2019 Winter Kansas Agribusiness Update

Winter 2019 Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 234-0463 ksagretailers.org ASSOCIATION STAFF Ron Seeber President & CEO Randy Stookey Senior Vice President General Counsel Staci Storey Vice President Chief Financial Officer Shari Bennett Vice President Event Planning Samantha Tenpenny Director of Member Services Lisa Anschutz Senior Director of Internal Operations Mitzi Dodds Executive Administrative Professional Trae Green Director of Communications and Marketing

CONTENTS

3 5 7 8

President’s Letter Thank One of Ag’s Greatest Allies Industry News Updates on Issues Affecting You KARA Training Program Update We Held a Variety of Trainings Across the State Capitol Review A Comprehensive View of the Kansas Political Landscape

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clark Pearson Chairman Lance Nelson Vice Chairman Dustin Kuntz 2nd Vice Chairman Gary Beachner Scott Boyd Brian Bucl Troy Coon Kevin Dieckmann Justin Foss Bryan French Bill Garner Tim Giesick Jim Grilliot

Jeff Holling Rachel Hurley Brian Laverentz Scott Morris O.J. Pearl Johnny Schaben Dave Spears Kevin Tomka Mark Wegner

13 14 16 18 7

KARB Update Where Your Funds are Going Legislative Action Day Members Lobby Legislators 2019 KARA Calendar Events You Need to Attend TAL Class Completes Session I 2019 Class Learns Legislative Process

KARA Training Program Update We Held a Variety of Trainings Across the State

Legislative Action Day Members Lobby Legislators

The Kansas Agribusiness Update is published quarterly for the members, friends and affiliates of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. Email contributions to: Trae Green, trae@kansasag.org. The KARA team welcomes your comments, contributions and suggestions. Annual subscriptions for members can be purchased for $25.00. © 2019 KARA. Read this newsletter online at www. ksagretailers.org/printnewsletters.

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

Thank One of Ag’s Greatest Allies for 40 Years

Ronald Seeber President & CEO

“

Senator Roberts performed his job with the selfeffacing wit of a plain-spoken Kansan and the determination of a United States Marine (which he was).

Dear KARA Members Kansas has a long line of leaders who have made their mark on our state, our country and the rest of the world. Individuals who have committed their lives to service and dedication. They include storied leaders by the name of Eisenhower, Dole, Glickman, Kassebaum and Ingalls. After a key announcement in early January, there will soon be one more name to add to this list of honorable Kansans - Roberts. On Jan. 5, 2019, Senator Pat Roberts announced his intention to not seek a fifth term and end his 40-year career of serving Kansas in 2021. As a congressman representing the “Big First” district, or as the Senator representing the entire state, Roberts has been a tireless agribusiness advocate. He has, indeed, earned the right to be listed with the aforementioned group of worthy individuals. During his nearly four decades in Congress, Congressman Roberts has the distinction of being the first person in history to serve as Chairman of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Whether he led or resided on these committees, he played a key role in the passage of eight farm bills under six presidents. During his tenure of public service, he also chaired the Senate Ethics and Senate Intelligence committees under times of political scandal and/or full-scale war. In fact, while his party was in power,

Senator Roberts held the Chairman’s gavel six times in his career. He is (and always was) fond of saying, “It’s not just having a gavel, it’s what you do with it.” Kansas voters apparently approved of what Senator Roberts did with his gavels. During his 16 years in the House and 22 years in the Senate, he ran for election or reelection 24 times. Never once was he defeated. After all of this time serving our state, Senator Roberts performed his job with the self-effacing wit of a plain-spoken Kansan and the determination of a United States Marine (which he was). While Washington, D.C., seems like a town where someone just provided teenage boys with a bottle of whiskey and some car keys, Roberts was the adult in the room. He was the voice of concern when it was warranted, the voice of reason when it was needed and the voice of Kansas agriculture 24/7. Senator Pat Roberts still has about two more years of service left to our state. Please take a moment to thank him for his contributions to our industry when you get a chance.

