Ag Facing A Time Of Economic Transition

On Wednesday, Jim Knuth, senior vice president for lending at Farm Credit Services of America, shared insights in an AAI webinar on the economic factors influencing farmer decisions as they plan for the 2026 crop year. Jim covered a number of topics including interest rates, inflation, supply and demand, economic trends, and the key aspects of farm operations that are likely to drive farmer outcomes.

If you would like to access to a recording of the presentation please contact tteske@agribiz.org and we will send you a link.

Thank you to Farm Credit Services of America, and to Jim for taking time to share his expertise and analysis for AAI members.

Additional Opportunities for High Level Analysis

Looking for more insight on topics like those presented by Jim? Mark your calendar for the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference on Feb. 10-11, 2026. The Showcase will host nationally recognized speakers and industry leaders who will share valuable assessments of the current and future trends and issues within the agribusiness industry.

Have an idea for a future topic or speaker? Bringing valuable information to AAI members is a core mission of the association. Share your ideas with us by emailing aai@agribiz.org or call 515.262.8323.

Governor Issues Harvest Proclamation

Gov. Reynolds has issued a proclamation related to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure. The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through October 18, 2025.

The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.  

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges. 

See Tracks? Think Train

Find the Blue & White Sign

Iowa DOT and Operation Lifesaver share these tips for what to do if your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing: 

• Get everyone out and far away from the vehicle, even if you don't see a train.
• Call the number on the Blue/White ENS sign.
• Report the crossing ID # to the dispatcher.
• If you can't locate the ENS sign, call 911 or local police.

See Tracks? Think Train Week 2025

The Iowa DOT is observing national rail safety with “See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2025” this week, September 15-21. Iowa is joining forces with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., to raise awareness and promote rail safety education to assist drivers with making good decisions at Iowa public highway-railroad grade crossings and prevent rail property trespassing. 

The primary focus of this year’s educational campaign is on agricultural operations that harvest and transport commodities to market. As harvest approaches, rail safety is a high priority with the majority of at-grade crossings in rural areas.

More resources and information to stay safe around train tracks can be found online.

Showcase Exhibitor Registration Opens Oct. 14

Exhibitor registration will open 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.

Sponsors Register Early

All Showcase sponsors have the opportunity to register BEFORE Oct. 14. Download the Exhibitor & Sponsor packet for full details.

Out And About

Member and Industry Visits

• President Wintersteen and Iowa State University
• Common Sense Institute – Iowa Chapter

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• Mutual Agricultural Software Alliance (MASA)

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

Pig Farmer Batch & Build Luncheon

Attended by: Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director

Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute

Speaker: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

Farmers for Free Trade Event

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

October 9

AAI Showcase Commitee Meeting

1:30 p.m. - AAI Board Room