A five-minute summary of AAI, regulation, and industry activities for members of the largest state agribusiness association in the nation. | |
OKOBOJI TOURNAMENT IN 13 DAYS
(click image to register)
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OSHA Walk Around Rule
Source: American Feed Industry Association
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Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a controversial final rule expanding access for third parties to participate as employee representatives in workplace inspections. The rule could potentially open employers up to third parties that do not necessarily represent employees’ or the government to OSHA’s inspection process and has caused animal food companies some alarm.
OSHA originally published its Worker Walkaround Representative Designation rule in 1993, granting employees, and their representatives (i.e., unions), the right to accompany OSHA compliance safety and health officers (CSHO) during facility inspections. The rule intended to provide employees with greater insight and certainty that companies were acting in good faith to assure employee health and safety, a noble cause.
Fast forward 30 years to today. In May, OSHA published a rule, reminiscent of a former Obama-Biden administration policy rescinded during the Trump administration, that allows any representatives—union organizers, community activists or third parties—who may or may not officially represent the employees or government to accompany CSHOs during site inspections, should the CSHO determine they might have a positive impact on the inspection.
The American Feed Industry Association has been tracking this final rule for several years, including the recent, rushed process to publish the rule ahead of the November election—a process that usually takes upwards of seven years, but in this case, only took seven months to complete, which avoids the risk of potential rescission under a Congressional Review Act should there be an administration change.
Not only are our member companies concerned about who is getting access to their facilities, but also that the guidance for which third-party representatives constitute “reasonably necessary” is unclear. There are also concerns about unsolicited campaigns toward employees.
As an industry, we work just as hard to protect the health and safety of our employees as we do to manufacture safe foods for animals. We are concerned that this rushed rule potentially opens facilities up to bad actors that could expose proprietary information, wander into unauthorized areas or engage employees for unknown purposes without prior consent.
This content can be found on the AFIA website:
OSHA Worker Walkaround Rule
Click below for the rule on the Federal Register:
Worker Walkaround Designation Process
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Fields With Fall Nitrogen Application Needed For Iowa Nitrogen Initiative Trials | |
Fall nitrogen application decisions will be made soon, and some have already been made. To ensure the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative (INI) captures data for all nitrogen application timings, INI is actively recruiting participants for the 2025 crop year to include these fields.
The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative placed over 450 nitrogen rate trials for the 2024 crop year. While there’s still much data collection and other work to do for 2024, enrollment for 2025 has already begun.
Trials are conducted on corn fields using a variable rate prescription to apply synthetic nitrogen. To participate, growers should have:
- A field that will be planted to corn for the 2025 growing season (either corn-on-corn or corn following soybeans)
- Combine equipped with a well-calibrated yield monitor
- Ability to apply (yourself or through your preferred retailer) a variable rate nitrogen prescription
In 2025, a select group of participants will apply trials with manure as
the primary N source. These trials will not be applied using VRT.
For full information:
Those wishing to enroll fields in the study or ask questions can contact Melissa Miller, Project Director, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative at 515.567.0607 or millerms@iastate.edu.
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CostShareCompare.com Provides Comparisons For Incentive Programs | |
By stacking incentives, some farmers could get paid $100 or more per acre for planting new cover crops, but it’s not always easy to keep track of all the programs. A new tool is now available to help.
The Iowa-specific cost share guide allows farmers to compare public and private program details for cover crops, no-till, and reduced-till - all in one place. The guide, located at costsharecompare.com, is a pilot project by the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA), a nonprofit formed by the Iowa soybean, pork, and corn associations. The pilot will eventually expand into an interactive tool.
There are millions of dollars and dozens of programs to offset costs of soil health practices, like the cost of cover crop seed or drone application. Program payments can also help mitigate the risk of yield drags.
The current guide includes seven programs. It also shows which programs will stack on top of each other for maximum dollars per acre. While feedback is gathered on this pilot project, a more robust website will be available in the future allowing farmers to filter options to find the best fit.
Visit the Cost Share Compare website for more details:
CostShareCompare.com
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Disaster Declarations and Resources | |
Dozens of counties in Iowa have received Disaster Declarations from the state and federal governments. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has also suspended some regulatory requirements for counties affected by recent natural disasters.