Ronald Seeber President and CEO

SEND IT TO US! Do you have a story idea or photo for us to consider publishing? An idea of how KARA can better serve its members? Send it in! membership@kansasag.org trae@kansasag.org samantha@kansasag.org Winter 2019

INDUSTR IND INDUSTR IND INDUSTR IND INDUSTR

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

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Agribusiness Update

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INDUSTRYnews

OSHA Releases Official Notice for Regional Emphasis Program of Kansas Ag Retailers

OSHA REP Mock Inspection Video Released Source: Asmark Institute

KARA received official notice from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that Regions 6 and 7 are under Regional Emphasis Programs (REPs) to address hazards from exposure to fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) and agricultural anhydrous ammonia. The REPs will apply to all facilities in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. According to the news release, the purpose of this Notice is to establish a Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities related to workers’ exposures in FGAN and agricultural anhydrous ammonia mixing/blending, storage, and distribution facilities. Workers employed in the fertilizer storage, mix/blend and distribution industry face many hazards that can lead to serious injury, illness and death, including fire, explosions and hazardous chemicals. The intent of this REP is to encourage employers to take steps to address hazards, evaluate facilities to determine if the employer is in compliance with all relevant OSHA requirements and to help employers correct hazards, thereby reducing potential worker injuries, illnesses and deaths. OSHA in Region VII proposes to accomplish this through outreach and enforcement activities. Outreach activities will include letters to employers, training sessions with stakeholders, electronic information-sharing activities, public service announcements and news release broadcasts. Enforcement activities will begin not earlier than three months after outreach is initiated and will include, but not be limited to, the inspection and review of production operations and working conditions; injury and illness records; safety and health programs; and chemical handling and use, to identify and obtain corrections of workplace hazards at all applicable inspection sites.

OSHA, the Fertilizer Institute (TFI), Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and ResponsibleAg recently collaborated on a video to help ag retailers prepare for OSHA’s new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) inspections. The video, shot at the Ford B. West Center for Responsible Agriculture in Owensboro, KY, is designed to explain OSHA’s inspection process. To view the video, search for ResponsibleAg on YouTube. Continued on Page 6

Winter 2019

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INDUSTRYnews Continued from Page 5

EPA Transitions from Enforcement to Compliance Initiatives Source: Asmark Institute

KANZA Represents Industry at Water Congress Meeting

Recognizing the need to focus resources to achieve environmental law compliance, EPA is transitioning from National Enforcement Initiatives (NEIs) to National Compliance Initiatives (NCIs). NEIs have always focused on improving compliance and reducing pollution, and have often used not only enforcement actions but also compliance assistance and compliance alerts. The transition to NCIs better conveys the message that increased compliance is the goal and enforcement actions are not the only tool for achieving the goal. For 2019, the NCI priorities are: Keeping industrial pollutants out of the nation’s waters. Keeping raw sewage and contaminated stormwater out of our nation’s waters. Reducing air pollution from the largest sources. Reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities. Cutting Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). Ensuring energy extraction activities comply with environmental laws. Reducing toxic air emissions from hazardous waste facilities. Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground water.

An alleged impairment of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service water rights in the Rattlesnake Creek Basin to service the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (QNWR) led to a stakeholder meeting in Topeka in early February. To sustain the QNWR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife relies on a Kansas-issued water permit to draw water from the adjacent Rattlesnake Creek. The Rattlesnake, an Arkansas River tributary, supports approximately $1.44B worth of irrigated cropland and livestock in a predominantly agricultural water district. In 2017, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) proposed a mitigation plan to remedy this impairment. This plan included the creation of a LEMA in the Rattlesnake Creek Basin area, which sits within Big Bend Groundwater Management District (GMD) No. 5. District officials have adopted strategies to reduce water consumption in the sub-basin to 210K acre-feet per year to support the refuge and the community. Last August, GMD 5 held a public meeting on the proposed LEMA to discuss the details of the proposed LEMA and its intended effects on the QNWR. In order to be approved by KDA Chief Engineer Dave Barfield, the proposed LEMA must remedy the impairment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s water right for the QNWR. Many producers within GMD 5 that would be affected by the LEMA have voiced concerns about the proposed LEMA. Continued on Page 10

