Seasonal Ag CDL Reform Bill Introduced By Sen. Ernst

The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The bill would:

• Authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries
• Alleviate unnecessary restrictions and penalties by clarifying that ag-related equipment does not contribute to vehicle weight calculations

"The Agribusiness Association of Iowa applauds Senator Ernst for her leadership in advancing the Seasonal CDL Modernization Act,” said Julie Kenney, Agribusiness Association of Iowa CEO. “By providing a federal definition clarifying the use of agricultural implements of husbandry, this bill reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensures regulations better reflect the unique needs of today’s agricultural industry and equipment. We thank Senator Ernst for her strong support of this important legislation."

Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act Press Release

E15 Safe Harbor Application Deadline Extended

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship issued a notice that the deadline for Iowa fuel retailers to apply for a Safe Harbor Designation has been extended until Friday, Oct. 31. 

Businesses that have shown a good faith effort to complete infrastructure improvements to come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard, but are at risk of not completing upgrades by the Dec. 31 deadline, can apply for Safe Harbor Designation. A Safe Harbor Designation gives retail fuel sites additional time to come into full compliance. For businesses granted a Safe Harbor Designation, the Department will exercise enforcement discretion at retail fuel sites until Sept. 30, 2026. 

How to Apply for Safe Harbor

To be considered for a Safe Harbor Designation, fuel retailers must demonstrate a good faith effort to comply with the E15 Access Standard. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2025 and include the following:

1. Completed Application Form - Download and complete the Safe Harbor application at: iowaagriculture.gov/e15access
2. Supporting Documentation (choose one):

• Option A: A copy of a purchase order, work order, installation agreement/contract, or invoice for the necessary equipment/infrastructure
• Option B: A copy of a submitted, active application for an Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) E15 cost-share grant

Send your completed application and documentation via email to:

Mike Harrington - mike.harrington@iowaagriculture.gov

Applications will be reviewed individually, and applicants will be notified of their status within 7 to 10 business days. Retailers approved for Safe Harbor must be in full compliance by Sept. 30, 2026.

Compliance Enforcement Begins in 2026

Retailers who are not in compliance, not exempt, and do not apply (or are not approved) for Safe Harbor may be subject to enforcement beginning Jan. 2, 2026. Penalties may include fines of up to $1,000 per day. In cases where a retailer is not making a good faith effort to comply, the Department may suspend or revoke fuel licenses.

To learn more about the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) and available cost-share grants, visit iowaagriculture.gov/irfip.

For questions about Safe Harbor or the application process, contact Mike Harrington at (515) 321-0031 or mike.harrington@iowaagriculture.gov.

Safety First, Avoid The Worst

This week, agriculture has been joining together for National Farm Safety and Health Week (NFSHW) to raise awareness and provide education to promote safety and wellness.

Some of the focus topics this week are:

• Equipment and roadway safety
• Mental and physical health and wellness
• Confined spaces
• ATV/UTV operation and safety

Follow AAI LinkedIn and Facebook accounts to catch up on safety posts from this week, and find NFSHW webinars on the AgriSafe Network website.

AAI wishes everyone a safe and successful harvest season.

Become An Agribusiness Showcase Sponsor For Early Registration Access

All Agribusiness Showcase & Conference sponsors have the opportunity to claim an exhibitor booth BEFORE registration opens to the public on Oct. 14. Sponsorships are open to any company.

Download the Exhibitor & Sponsor packet for sponsor options and full details. Reserve your sponsorship by contacting agribizshowcase@agribiz.org or calling the AAI Main Office at 515.262.8323.

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR SILVER AND GOLD AFFILIATES

All 2025 AAI Affiliate Members at the Silver or Gold level can begin claiming their exhibitor booths on Oct. 8. Email agribizshowcase@agribiz.org or call the main office at 515.262.8323 to reserve your space.

GENERAL EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION OPENS OCT. 14

All exhibiting companies who do not claim a Showcase sponsorship can begin registration on Oct. 14 starting at 10:00 a.m. All booth spaces are first come, first served. Mark your calendar now to claim your space for the 2026 Agribusiness Showcase & Conference.

The Agribusiness Showcase & Conference will be held Feb. 11-12, 2026 in central Iowa. Hundreds of ag professionals from across the state gather every year to attend the Showcase for access to information direct from manufacturers, insights from national leaders, the highest quality agribusiness trade show in the Midwest, and the opportunity for interactions with others in the industry. 

Out And About

Member and Industry Visits

• Agrilink International
• Van Wall Equipment

Visits by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• DTN
• New York Life Insurance
• One Degree Ag
• Spraytec Fertilizers

Visits by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

Agricultural Retailers Association Board Meeting

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

October 9

AAI Showcase Commitee Meeting

1:30 p.m. - AAI Board Room

Iowa CCA Program Soliciting Board, Award Nominees

The Iowa Certified Crop Advisers Board of Directors is seeking candidates for three open seats, each with a three-year term. Any active Iowa CCA is eligible to serve.

CCA Board Nominations

Terms will begin Jan. 1, 2026 and run through Dec. 31, 2028. The board meets quarterly in Des Moines. A board member is required to attend a minimum of three meetings each year. Board members will also be asked to participate in committees or task forces established by the board. 

Board nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Online ballots will be e-mailed to all Iowa CCAs in early November. New board members will be invited to the Dec. 5 board meeting and officially begin their term in January 2026.

Iowa CCA Of The Year

The Iowa CCA Program is also accepting nominations for the Iowa Certified Crop Adviser of the Year. This award is designed to recognize a certified crop adviser who delivers exceptional customer service, is a leader in their field, is highly innovative, and contributes to the exchange of agronomic knowledge within the agriculture industry. (This award celebrates an individual, not a company.) 

The nomination can be either for yourself or someone else. Nomination deadline is Nov. 25, 2025.

Iowa CCA Of The Year Nominations