A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation. | |
Grain Indemnity Fund Online Payment and Reporting Portal Opens December 1 | |
The Grain Warehouse Bureau (GWB) recently sent an update to all grain dealers and warehouse operators on the implementation and roll out of the new on-line payment and reporting portal. This new online portal will allow licensees to submit license renewals and Grain Indemnity Fund (Fund) reports and payments.
A document outlining the procedures to follow for the reporting and payments can be found online:
Portal Instructions PDF
A webinar showing the procedures on the Bureau’s website also is available:
Portal Instructions Demonstration Video
Both of the above links can be found at the bottom of the main page of the Grain Indemnity Fund Reporting and Payment portal:
https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/grainreport/
The GWB is encouraging everyone to try this reporting method. The access will be the same log-in and password as your online W-11 reporting. If you do not have your username login or password, please contact the GWB at:
gwb@iowaagriculture.gov
The quarterly assessment that began September 1, 2023, will be due for the first three months, beginning December 1, 2023. The on line portal will be available for reporting and payments at 12:01 A.M., December 1, 2023. The remittance of these assessments is due by December 15, 2023. Any payments made after the 15th will be assessed a $10/day penalty.
The Bureau will be sending this notice and the power point presentation to the main email contact along with any alternative contacts they have on file to make sure the necessary employees are notified of the online portal and upcoming reporting and payment deadline.
If you have any questions regarding the online portal, license renewals, or Grain Indemnity Fund reporting or payments, please contact the Bureau at gwb@iowaagriculture.gov or Jim Kennedy at James.Kennedy@IowaAgriculture.gov.
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IDALS Announces New Water Quality Batch and Build with Iowa Pork and INREC | |
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) will partner with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on a “batch and build” water quality project in targeted Iowa watersheds.
The first phase of the Pig Farmer Water Quality Partnership Program, which is in place through June 30, 2026, will initially focus within the priority watersheds of the Boone River and North Raccoon River. As the project grows, the goal will be for the project to expand into other targeted watersheds.
By working with pork producers and other farmers and landowners who utilize manure as fertilizer, the plan is to install edge-of-field practices such as bioreactors and saturated buffers using Iowa’s innovative “batch and build” model. The model modernizes the project management process by installing batches of conservation practices on multiple farms at once, therefore allowing a faster acceleration of water quality progress.
Bioreactors and saturated buffers help to filter and denitrify water as it leaves the farm field and before it enters our waterways. The goal of the project’s first year is to install 65 structures.
“Not only is Iowa the national leader in pork production, but we are also a national leader in conservation and this partnership with Iowa Pork and INREC will help accelerate our statewide water quality progress,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Our approach makes it easy for pork producers, farmers and landowners to participate and we invite everyone to join with us to keep building our water quality momentum.”
Additional partners on the project include Iowa Select Farms, National Pork Board, Wright County, Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District, Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District, Buena Vista County, Buena Vista County Soil and Water Conservation District and Grundy County.
Read the Full Press Release from IDALS
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NGFA comments on STB’s reciprocal switching proposal | |
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) submitted comments on Nov. 7 in response to the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) most recent proposal on reciprocal switching rules for inadequate service.
Read NGFA Comments
In its comments, NGFA supported the Board’s data-sharing proposal that has the potential to both inform and incentivize railroad performance if the service data is regularly shared with shippers.
However, the Association recommended the Board incorporate “competition-enhancing concepts” considered in previous competitive and reciprocal switching proposals that would facilitate more rail-on-rail competition.
NGFA also suggested several other actions the Board could take to improve railroad service, including finalizing the petition for rules that govern rail carriers’ use of private railcars. This petition would establish financial incentives for the efficient use of railcars owned or leased by shippers.
“The financial incentives to improve the Class I railroads’ inefficient use of private railcars proposed by NGFA and several other shipper organizations in (the petition) would…result in achieving the service improvements the Board is seeking to encourage,” NGFA noted.
Through this rulemaking and other means NGFA is committed to working with STB and railroads as much as possible to improve the performance and efficiency of the network.
The Board’s notice, EP 711 (Sub-No. 2), may be viewed and downloaded at the link below. Reply comments are due Dec. 6.
Read STB Document - EP 711
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Participate In ARA Seed Treatment Survey By December 8 To Inform EPA | |
ARA is calling on your help to inform the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before it takes action to address any issues with the use of pesticide-treated seed and paint.
Complete this brief survey by Friday, Dec. 8 to help ARA's advocacy efforts:
ARA Treated Seed Survey
Why should you care? The EPA issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) for public comment to get information on the use of pesticide-treated seed and paint products. Based on the Agency’s findings, EPA may pursue a rule or take administrative action to address any issues with the use of pesticide-treated seed and paint. Such action may impact your business operations.
View EPA Notice:
EPA Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
For more detailed information about this ANPRM and it's potential impact, view the ARA email about this topic:
EPA ANPRM for Seed Treatment Email
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Due to the popularity of this event, the 2024 Agribusiness Career Day will be a stand alone event separate from the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference. Last year, more than 350 students took part in the the Career Day. The move to a stand along event will provide the opportunity for the event to continue to grow.