Kansas Cooperative Council CEO Brandi Miller (left), Kanza Coop Chief Operations Officer Nicholas Krehbiel and KARA’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey after the Kansas Water Congress meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 5 in Topeka.

Agribusiness Update

TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING U TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING U TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING U TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE TRAINING UPDATE

TRAININGUPDATE

2019 Trainings

NH3 Safety Workshops - That’s a Wrap Inclement weather only tried to put a damper on KARA’s 2019 NH3 Workshops where more than 250 individuals were trained on the basics of NH3 properties and plant design, regulatory laws and safety essentials over the last month. A special thanks to Gary Cless, Fairbank Equipment, for coming out of retirement to contribute to our workshops, as well as David Klahr, Lee Olsen and Randy Massey of KFSA, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Corporation Commission for their added expertise, and a reminder to all members to stay safe this application season!

APRIL

KSU CCA Exam Manhattan

9 - 10

JULY KARA travelled all four corners of the state and held six NH3 schools to begin 2019.

KSU Field Days Manhattan

11 - 12

KSU Field Days Manhattan

Inaugural Kansas CCA Recognition Banquet a Large Draw

The banquet recognized Kansas’ 25-year Certified Crop Advisers (L-R) Chris Droge (Syngenta); CCA Vice Chairman Lawrence Baxa (Pride Ag Resources); Matt Ehrhart (FMC); Dale Leikam (Leikam AgroMax); Ron Reneberg (Midway Coop); and CCA Chairman Brian Ganske (John Deere).

The first ever Kansas Certified Crop Adviser Recognition Banquet was held at the Smokey Hill Country Club in Hays on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. Keynote speaker, Brian Bledsoe with KKTV out of Colorado Springs, provided attendees with a long range forecast before 5, 10, 15, 20 and for the first time in our state’s history, 25-year CCA certification anniversaries were recognized. Four of the remaining seven CCA’s who took the first local exam in 1993 when the Kansas CCA program was implemented were in attendance. The following morning KARA hosted the annual CEU Bonus Session at the KSU Agricultural Research Center in Hays where many of the banquet’s attendees joined to obtain their final CEU’s for 2018.

CCA Exam Salina

Aug.

7-8

Kansas Applicator Institute Hutchinson

Nov.

1A Recertification Wichita

Early Registration for KSU Field Days in July KSU Field Days, a cooperative event hosted with KSU Research and Extension, yields a successful, two-day program that highlights the latest KSU research and industry happenings. Due to growing numbers, the historic success of this event, and KARA’s and KSU’s commitment to keeping this an interactive program, two KSU Field Day sessions will once again be offered in 2019. The same program and speakers will be featured twice - once on July 9-10 and again on July 11-12.

CCA Recognition Salina

Dec.

5-6

Crop Production Update Salina

The two-day KSU Field Days are slated for July 9-10 and July 11-12 at the North Agronomy Farm in Manhattan. Winter 2019

Review

CAPITOL

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

BY: KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION GOVERNMENT RELATIONS STAFF

What you need to know about the 2019 Legislative Session and how these issues could affect you. 8