If you are in an area affected by recent tornados, flooding, or other disaster declaration events, visit the resources below to view options which may be available to you.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Online: Apply on FEMA website
Phone: FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362. The helpline operates from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
App: FEMA app
USDA Physical Loss Loans
This program helps farmers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to their agricultural operation.
Start the application process by contacting your local FSA office.
Find Your FSA Office
Learn about other USDA Disaster Assistance Programs
Check Disaster Assistance Program Eligibility
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Online: Apply on SBA website
Visit an Iowa Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or Business Recovery Center:
Download Information For Small Businesses
Text: Find your nearest DRC - text DRC and your ZIP code to "43362".
Make sure to apply by February 24, 2025.
You can also call SBA’s Disaster Hotline at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Small Business Administration Physical Damage Loans
Online: Apply on the SBA Website
Visit an Iowa Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or Business Recovery Center:
Download Information For Small Businesses
Text: Find your nearest DRC - text DRC and your ZIP code to "43362".
You can also call SBA’s Disaster Hotline at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Tax Relief
Full Details:
IRS Announces Tax Relief
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REGISTRATION CLOSES FRI., JULY 12 AT NOON
Nurse Tank Testing Workshops | JULY 16 & 17
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Location:
CNH Industrial Ag Information Center
23942 590th Ave
Nevada, Iowa 50201
Registration Fees:
AAI Member - $195 | Non-Member - $240
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The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) works with FMCSA to provide you with accurate information on becoming qualified to test your own tanks at your own facilities.
U.S. Department of Transportation will present the following:
- Introduction Overview of HAZMAT Textbook
- Registration/Inspector Qualifications/HM training External Visual Inspection
- Pressure Test, Leakage & Test Thickness Venting
- Record Keeping Nurse Tank Testing Demonstration
- NH3 Data Plates Inspectional Observations & Violations
Two sessions are being offered to allow the opportunity for companies to split participants between days if needed. Each participant only need attend one of the dates.
Full details available at the following link:
https://agribiz.swoogo.com/2024nursetank
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First Tournament July 25 - Register Now | |
GRIP IT AND RIP IT
(or just enjoy a day on the course)
The registration deadline for Okoboji is less than two weeks away. Register your team now and get the most from your summer!
Whether you're looking for a way to show some client appreciation, wanting to connect with others in the industry, or just need a day out on the course, the AAI Golf Outings are the perfect opportunity.
We're look forward to seeing you there!
July 25 - AAI Tournament
Emerald Hills Golf Course - Okoboji
August 15 - AAI Tournament
Amana Colonies Golf Course - Amana
August 22 - AAI Tournament
Coldwater Golf Links - Ames
September 11 - AAI Chairman's Foundation Tournament
The Preserve on Rathbun Lake - Moravia
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Grain Elevator Operation Management & Bulk Material Handling Short Course | AUGUST 5-9 | |
Location:
ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex
1873 State Ave.
Ames, Iowa 50014
Registration Fees:
AAI Member - $1050 | Non-Member - $1200
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This week long course will teach the scientific principles and advanced practical skills to further increase the professional competence of grain industry employees.
Hosted by:
- International Grain & Feed Industry Academy at Iowa State University
- Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation
Full details available at the following link:
Advanced Grain Operations Short Course Outline
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Grain Grading Workshops | August 20&21 | |
This one-day hands-on workshop will feature the latest information on grain quality. The Grain Grading workshop will address and display many different grain samples but will emphasize corn and soybeans. Presentations on the grading and appeal process will be given. Participants will learn what the official U.S. grades are and how to obtain a representative sample. Attendees will also learn how to recognize major grain damage factors.
Workshop registrants will be assigned on a first come, first-served basis. The same workshop is held on both days, so participants only need to attend one session.
The workshop is under the direction of Federal Grain Inspection Service inspectors from the National Grain Center.
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Member Registration - $130
Non-Member Registration - $155
Location:
Little Sioux Events Center
201 Linden St.
Cherokee, Iowa 51012
Grain Grading Workshop sessions begin at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM. Lunch is provided.
| ADDITIONAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES | |
IOWA CCA SUMMER WORKSHOP
August 13 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
ISU Extension Field Education Lab (FEEL)
1928 240th St, Boone, Iowa (West of Ames off HWY 30)
Click Here to Register!
