October 19 , 2017
WHITE
A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation.
In This Issue
AAI IN ACTION
 
2018 Association Dues Mailing

As a member of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, we'd like to thank you for your continued support. Packets containing your dues notice have been mailed. 

When agribusiness has a collective voice, thousands of voices strong, YOUR voice is heard. When you have access to education resources and regulatory support, your business is stronger. And when we all work together toward solutions that make sense, our communities are more robust and more resilient.
 
Your member dues make all of this possible - strong businesses, strong communities, and a prosperous Iowa.

Included in your invoices are a few short questions to provide better insight into agribusiness in Iowa. These answers do not affect your dues and are confidential. 

RENEW OR UPDATE MEMBERSHIP ONLINE!

AAI Foundation Calls On Iowa Members to Help Provide Scholarships

Partner with the AAI Foundation to provide 15 students with $1,000 scholarships. 

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) Foundation is seeking sponsors for the 2018 Agribusiness Career Day (ABC Day) community college scholarships.The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation (AAIF) is seeking sponsors for the 2018 Agribusiness Career Day (ABC Day) community college scholarships.

$1,000 scholarships are awarded to at least one student from each of the 15 Iowa community colleges that offer ag degrees during our event - see a full list of colleges here.

As a sponsor, your company can present the scholarship during the awards recognition at the 2018 ABC Day on February 14, 2018, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Your contribution is tax-deductible and helps defray the costs associated with this unique educational event.

To learn more about the ABC Day please visit online at http://agribizshowcase.com/abcd or download the scholarship form today and email to rose@agribiz.org

Fall Photo Contest Ends Oct 31!

You still have time to submit your images into the 3rd Annual Fall Photo Contest! All images will be accepted through October 31st. No entry fee. 

We had fantastic participation in 2016! AAI wants to continue to engage our members and Iowans in showing off what agribusinesses around Iowa contribute to this great state. View all 2016 entries here! 


IN THE NEWS
 
Governor Visits Local Grain Coop, Discusses Concern Over Plans On RFS 


The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is accusing the Trump administration of pandering to big business after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would consider lowering production targets for biofuels in the so-called Renewable Fuel Standard, which would put more than 50,000 jobs and the agriculture industry in Iowa at risk.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said she had phone calls Wednesday with President Donald Trump and Pruitt, who told her they're committed to a federal program mandating that biofuels such as corn-based ethanol be blended into gasoline and diesel.

The governor said during a press conference that she had a constructive conversation with Trump and Pruitt, during which she encouraged them to support a robust Renewable Fuel Standard.



"Really, the renewable fuels (are) essential to us," Two Rivers Co-op General Manager Tracy Gathman said.

Gathman said if the EPA cut the RFS, it would destroy Iowa's agriculture economy and jeopardize more than 50,000 jobs tied to renewable fuels.  Read More

Agribusiness Association of Iowa Supports Appointment of Jim Gulliford to Region 7 EPA Administrator
by: High Plains Journal 


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Jim Gulliford of Missouri to become regional administrator for Region 7. Gulliford will oversee environmental protection efforts in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He previously held the position of regional administrator for Region 7 from 2001 to 2006.

Jim Gulliford most recently held the position of executive director of the Soil and Water Conservation Society where he led the organization from 2009 to 2016. 

Joel Brinkmeyer, CEO, Agribusiness Association of Iowa: "The selection of Jim Gulliford for EPA's Region 7 Administrator is a great choice by this administration in their efforts to accelerate environmental advancement while enhancing production agriculture...." Read More

US DOT Approves New Anhydrous Ammonia Cargo Tank Testing

Orono Spectral Solutions (OSS) announced today that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an approval for companies to use their ClearShotâ„¢ technology as a faster, safer and more accurate method to determine water content in anhydrous ammonia - a DOT regulated measurement to ensure shipping safety. 

DOT-SP 20402 states, "This special permit authorizes the manufacture and use of a testing device to determine the presence of the minimum water content in anhydrous ammonia." 

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most prominent fertilizer, refrigeration, and manufacturing commodities in the world. This new method offers many benefits to anhydrous ammonia manufacturers and their customers, allowing them to increase profits and enhance product quality while improving safety. Read More

New High Five Rural Traffic Safety Program Targets Five Rural Counties In Effort To Reduce Accidents
by: Radio Iowa

The Governor's Safety Traffic Bureau has identified five Iowa counties it wants to target to try and cut an increase in traffic accidents during the past year. Carroll, Marshall, Benton, Muscatine and Plymouth County are part of the project known as the "High Five Rural Traffic Safety Program."

Iowa State Patrol trooper, John Farley, says for Plymouth County making the list was based on the number of accidents - not just accidents resulting in a death. Read More

Two ILF Cover Crop Events Not to Miss This November

Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Jasper County Soil & Water Conservation District, will host a cover crop and soil health field day on Tuesday, November 7, from 3:30-5:30p.m. on the Gordon Wassenaar farm, rural Prairie City. The event is free and open to the public and includes a complementary meal.
 
Speaking at the field day is host farmer Gordon Wassenaar and tenant Will Cannon. Wassenaar has been farming for over 50 years and is using conservation practices including no-till and a cereal rye cover crop on the 1,200 acres. Read More

Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Middle Cedar Watershed Project, will host a cover crop and soil conservation field day on Wednesday, November 8th. The 12:00-2:00 p.m. field day will be held at Jim Lindaman's farm, rural Aplington. The event is free and open to the public and includes a complementary meal. 

Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioner, Jim Lindaman, is leading by example on his family's Century Farm by implementing cover crops, no-tillage, grassed waterways and buffer strips. Read More



WATCH THE AGRIBUSINESS REPORT 


MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Upcoming Events
& Meeting
AAI Executive Committee Meeting
November 7
10 AM
AAI Board Room

AAI Board Meeting
November 14
10 AM
AAI Board Room

Thanksgiving Holiday
Office Closed
November 23-24

Christmas Holiday
Office Closed
December 23

AAI Legislative Breakfast
Jan 23, 2018
7 - 9 AM
Iowa Capital

AAI Board Meeting
Jan 23, 2018
9:30 AM
AAI Board Room

Agribusiness Showcase & Conference
Feb 13-14, 2018
VI Building, Fairgrounds

Strategic Partners
Strategic Partners Bring Service and Savings to AAI Members


 

Agribusiness Association of Iowa 
515-262-8323 |   aai@agribiz.org www.agribiz.org
900 Des Moines Street |  Des Moines, IA 50309