Agribusiness Update

SERVING THE SAFE GRAIN AND HANDLING ABUNDANTINDUSTRY FOOD THROUGH IN KANSAS SOUND SINCE SCIENCE 1896

Lawmakers returned to Topeka on Jan. 14 for the start of the 2019 Kansas Legislative Session. By law, the session always begins on the second Monday of January and, unless extended by the Legislature, runs for 90 days. The tentative calendar anticipates legislative work, including veto session, wrapping up in early May. Below are some issues we’re keeping an eye on this session. EXECUTIVE BRANCH CHANGES HANDS After eight years of a republican-led administration, democrat state senator Laura Kelly was elected and sworn in as Kansas’ 48th Governor. With a new leadership comes new cabinet appointments and a new way of doing business. Kelly promised to reach across the aisle to fight for more money for schools, expand Medicaid, increase access to affordable mental health services and focus on transportation infrastructure funding. Implementation of these policy goals will require new spending and, in turn, new revenue. REPUBLICANS RETAIN CONTROL OF LEGISLATURE The 2018 election gave us some new faces in the statehouse, however, the makeup of the Kansas House and Senate did not change substantially. Republicans still hold a super majority in both chambers. Conservatives picked up a few seats in the Kansas House and hold nearly all leadership positions in both chambers. Continued on Page 12

The 48th Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly, addressed the crowd at her inauguration ceremony on Jan. 14, 2019.

You work hard to make your business proﬁtable. Knowing your assets are adequately protected allows you to rest easier.

Let KFSA help you create an insurance program speciﬁcally designed to prove peace of mind with strength, service, and stability.

KFSA INSURANCE AGENCY

1515 E. 30TH Avenue · PO Box 1747 · Hutchinson, KS 67504 (800) 362-2104 · (620) 662-5406 www.kfsa.com

Winter 2019

INDUSTRYnews Continued from Page 6

CropLife America Names Kellie Bray Chief of Staff

Reminder: Time to Post Your 300A Source: Asmark Institute

States Get the Word Out on Dicamba Training

CropLife America (CLA) recently announced Kellie Bray has been promoted to a new position as Chief of Staff. Bray was most recently the Senior Director of Government Affairs for CLA. Over the last 10 years, she has played a dual role covering both federal and state government relations. Bray has a unique perspective on the breadth of challenges facing our industry. She is also a key leader in industry affairs’ efforts overseeing CLA’s affiliation with youth organizations such as National FFA and Ag Future of America.

It’s time to complete your 2018 injury and illness recordkeeping obligations by posting the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A). OSHA requires that the notice be displayed from February 1st to April 30th of each year in a conspicuous place where employee notices are customarily posted. Businesses with no injuries or illnesses for the year must still post the form. A company official must certify the information in Form 300A was examined and is believed to be correct and complete. New for 2019: OSHA has eliminated the requirement for employers to electronically submit OSHA Forms 300 and 301 but has retained the requirement for companies of certain sizes to submit the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A). All establishments with 250 or more employees in industries covered by the recordkeeping regulation must electronically submit Form 300A no later than March 2, as well as, establishments between 20-249 employees in certain industries, including “warehousing and storage.” One new requirement is that covered employers must submit their Employer Identification Number (EIN). This will make the data more useful to OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tabulates an annual summary of US employee injuries and fatalities.

If you plan to use dicamba products this spring, make sure you are familiar with any additional state restrictions and receive updated training. State changes for the 2019 growing season could include larger buffer zones, cutoff dates, new record-keeping rules and state-specific training requirements. Make plans today to attend a dicamba training session in your area. Kansas hasn’t introduced any legislation regarding dicamba yet, but these states are ones with new rules: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin.