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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 joined or renewed their membership for the 2024 Membership Year.
- Growers Edge
- Lytx
- Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company Radcliffe
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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Member and Industry Visits
- FJ Krob and Company
- Cedar County Coop
- Farmers Coop Elevator of Radcliffe
Visits from: Heath DeYoung, Membership Director
AAI Welcomes AFIA To The Main Office
Meeting with AFIA COO Sarah Novak and Senior Director of Communications Victoria Broehm
In attendance: Mark Reisinger, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director; Tyler Teske, AAI Marketing Director
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July 16 & 17
Nurse Tank Testing Workshop
8:00 AM | CNH Industrial Ag Information Center, Nevada
July 25
AAI Golf Outing - Okoboji
Emerald Hills Golf Club
August 5-9
Advanced Grain Operations Short Course
Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill & Grain Science Complex, Ames
August 15
AAI Golf Outing - Amana
Amana Colonies Golf Club
August 20 & 21
AAI Grain Grading Workshops
Little Sioux Event Center, Cherokee
August 22
AAI Golf Outing - Ames
Coldwater Golf Links
September 11
AAI Foundation Golf Outing - Moravia
AAI CHAIRMAN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Preserve On Rathbun Lake
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Deadline for Next Certified Crop Adviser Testing Window - July 15 | |
The Iowa Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) board would like to provide reminders of the testing timeframes for taking the CCA exams. In recent years, the CCA testing has changed from in-person testing to online window testing to on-demand testing. In the last year, the national CCA board has determined on-demand testing was not the best method for the CCA exam. As a result, it has moved back to online window testing.
The exam is offered four times per year, and it can be taken at any scheduled time in a two-week window. There is a registration period before each window to schedule the test. The deadline for registration of the next testing period of 2024 is July 15. The exam can be scheduled to be taken any time between July 24 and August 5. The registration can be completed on the national CCA website:
https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams
The Iowa CCA exam and the exam's performance objectives recently have been updated. The board recommends reviewing the updated performance objectives, which can be downloaded at the following link:
Iowa Performance Objectives PDF Download
Updates to other study materials are being reviewed at this time. Links and recommendations for other methods to study for the exam will be coming through future reminders.
If you or one of your agronomy employees have any questions about studying for or registering for the CCA testing, feel free to contact the Exam Committee Chair, Cody Ostendorf at cody.ostendorf@plantpioneer.com.
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ISU Research to Rows Drone Workshop | |
July 30, 2024 | 9 AM - 3 PM
Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm (near Crawfordsville)
Cost: $75
Register: https://go.iastate.edu/9LTDJK
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab are partnering to offer a new workshop as part of their "Research to Rows" series focusing on Drone (UAV) Technology on July 30 at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.
The workshop is intended to be an introductory and foundational course for farmers or agriculture retailers interested in getting started with drone imagery technology.
Topics to be covered include:
- Definitions, terms and overview.
- Drone usage in agriculture.
- Recreational vs. commercial pilot.
- Purchasing and registration.
- Best practices and flight options/apps.
- Data processing and visualization.
- Future drone workshops.
- Presenters for the workshop include Doug Houser, digital agriculture extension specialist, and Ryan Huffman, digital agronomy research manager with the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab.
Advance registration is required. The cost is $75 and includes lunch, refreshments and handouts. Registration for the workshop closes July 26, and the workshop is limited to 25. Additionally, the first five registrants who farm in Iowa are eligible to have up to an 80-acre corn or soybean field flown over with a drone to collect a field health image.
Registration and check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/9LTDJK.
For more information, contact Doug Houser at dhouser@iastate.edu or Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist at rka8@iastate.edu or 319-653-4811. The Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville, Iowa.
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Federal regulators are delaying several rulemakings affecting the trucking sector, including a controversial rule that would limit new trucks’ engine speeds.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed truck speed limiter rule, scheduled to be published last month, has been delayed to May 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s latest agenda released by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
The proposed rule, which would require that trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds be equipped with an electronic speed governor to set the device at a yet-undetermined maximum speed, was originally scheduled to be issued by mid-2023.