This event helps high school FFA seniors and community college students in ag programs be better prepared for the opportunities in the ag sector. It also helps AAI member companies by providing an opportunity to take part in the Agribusiness Career Fair to interact with the student participants.
Mark Your Calendar Now
If your position includes hiring employees, mark your calendar for February 6. Additional information will be available in December for businesses to register to take part in the Agribusiness Career Fair at the event.
If you are not in a hiring position, pass this information along to those in your company responsible for hiring.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Opportunities for sponsorship have been expanded for the Career Day. If your company would like to be seen and prominently recognized by more than 350 potential future employees, contact Sally Thompson for details - sally@agribiz.org or 515.868.0323.
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EXHIBITOR OPTIONS LIMITED
Booths Available: 71 5
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EARLY REGISRATION DISCOUNT FOR EXHIBITORS ENDS DEC. 8
The Exhibitor Registration deadline is just over one week away. Booth space is extremely limited. Avoid wasting money and time - Register Now!
Contact us at 515.262.8323 or agribizshowcase@agribiz.org to reserve your sponsorship.
| Attendee Registration Is Open | |
Session topics being finalized include:
Drone Use and Challenges | Biologicals | Agribusiness P&C Insurance
National Ag Policy | Pesticide Regulations | Product Development Update
Variable Rate Nitrogen & Stabilizers | Soil Sampling For Pest Pressure
Real World Decision Making With Ag Data | Adjuvants - Getting It Right
View General Schedule
Confirmed Speakers Include:
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Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO, The Fertilizer Institute
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Daren Coppock, President and CEO, Agricultural Retailers Association
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Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, National Grain And Feed Association
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Doug Jones, Senior Environmental Advisor, U.S. EPA Region 7
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Thank You For Your Membership! | |
As a member of AAI, you are the driving force of the organization Where Agribusiness Matters. Thank you for your membership and your commitment to the success of agribusiness in Iowa.
The following companies have recently renewed their membership for the 2024 Membership Year.
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- BASF
- Nutrien
- Precision Tank, LLC
- Washington Ag Supply
- D & J Feed Service, Inc.
- Vive Crop Protection
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- Eichelberger Milling Inc.
- Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories, Inc.
- Cogdill Farm Supply, Inc.
- GROWMARK, Inc.
- Nicholson & Edwards Grain Co.
- Cryotech Deicing Technology
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Not currently a member? Click Here to send us an email so we can follow up with your company and help you get connected to AAI. | |
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ARA Conference & Expo
Attended by:
Bill Northey, AAI CEO
Southfork Watershed Alliance Water Quality Forum
Attended by:
Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director
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December 7
AAI Agronomy & Environment Committees Joint Meeting
8:00 AM | Meeting via Zoom
December 11
AAI Legislative Committee Meeting
10:00 AM | AAI Main Office Board Room
December 14
AAI Board of Directors Meeting
10:00 AM | AAI Main Office Board Room
January 25
AAI Legislative Breakfast
7:30 AM | Iowa State Capitol Building
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Partner With Iowa State University For Variable Rate Nitrogen Trials | |
Iowa State University is looking for 500 fields for the 2024 crop season to test nitrogen rates. The trial is built into a variable rate prescription that works with the existing nitrogen program.
Five rates will be tested five times each in a small area (7-10 ac.) of the field. ISU is sent the as-applied file from the applicator and the yield file after harvest. Farmers and agronomists receive information on the optimum nitrogen rate for their fields. If a zero-applied nitrogen rate is included in the trial, growers receive a soil fertility test, soil nitrate testing throughout the growing season, and $600 to offset yield loss on the zero nitrogen plots (~1.5 acres total).
Variable rate application equipment is required to conduct the trials. If you apply variable rate nitrogen to your customers’ fields, please consider participating.
For more information, reach out to Melissa Miller, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative Project Director, at 515-567-0607 or millerms@iastate.edu.
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Liquid Fertilizer Workshop | |
The Fluid Fertilizer Workshop is a gathering designed for retail facility operators, fertilizer applicators, crop advisors, agronomists, consultants, and other agronomic providers. It's the perfect platform to stay updated on the latest advancements in fluid fertilizer technology and best practices.
Date: December 12, 2023
Location: BRANDT Facilities, Springfield, IL
As a member of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, you qualify for TFI member pricing this year!
REGISTER HERE - Discount Code: STATE ($300 off nonmember pricing)
What to Expect:
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Expert Insights: Speakers will share high-impact information on improving fluid nutrient use and efficiency.
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Best Practices: Learn from the best with practical advice that you can immediately apply in your work.
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Brandt Facilities Tour: The workshop will conclude with an exclusive tour of BRANDT facilities.
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CCA Credits: Earn CCA credits. CCA categories will be announced once approved.
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Midwest Ag Safety Leadership Conference | |
This conference is for anyone within a Safety role within their company. This event provides Ag Safety Professionals an opportunity to grow in their leadership skills & network with other professionals. It’s not enough to write safety programs and train employees. Safety professionals must have excellent leadership skills to influence the safety culture within your organizations.