Source: Asmark Institute

OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations for 2018 Source: Asmark Institute

Agribusiness Update

Preliminary data for OSHA’s Top 10 most cited violations for fiscal year 2018 was announced at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Houston, Texas. The list is always a good place to start to identify hazards in the workplace. It was largely unchanged from last year, with the only new item being Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment - Eye and Face Protection coming in at number 10. 1. Fall Protection (1926.501) 2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) 3. Scaffolding (1926.451) 4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) 5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) 6. Ladders (1926.1053) 7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) 8. Fall Protection - Training Requirements (1926.503) 9. Machine Guarding (1910.212) 10. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment - Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)

SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSO SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 2019FOOD SPONSORS SAFE SPONSORS AND ABUNDANT THROUGH2019 SOUNDSPONSORS SCIENCE 2019 SP SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSO SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SP SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSO SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SP SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSO SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SPONSORS 2019 SP

SPONSORS 2019

UNDERWRITER SPONSOR $20,000+ Since 1947, KFSA has grown to become one of the largest insurance agencies in the state of Kansas. KFSA accomplished this by providing exceptional customer service and comprehensive insurance products and risk management. Whether it’s personal or business insurance, safety consulting or training, KFSA offer solutions that lessen your potential for loss and in turn increase overall profits.

FOUNDER SPONSORS $7,500

PATRON SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

$3,500

$5,000

BASF CoBank Heartland Ag Helena Chemical Company John Deere CAD Dealers MKC Nutrien Ag Solutions Rosen’s Diversified Inc. WinField United

BUILDER SPONSORS $2,000

DONOR SPONSOR $1,250

ADM Fertilizer Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. Beachner Grain Inc. CHS Inc. Gavilon Fertilizer LLC Inter-Chem J.B. Pearl Sales & Service, Inc. Morrill Elevator, Inc. Offerle Coop

Frontier Ag, Inc.

TOMORROW’S AGRIBUSINESS LEADERS FOUNDER SPONSORS PATRON SPONSOR

BUILDER SPONSORS

CHS Inc. KFSA Syngenta

Allied Environmental Consultants Inc. BASF Crop Protection Central Prairie Co-op Fairbank Equipment, Inc. Farmers Coop Conway Springs Gavilon Fertilizer LLC Helena Chemical Company J.B. Pearl Sales & Service, Inc. MFA/AGChoice The Ottawa Cooperative Assn.

Agrilead Inc.

GIVER SPONSORS $750 Agrilead Inc. Alliance Ag & Grain LLC American Implement, Inc. Central Valley Ag, Beloit EGE Products Fairbank Equipment, Inc. Kansas Cooperative Council Kiser Ag Service LLC MFA/AGChoice Midwest Laboratories, Inc. Miller Elevator Inc. Pride Ag Resources Progressive Ag Coop Simplot One Skyland Grain LLC The Ottawa Cooperative Assn.

Winter 2019

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

Continued from Page 9 BUDGET AND EDUCATION Lawmakers are once again returning to a mandate by the Kansas Supreme Court to adequately and equitably finance K-12 education. Even after funding increases of over $800 million in the last two years, that mandate is likely to be expensive, as the Court has ordered inflationary increases in spending that could be $80-$120 million annually. This will put pressure on the state budget as lawmakers work to comply with this order. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING Transportation Vision Task Force meetings were held across the state this summer and fall to develop the next 10-year transportation plan. Funding for this plan will be an important consideration. So far this session, we’ve heard multiple funding bills introduced on behalf of the Kansas Department of Transportation such as: SB 187, increasing permit fees for oversized and overweight trucks; SB 188, increasing rates of motor fuels tax and trip permits on LP-gas vehicles; SB 189, increasing registration fees for electric/hybrid vehicles; SB 191, exception to the property tax lid for road and bridge projects; and, SB 192, designation of additional toll roads. We will follow this legislation and respond as appropriate, ensuring no unintended negative consequences on agribusiness. STATE WATER PLAN FUND A portion of the registration fees on pesticides products, and fertilizer tonnage inspection fees, are used to fund the state water plan. Last session, bills were introduced seeking to increase those fees, and others, for additional revenue for the fund. As our industry fees are already higher than those in surrounding states, we will continue to oppose any legislation seeking to increase fees on our industry for the state water plan fund. We will also seek inclusion of the full statutory $6 million transfer into the state water plan fund from the state general fund. PROPERTY TAXES / PROPERTY TAX LID Our industry has experienced large increases in property tax assessments in recent years. As the legislature looks for additional funding, there may be an increased focus on property taxes as the only place left to find additional revenue to pay for increased school funding or other initiatives important to the new administration. We will continue to (1) defend recent property tax reforms, and (2) protect property tax exemptions for machinery and equipment. SALES TAX ON SERVICES As a new source of state revenue, we anticipate introduction of legislation to assess a sales tax on services, some of which could negatively affect agribusiness. We will oppose any legislation that would increase costs on agribusiness.

Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers and his wife Kris at the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 14, 2019. Rogers is a former Vice President of CoBank Farm Credit Leasing in Wichita.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILL REPORTING SB 153 introduced this session on behalf of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will require the department to set limits on reportable quantities for spills of hazardous chemicals. It also provides the department with civil penalty authority for failure to timely notify the department of a hazardous chemical spill. SPRAY DRIFT REGULATIONS Concerns with Dicamba drift raised last year are fueling interest in increasing regulations on this technology. We have met with stakeholders and support increasing education practices for producers and commercial applicators. In 2018, product manufacturers worked with the US EPA to introduce changes to Dicamba product labels to further minimize the potential for drift. We will oppose any legislation proposed to further regulate Dicamba and other products essential to Kansas’ crop management systems. OTHER ISSUES ON OUR RADAR: NEIGHBORING STATE FEE INCREASE In Missouri earlier this session, House Bill 588 was introduced which raises pesticide, seed and feed fees to provide funding for the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). A public hearing was held in February on HB 588. MO-AG considers HB 588 to be reasonable legislation that will assure MDA can administer programs that are critically needed for our industry. AG LIEN CENTRAL REGISTRY. We oppose any legislation to create a central registry for agricultural commodity liens by lenders, replacing the current system of priornotification.

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL REMEDIATION REIMBURSEMENT ACT We seek to amend the KARB Act to extend the remediation reimbursement program from 2020 to 2030, reduce pesticide product registration fees, reduce grain warehouse license fees, and increase fertilizer product registration fees to realign program costs and benefits.

KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON

Agribusiness Update

The Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Facebook, Twitter and web pages are a great resource for staying connected to the issues important to the agribusiness industry in Kansas.

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

Agricultural Chemical Remediation Reimbursement Program: Update In 2000, the Kansas Legislature passed the Agricultural and 14, 2018 meeting, the Board reimbursed eighteen (18) applicants a Specialty Chemical Remediation Act which created the Remediation total of approximately $127,766.04. The next KARB meeting will be Reimbursement Program and the Kansas Agricultural Chemical held on March 14, 2019, and the deadline to submit new applications Remediation Reimbursement Fund (Reimbursement Fund). prior to that meeting was February 15, 2019. The Remediation Reimbursement Program provides financial In the summer of 2016, the Board amended a regulation concerning reimbursement of expenses incurred while performing remediation which expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Beginning June 1, activities for agricultural 2016, for all new applications to chemical and fertilizer the fund, expenses submitted for contamination, as ordered meals, lodging, mileage or other The KARB program has reimbursed by the Kansas Department of travel expenses will no longer Health and Environment (KDHE) be eligible for reimbursement for properties enrolled in the from the fund. Since 2009, Voluntary Cleanup and Property applications to the fund have Redevelopment Program or exceeded the amount of money since January 2002. State Cooperative Program. in the fund. Therefore, a priority Under the Remediation based ranking system is utilized Reimbursement Program, the for all applications. Each commercial grain industry and ag-chemical and fertilizer industry pay application is reviewed by KDHE and given a priority score. Applications fees into the Reimbursement Fund. The Board approves reimbursement involving potential risk to human health and safety are scored higher. of qualifying expenses submitted by applicants to the fund up to Applications are reimbursed in priority order based on their priority $200,000 per site. The Reimbursement Program is administered by the score. The current amount of outstanding reimbursement requests to Kansas Agricultural Remediation Board (KARB). During its December the fund is approximately $376,000.00.

