Iowa Legislature Approves Grain Indemnity Fund Reforms 

In the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, the Iowa legislature reached a compromise on Grain Indemnity Fund reform. After bouncing from the Senate to the House and back, the bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.  

The legislation has been a priority for AAI this session, and the final version reflects a framework supported by the association. Key provisions of the bill include: 

• Raising the fund’s floor from $3 million to $8 million, and its ceiling from $8 million to $16 million. 
• Extending coverage to include deferred-pricing contracts (but not deferred-payment contracts). 
• Establishing grain value for claims based on No. 2 grain prices, not at specialty or identity preserved grain prices. 
• Providing sellers with 75% coverage for deferred-pricing contract losses and 90% for all other eligible contracts. Deferred-payment contracts remain uncovered. 
• Increasing the maximum payout per claim to $400,000. 
• Clarifying the audit requirements for licensed grain dealers.

This is one of several legislative issues AAI engaged with this session. Members interested in a deeper dive into the session’s outcomes and in helping shape AAI’s 2026 policy priorities are encouraged to attend the Legislative Committee meeting on June 11. 

To get involved or learn more, contact the AAI office by phone, email aai@agribiz.org, or visit our website to complete the interest form. 

Voice Your Support For Sound Science In Decision Making To The MAHA Commission

The Make America Healthy Again Commission (MAHA) is slated for a May 24 report release. AAI joined a letter in March urging the importance of sound science in the evaluations conducted by MAHA, particularly concerning agricultural inputs, which also has been emphasized by several key stakeholders.

The letter highlighted the critical role of modern agricultural tools like pesticides and biotechnology in maintaining a healthy, safe, and affordable food system. The letter emphasized:

• Residue limits are very low risk and consistently set 10 or even 100 times more conservative than is already found to be safe.
• Pesticides are critical in controlling disease and in maintaining U.S. food security.
• Biotechnology and genetic improvement technologies have helped farmers reduce crop input use; mitigate pest pressures; enable soil health practices, such as no-till; and enhance the nutritional profile of foods to improve health outcomes for consumers.

The letter also highlighted the significant scrutiny provided by the current system and cautioned against policy changes based on misleading studies, advocating for conclusions drawn from robust scientific data.

Separately, all members of the Iowa congressional delegation added their voice to the discussion, signing onto a letter with colleagues to support the Commission's work while stressing the need for sound science and risk-based analyses in policy decisions. This letter expressed concern about activist groups potentially influencing the Commission with misguided policies that could harm U.S. agriculture and food security. 

Make Your Voice Heard

AAI members can lend their voice to the discussion as part of a grassroots letter campaign led by CropLife America. Farmers and others involved in agriculture can directly contact President Trump, other relevant Cabinet officials, and their members of Congress using this link. 

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.

Do Your Clients Know You Support Agribusiness In Iowa?

Businesses that sponsor the golf outings receive numerous benefits, but the greatest benefit is being recognized as an integral part of a thriving agribusiness community in Iowa.

Looking for high visibility? Sponsor a luncheon, the hole-in-one prize, or the golf carts and have your logo seen repeatedly all over the golf course.

Or sponsor a hole and interact with golfers as each team makes their way to your location on the golf course.

VIEW ALL SPONSOR OPTIONS

2025 AAI GOLF SPONSORS

REGISTER FOR GOLF!

Gather for social time, entertain clients, and enjoy a great day at the golf course.

Implementing Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy

Better nitrogen management recommendations for every farm operation and every field – that’s the goal of the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative. AAI is proud to support these efforts that deliver real benefits for farmers, agribusiness, and all Iowans.

This video is part of a five video series from the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) that explores the origins, progress, and future of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS). AAI encourages members to refresh their knowledge about the NRS and learn what has changed in the last twelve years.

Watch the full series of videos online.

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:

• Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture 
• Dr. Jeff Kaisand, State Veterinarian, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Dr. Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health, National Pork Producers Council
• 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.

Out And About

Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources Source Water Ag Collaborative Meeting

Attended by: Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director

Executive Agribusiness Risk Summit 

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

Member and Industry Visits

• Creative Planning
• Ducksworth Solutions
• Quincy Recycle

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

• Energy Transfer

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director; Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• Nutrients for Life
• Titan Pro

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

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.

2025 CropLife America Webinar Series: EPA’s Final Insecticide Strategy and Its Impact on Endangered Species 

Join CLA for our upcoming monthly webinar, where we will explore the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly released Final Insecticide Strategy. This strategy outlines mitigation measures designed to protect over 900 species listed under the Endangered Species Act, which the EPA considers during the registration and review of insecticides.

Webinar Highlights:

• An overview of the EPA’s final strategy
• Insight into how the strategy may affect the pesticide regulatory landscape
• CLA’s actions to address members’ feedback
• Live Q&A with CLA’s science and legal experts

May 21, 2025 12:00 p.m. EDT - 1:00 p.m. EDT

Register Online

Nomination Deadline for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award Extended to May 19 

AAI encourages members to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their communities for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The nomination deadline for the award has been extended through May 19, 2025. 

The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes farmers and farm families who go above and beyond to take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, while serving as leaders within their communities. Since the creation of the award in 2012, 821 farm families have been recognized.

The award recipients will be honored during a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at the Iowa State Fair. Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Cournoyer, Secretary Naig and Director Lyon will present each awardee with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award sign and certificate. 

The nomination form can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.