learn more about conservation in Iowa by visiting CleanWaterIowa.org.
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Bill includes important provisions that provide critical tax relief for farmers, ranchers and meat and poultry producers.
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Ongoing uncertainty about the direction of international trade policy is clouding the outlook for U.S. grain elevators and merchandisers. The lack of clarity surrounding tariffs with key U.S. trading partners like China has pulled new-crop sales well below historical averages.
[...] Read Full Story
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Source: Successful Farming
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CNH Industrial has signed an agreement with Starlink to bring satellite connectivity to farmers.
[...] Read Full Story
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