Board Of Directors Elects New Executive Committee, Sets Budget

The AAI Board of Directors met this week and took action on a number of items to set the course for the 2026 fiscal year.

During the meeting, the board reviewed and passed the budget for fiscal 2026 which begins Oct. 1. They also reviewed the current fiscal year which is set to end strong with more than 20 new member companies in 2025. Other approved items at the meeting include legislative priorities for 2026, which will be used to direct the efforts of AAI in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

The September meeting also brings the election of AAI Board of Directors officers. The 2026 AAI Executive Committee is:

• Chair - Joel Nelson, Nutrien
• Past Chair - Mark White, Smith Fertilizer & Grain
• Vice Chair - Kent Bennis, Rosen's
• Treasurer - Renee Hansen, Sukup Manufacturing Co.
• Secretary - Rob Cogdill, Cogdill Farm Supply
• Foundation Representative - Kevin Drury, Hedlin Ag Enterprises

ASTA Resources Available To Encourage Proper Disposal Of Treated Seed

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has launched their annual fall seed treatment stewardship outreach campaign. Help spread the word to your customers and stakeholders about the importance of proper handling and disposal of treated seed during #Harvest25. 

ASTA is providing a template newsletter article which can be customized and include within your individual newsletters. Also provided are social posts that ASTA will use over the next few weeks and are available for your business to use, or share from ASTA's channels @Better_Seed with #Harvest25.

Additional resources can be found at seed-treatment-guide.com, including the newly updated Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship in partnership with CropLife America.

NEXT WEEK - AAI MEMBERS ONLY WEBINAR: Planning Ahead for the 2026 Growing Season

Join us for a webinar featuring Jim Knuth, senior vice president for lending at Farm Credit Service of America, as he provides insight and perspective on the economic factors that may influence farmer decisions for the 2026 growing season.

Jim will share his outlook on the collective financial health of Iowa farmers and highlight key considerations for ag businesses as they plan for 2026 and beyond. Topics will include:

• Land value trends
• Interest rates
• Grain production economics

WEBINAR DETAILS

Wednesday, Sept. 17

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Online Event (link provided upon registration)

This webinar is only available to AAI member companies and their employees.

Join this webinar to better understand the financial landscape your farmer customers are navigating. Reserve your spot today and gain the insights you need to plan confidently for the year ahead.

See Tracks? Think Train

Iowa has 2,200+ passive train crossings.

It's easiest to misjudge an approaching train's speed at passive crossings. Know the length of your truck/trailer or other slow-moving ag equipment and give yourself lots of extra time to cross the tracks.

See Tracks? Think Train Week 2025

The Iowa DOT is observing national rail safety with “See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2025” during 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.

Out And About

Member and Industry Visits

• Bayer CropScience

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO ; Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director

Sukup Day at Iowa State Univeristy

Attended by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) Board Meeting

Attended by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO ; Ben Gleason, AAI Environment Director

2025 DMACC Fall Agribusiness and Horticulture Career Fair

Monday, Sept. 29

FFA Enrichment Center

DMACC Ankeny Campus

This event expects more than 175 students to be in attendance. Additional information and an agenda will be sent out about one week prior to the event to those that register.

Register for the DMACC Fall Agribusiness and Horticulture Career Fair

Companies also have the opportunity to offer "Lunch and Learn" sessions in addition to the career fair. This is allows your company or university to set up a time to meet with DMACC students. The greatest impact is from lunch and learn sessions held prior to the Career Fair. Additional Lunch and Learn opportunities are available throughout the entire semester. 

Organizations with an interest in the Lunch and Learn sessions, and anyone with questions about the career fair, should contact Andrea Rouse, adrouse@dmacc.edu or 515-964-6866.

October 9

AAI Showcase Commitee Meeting

1:30 p.m. - AAI Board Room