A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation. | | |
US DOT Finalizes Rules For Non-Domiciled CDLs | |
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule to prevent foreign drivers who had not been subject to consular and interagency screening from receiving a commercial driver's license (CDL).
The final rule implements a number of specific requirements, including:
- Limiting eligibility to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 nonimmigrant status holders who undergo enhanced interagency vetting.
- Requirements for applicants to present an unexpired foreign passport and specific Form I-94 documentation. EADs are no longer accepted as proof of eligibility.
- States must query the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to confirm every applicant's lawful immigration status.
View the full final rule
The Iowa DOT is still awaiting approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to resume issuing non-domicile CDLs. The state of Iowa has submitted all of the necessary paperwork as well as supplemental information requested by FMCSA. AAI continues to engage with the Iowa congressional delegation and relevant state and federal officials to urge prompt approval of the Iowa DOT corrective action plan and resumed issuance of non-domicile CDLs.
Details and information will be provided to AAI members as it becomes available.
If you have any questions about the non-domicile CDLs, please contact AAI at 515.262.8323 or email sally@agribiz.org.
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Showcase Highlights: Attendees Gain Insight On The Agribusiness Landscape | |
Last week, hundreds of industry leaders and professionals took part in the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference as they gathered to gain insights and new connections. Below are some of the sessions attendees were able to attend to further their understanding of the current agribusiness landscape in Iowa and the U.S.
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The Showcase kicked off with a discussion of current topics and issues at the federal level. Daren Coppock, Agicultural Retailers Association, and
Corey Rosenbusch, The Fertilizer Institute, shared their experience working on policy in D.C., how they are approaching discussions with the administration, and what to expect in the near term from Congress.
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Grant Kimberley, Iowa Soybean Association, and Joe Kerns, CLMA provided a competitive analysis of Brazil ag production and the near-term impact on global trade.
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As ag looks to the future, artificial intelligence has become a constant conversation. Teddy Bekele, Land O' Lakes, shared how AI is already actively being used in agriculture and ways businesses can take advantage of it today.
| | The ag economy and markets are constantly in flux and current events are adding even more uncertainty. Arlan Suderman, StoneX, provided a full overview of the ag markets, the variety of influences affecting the markets, what has been learned, and what to look for going forward. | | | Few things impact agriculture as much as weather. State Climatologist Justin Glisan joined Meaghan Anderson, Iowa State University, to analyze weather trends and potential challenges and opportunities for the 2026 growing season. | | The 2027 Agribusiness Showcase & Conference will be held Feb. 9-10, 2027. Mark your calendar now to take advantage of great sessions like the those from last week so you can gain the insights and connections that enhance your business and prepare you for the season to come. | | AAI Grain Grading Workshops - March 9 & 10 | | |
AAI Member Registration - $130
Non-Member Registration - $155
EACH WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS
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The AAI Grain Grading Workshops provide hands-on experience for identifying what is, and what is not, considered grain damage by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). Participants will spend half of the workshop focused on corn and the other half focused on soybeans.
The workshops are led by an FGIS employee from Kansas City who will briefly explain how official grain grading works along with the mechanisms involved before leading the participants through the various grain damage FGIS is looking for and the implications on the grade of the grain.
The majority of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on work with grain samples that contain various types of damage and learning to identify specific damage types. Some of the damage training includes: broken or split grain, odor, insect damage, various molds, cob rot, germ damage, heat damage, etc. Participants also learn official criteria for calculating a grade designation and experience calculating that designation.
The same workshop is held on both days - participants only need to attend one session.
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Location:
Ziegler CAT
1500 Ziegler Drive NW
Altoona, Iowa 50009
March 9 & 10
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Lunch is provided.
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Member Spotlight: WB Realty Co. | |
About WB Realty Co.
WB Realty Co. provides full-service land and farm real estate solutions across Iowa, supporting transactions for local farmers, landowners, and agricultural investors. Our team brings deep industry knowledge to help clients buy, sell, and strategically manage agricultural assets with confidence.
Services Offered
- Land and farm real estate services
- Buying and selling agricultural properties
- Property management
- Lease negotiations
- Strategic site selection
What Makes WB Realty Unique
Our team is actively involved in owning, operating, and managing agricultural real estate, providing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities our clients face. This experience allows us to approach each transaction with a practical, informed understanding of the process and our clients’ objectives.
What WB Realty Values Most About AAI Membership
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa offers valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration within the industry. It provides a strong platform to connect with others in the ag community and stay informed on issues impacting Iowa agriculture.
Recent Successes
In 2025, WB Realty Co. increased land and farm transactions by 191%, reflecting the growing trust our clients place in our expertise and hands-on approach to agricultural real estate.
Something You Might Not Know About WB Realty
WB Realty Co. is a full-service brokerage, offering not only land and agricultural services but also commercial sales and leasing, residential real estate, development, and property management.
How To Contact WB Realty
www.wbrealty.com
landon@wbrealty.com
Phone: 319-939-8360
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
The Member Spotlight highlights AAI member companies to help you understand more about these businesses and create stronger connections across the agribusiness industry. If you are an affiliate member and would like to see your business highlighted in the Member Spotlight, contact hdeyoung@agribiz.org for details.
| | AAI-IGFIA Advanced Feed Manufacturing & Mill Management Short Course - May 11-15, 2026 | |
The five day course will be offered through the International Grain and Feed Industry Academy at Iowa State University and will be held at the new ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex utilizing its state-of-the-art facilities.
The course is open to domestic and international grain, feed, animal and bioproducts industry professionals.
NOTE: This course has been rescheduled from March to May.
Course Topics & Details
| | CIRAS Grain Processing And Manufacturing Cyber Readiness Simulation | |
When critical IT systems fail, every second counts. This hands-on cyber readiness simulation from Iowa State University immerses grain processing teams in a realistic, high-pressure incident scenario. Designed for grain millers and processors, this one-day workshop focuses on practical decision-making,
communication, and coordination when a cyber event threatens operations, compliance, and business continuity.
Full Information
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March 9 & 10
Grain Grading Workshops
Ziegler CAT - Altoona, Iowa
April 2
AAI Board of Directors Meeting
10:00 a.m. - Main Office Board Room
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Source: DTN Progressive Farmer
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Invoking the Defense Production Act, President Donald Trump declared phosphorus and glyphosate products are essential not only for agriculture but also for military readiness. The designation also allows the president to direct the production of both products and control the distribution of them.
[...] Read Full Story
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Source: Successful Farming
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Recent rains have brought relief to soybean fields in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, which had been grappling with hot, dry weather that compromised yield potential.
[...] Read Full Story
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Soybeans are currently expected to increase their share of American farmland in 2026, while planted acreage of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cotton and rice is expected to decline compared to last year.
[...] Read Full Story
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