The date for the controversial proposal, which generated close to 16,000 comments, has now been delayed three times since then.
FMCSA is also delaying – by eight months – proposed changes to ELD operations, including whether they should apply to pre-2000 engines. A notice of proposed rulemaking scheduled for October 2024 has been pushed back to June 2025.
In addition, a joint FMCSA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration final rule to require performance standards and maintenance requirements for automatic emergency braking systems on heavy trucks was delayed until January 2025, nine months after its scheduled date of April 2024.
[...] Read Full Story
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While farmers and industry organizations may be obsessed with the workings of the food and farm bill, research coming out of Purdue University shows that the general public has a limited knowledge of the bill currently being debated on Capitol Hill.
“Around one-third of American adults have never heard of the bill, while a similar proportion has heard of the bill but do not know what programs it supports,” said Joseph Balagtas, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue and director of CFDAS. “The farm bill encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars and touches every part of the food system.”
Balagtas was the lead author of the June 2024 Consumer Food Insights (CFI) Report. This survey-based report out of Purdue’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability assesses food spending, consumer satisfaction and values, support of agricultural and food policies, and trust in information sources. Purdue experts conducted and evaluated the survey, which included 1,200 consumers across the U.S.
New survey questions last month explored consumer attitudes toward the farm bill, which the CFI team broke down by self-reported political ideology: liberal, moderate or conservative. The survey asked respondents to rank six broad policy areas aligned with the CFI’s sustainable food purchasing index subindicators in order from most to least prioritized:
The results reveal some similarities and some differences between what consumers want in the farm bill and what they value in their own food consumption.
“Our data show that consumers consistently rank taste, affordability and nutrition as the most important values when they shop for groceries. When we asked them to rank their priorities for the farm bill, affordability/economic sustainability and nutrition ranked high, as well,” Balagtas said. “But taste was not a consumer priority for the farm bill. And while consumers do not rank environmental sustainability as an important value for their own food shopping, they do rank it highly as a priority for the farm bill.”
[...] Read Full Story
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As highly pathogenic avian influenza has spread in dairy herds across the U.S., the virus is being detected in raw milk. A new study by a broad team of researchers at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine helps explain why.
Sialic acid, a sugar molecule found on the surface of some animal cells, acts as a receptor for influenza. Without sialic acid providing an entry point to attach, invade and infect, a flu virus is unlikely to find a potential host hospitable.
Before the recent HPAI outbreak in dairy herds, there was scant research into sialic acid levels in the mammary glands of cattle. Scientists had no reason to suspect the milk-producing organs would be a good target for influenza.
“In livestock, we hadn’t usually looked in milk for viruses. Bacteria, sure. But not so much viruses,” said Dr. Eric Burrough, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine.
A team of Iowa State researchers who examined mammary gland samples from two infected cows found a rich supply of sialic acid, which could shed light on how the virus attaches to hosts and help develop measures to slow the illness’ spread.
“We need to stop transmission, and one way to potentially do that is through milking machines. We’re not sure that’s involved with how this is spreading, but it’s one hypothesis,” said Dr. Todd Bell, professor of veterinary pathology.
[...] Read Full Story
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Source: Progressive Farmer
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Tyson Food's pork plant in Perry, Iowa, ended production on June 28, but a city official is optimistic the plant will be sold and reopen under new ownership.
Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson told DTN Tyson officials have been very open to communicating with the city regarding the future of the plant after the closure left more than 1,200 people without work.
"The closure has affected about 800 of our residents and 300 students in our schools have connection to those workers," Peterson said.
Some workers found other jobs prior to the closing, many have transferred to other Tyson plants in the state, several took retirement, and another group are waiting out the closure he said. Tyson told the Perry administrator they have had several other companies tour the plant and there is a chance the facility will reopen under new ownership, but there is no given timeline.
"We know if the plant does get sold, it will take some time for the new company to get it up and running with a new system," Peterson said. "I wish we could say what the timeline might be, but we just don't know if it will happen."
[...] Read Full Story
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