$19,894,607.22

Total reimbursements from 2013-18 2018 (through Dec. 14, 2018)

2015

2017

2014

2016

2013

95 Total Reimbursements – $1,002,899.93 18 Combination – $301,764.23 74 Nitrates – $686,171.23 3 Pesticides – $14,964.47

72 Total Reimbursements – $1,349,811.78 52Nitrate – $1,064,509.03 14 Combination – $162,470.39 3 Pesticide – $73,889.61 3 Carbon Tet – $48,942.75

66 Total Reimbursements – $1,205,051.12 59Nitrate – $1,176,500.14 6Pesticide & Nitrate – $11,001.18 1 Pesticide – $17,549.80

4 3 Total Reimbursements – $1,031,013.48 32 Nitrate – $798,501.22 4Pesticide & Nitrate – $69,570.48 7 Combination – $162,941.78

58 Total Reimbursements – $995,063.36 51 Nitrate – $924,618.32 3 Pesticide – $60,279.12 1 Pesticide & Nitrate – $3,981.95 3 Combination – $6,183.97

65 Total Reimbursements – $1,245,493.99 58 Nitrate – $767,380.94 3 Pesticide and Nitrate – $99,351.24 4 Combination – $40,854.90

Winter 2019

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

AGRIBUSINESS’ VOICE WAS HEARD AT THE CAPITOL KARA’s 2019 Legislative Action Day welcomed nearly 100 members to Topeka to see government in action and meet with elected officials.

Mid Kansas Coop (MKC) Chief Marketing Officer Dave Spears (far right) and MKC’s Board Chairman Allan Wegner met with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Dan Kerschen (far left) in his office at the Capitol on Legislative Action Day.

Agribusiness Update

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) welcomed nearly 100 of its members to Topeka over the lunch hour for its Legislative Action Day on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The annual event allows members of the agribusiness industry to see government in action and meet with elected officials. “Our members’ voice and physical presence go a long way in enlightening our elected leaders on the challenges facing our industry and gives them a simple reminder that we are keeping an eye on them,” KARA president and CEO Ron Seeber said. Those in attendance at the Topeka Country Club enjoyed hearing speeches from Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers and Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman Jr. Both Ryckman and Rogers promoted their agriculture backgrounds and assured the group that a proposed piece of legislation’s effect on agribusiness would be one of the first things to cross their mind this session. “Fortunately, this year there is no need to arm our members with pitchforks or torches, but instead a smile and a firm handshake,” Seeber said. “We’re proud to give our members an introduction and a quick minute to share our legislative message.” After Rogers and Ryckman closed their remarks, Kansas Cooperative Council’s CEO Brandi Miller and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel Randy Stookey explained a few of the legislative issues KARA is monitoring this session. Key topics touched on by your association and elected officials included: A new Governor’s office; Republicans retaining control of the legislature; budget and education; property taxes; sales tax on services; Agricultural Chemical Remediation Reimbursement Act; hazardous chemical spill reporting; spray drift; transportation funding; and potential Dicamba legislation.

“Our members’ voice and physical presence go a long way in enlightening our elected leaders on the challenges facing our industry and gives them a simple reminder that we are keeping an eye on them,” - Ron Seeber | President & CEO

Kansas’ newly-elected Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers spoke to a full ballroom inside the Topeka Country Club for KARA’s Legislative Action Day.

Winter 2019

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

Important KARA Dates in 2019 APRIL

MAY

JUNE

S M T W TH F S

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

JULY S M T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9

3 10

17 24 31

23 30

W TH F 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31

3 10 17 24

S 6 13 20 27

S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

S M T 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30

NOVEMBER S 5 12 19

S M T W TH F 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15

1 8 15 22 29

W TH F 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27

S 7 14 21 28

W TH F 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20

S 7 14 21

JULY

NOVEMBER

AUGUST

DECEMBER

2 | CCA Exam 7 - 8 | Kansas Applicator Institute (Hutchinson) 26 - 27 | KARA Annual Meeting (Manhattan)

7 14 21 28

S M T 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17

SEPTEMBER

9 - 10 | KSU Field Days (Manhattan) 11 - 12 | KSU Field Days (Manhattan) 14 - 18 | Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Session II (Washington, D.C.)