January 9 -11, 2024
Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Additional Information & Registration Page
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Two years of drought in the Midwest have caused the Mississippi River to drop to abnormally low levels. The low river threatens cargo ships that carry 60 percent of all grains produced in the United States.
To help solve the issue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working to create safe pathways for travel along major bodies of water.
Leah DeYoung, Dredging Unit Chief at the USACE Vicksburg District, told SuperTalk Mississippi News that the corps received congressional authorization to create a 12-foot navigation and has been working diligently to complete the project slated for completion by 2025.
The United Soybean Board invests in many infrastructure projects that will help increase profits for soybean growers and the industry itself, which is undergoing significant changes. Through the soy checkoff, USB pursued feasibility studies that led to the dredging of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, a terminal expansion at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Wash., and a reduced freight toll agreement on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
“The goal of these investments is to give U.S. soybean growers a competitive edge in the global market,” says Maryland farmer Belinda Burrier, USB director and the board’s priority area coordinator for infrastructure and connectivity. “These investments help us to be more reliable in moving soybeans from our farm to the global customer.”
[...] Read Full Story
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Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa
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A Sigourney man was sentenced earlier in November to 33 months in prison for committing fraud by selling grain as organic, which in fact was grown in violation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). NOP is a federal regulatory program governing organic agricultural products.
In April 2023, Mark Lynn Haines, 48, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. According to public court documents, key among Haines’ NOP violations were the use of treated seed, which is prohibited by NOP. Haines concealed his NOP violations from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the organic certifier. The grain was then sold by Haines to a number of unwitting purchasers at a total sale price of over $6.5 million.
Haines also conspired to impede and obstruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the assessment and collection of income taxes. Between April 2017 and April 2019, Haines obtained false invoices, backdated checks, and exchanged checks to give the appearance of an expense that was not in fact incurred. In total, Haines concealed over $1.3 million in income. Restitution was ordered to the IRS in the amount of $408,107 and $25,233.44 to a purchaser of the purported organic crops.
Following his prison term, Haines must serve a two-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Consumers trust when they see the USDA Organic Seal, they are purchasing organically produced agricultural products. Haines’ fraudulent activity compromised the integrity of the program and harmed USDA’s ability to protect American agriculture. This investigation and prosecution should serve as warning to all farmers participating in the USDA National Organic Program that organic agriculture fraud will be vigorously investigated by the USDA-OIG, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and its stakeholders,” said USDA OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Shantel R. Robinson.
[...] Read Full Story
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For the eighth time in the past 10 weeks, the Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration benchmark diesel price fell.
The latest average weekly retail diesel price is $4.146 a gallon, down 6.3 cents from the prior week. This week’s price, the benchmark for most fuel surcharges, is the lowest since July 31. It’s been down five consecutive weeks. Since Sept. 18, when the price began its streak of eight declines in 10 weeks, it’s down 44.7 cents.
Crude prices have been declining most of the month. The global crude benchmark, Brent, settled on Nov. 1 at $84.63/barrel. It had settled as low as $77.42 a barrel on Nov. 16 before a slight rebound. But the market has dropped the past three days, and Monday’s 74-cents-per-barrel decline put the price back under $80, to a settlement of $79.98.
The backdrop in the market the past week has been the upcoming meeting in Vienna of the OPEC+ member nations. That meeting was to take place Sunday; its delay until Thursday has been seen by much of the market as a sign that the group, facing declining prices and supply/demand models into 2024 that project out to more weakness, cannot decide which course of action to take.
A headline on a Bloomberg story from Vienna summed up the dilemma the group faces: “Saudi Arabia Seeks OPEC+ Oil Quota Cuts While Some Members Resist.”
[...] Read Full Story
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Pork producers continue to face macroeconomic turbulence and market uncertainty caused by the implementation of hog production regulations in some States that could affect pork production nationwide. But the most serious problem faced by hog producers all year has been generally weak consumer demand for their product, according to USDA’s latest “Livestock, Dairy, Dairy and Poultry Outlook.” The weak consumer pork demand has been reflected in low hog prices, which in turn have translated into below breakeven price levels for most of the year, the report noted.
Rather than reducing the breeding herd, USDA’s quarterly “Hogs and Pigs” report in September showed that producers have opted to limit losses by marketing hogs at year-over-year lower weights. USDA economist Mildred Haley reported that dressed weights through September have so far averaged 2.4 pounds below those in 2022. This, she said, will likely continue “until the market signals consumer willingness—with higher prices—to compensate producers for the costs of putting additional weight on hogs.”
University of Missouri Professor Emeritus Ron Plain reported in National Hog Farmer this week that the average retail price of pork during October was $5.043 per retail pound, the second highest ever and only 0.4 cents (0.1%) lower than the record set in October 2022. While one might think this would translate into higher hog prices, this has not been the case, he pointed out. In fact, the average live price for 51-52% lean hogs marketed in October was $58.08/cwt., down $9.70 from a year earlier. This is also the lowest price since May and roughly $11.00/cwt. below the cost of production, he added. Still, hog prices have been down for all but the first two weeks of the year.
[...] Read Full Story
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