6 13 20 27

S 2 9 16

APRIL

5 | K-State CCA Exam (Manhattan)

5 12 19 26

DECEMBER

W TH F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 25

4 11 18 25

SEPTEMBER

S M T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15

Agribusiness Update

2 9 16 23 30

AUGUST

OCTOBER

4 11 18

6 | Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Session III (Wichita)

19 | Sporting Clay Shoot (Belle Plaine) 20 - 21 | Kansas Agri Business Expo (Wichita) 21 | 1A Recertification (Wichita)

5 | CCA Recognition Banquet (Salina) 5 - 6 | Crop Production Update (Salina)

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

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@AnimalAg Winter 2019

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

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AGR S ’ W O R OR

TOM

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Complete Session I

The convenient timing of Legislative Action Day also allowed KARA’s 22nd Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders (TAL) class to learn about state-level government firsthand. “Every January, I look forward to the TAL class coming to Topeka for Session I eager to learn about the legislative process and their association,” KARA President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “It’s one of the most satisfying parts of my profession to see graduation in November where they walk away with a wealth of experience on both the state and federal government and when we call on them to contact their legislator about a proposed law, they answer the call every time.” This year’s class includes Sarah Dodge (CoMark Equity Alliance); Sam Hanni (The DeLong Company); Justin Jenkins (Team Marketing Alliance); Lance Studer (The Ottawa Cooperative Association); Amy Varner (ADM); Alexandra Erwin (BioKansas); Nicholas Krehbiel (Kanza Cooperative Association); Eric Preston (MFA Inc.); John Ricker Jr. (KFSA) and Ciera Thurman (KOCH Agronomic Services).

Agribusiness Update

The TAL class completed its first of three sessions with the culmination of Legislative Action Day and will meet again in July to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with Kansas’ congressional delegation and national associations. The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Program – a jointly sponsored initiative of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association – is an intensive leadership development program designed to teach members of the association, about the state and federal legislative and regulatory process and how to be a better leader within the industry.

s r e b eM m

SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE

2019 KA

“My favorite part of Session I was getting to be a part of Legislative Action Day and working with our government and industry leaders for a common purpose in the industry we love.”

Ciera

Thurman KOCH Agronomic Services

Nicholas

KREHBIEL

Kanza Cooperative Association

“I discovered the extent to which bills can impact our industry and how tirelessly the association works to inform industry partners. I look forward to remaining involved and being an advocate for the rest of my career.”

Alex

ERWIN BioKansas

“(Before Session I) I had a preconceived idea that my voice didn’t have very much weight with my representative. I realize the importance of being actively engaged - our voices are heard and are listened to.”

“Session I reassured the need for myself to personally advocate/ educate both our public officials and the general public about the needs and challenges of the agricultural industry. When the agriculture industry benefits, the general public as a whole benefits.”

John

Ricker Jr.

KFSA

Eric

PRESTON MFA Inc.

Winter 2019

KANSAS AGRIBUSINESS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association 816 SW Tyler, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66612

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association | Winter 2019 Editors Ron Seeber Randy Stookey Staci Storey Shari Bennett Samantha Tenpenny Mitzi Dodds Trae Green

Agribusiness Update

Photography & Illustrations Cover Photo TAL Photos Legislative Action Day Photos Statehouse Insider Photos Trae Green Training Program Photos Samantha Tenpenny Kanza Coop Photo Brandi Miller Anhydrous Ammonia Tanks iStock.com/DarcyMaulsby

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