California Ag Network

Tag: Agricultural Retailers Association

  • ARA and Smartwyre Announce Partnership to Help Retailers Improve Profitability

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and Smartwyre have announced a new partnership designed to help agricultural retailers gain clearer insight into profitability, improve supplier program performance and increase margins by making more informed buying and selling decisions.

    Through this collaboration, Smartwyre will provide ARA members with services and technology offerings aimed at helping retailers better understand and manage key profit drivers within their business.

    As part of the partnership, ARA members will have access to a retail profit health assessment designed to help retailers analyze critical components of their operations, including better data visibility to drive stronger profitability.

    In addition to the assessment, Smartwyre will offer ARA members access to its technology platform and professional services designed to simplify complex commercial processes across retail operations.

    By combining Smartwyre’s commercial technology with ARA’s leadership and network within agricultural retail, the partnership aims to provide retailers with practical tools and insights that support stronger financial performance and more efficient operations.

    Both organizations believe the initiative will help retailers modernize how they manage supplier programs, pricing, and profitability—while reinforcing ARA’s role as a thought leader in supporting innovation in agricultural retail. — Story provided by the Ag Retailers Association

  • ARA Vice Chair Mike Twining Advocates for Ag Retailers at Congressional Roundtable on Working Families Tax Cuts

    The Agricultural Retailers Association Board of Directors Vice Chair, Mike Twining of Willard Agri-Services, represented ag retailers at a roundtable hosted by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Steve Womack (R-AS), to discuss the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC).

    “When farmers struggle, independent ag retailers like our business feel it immediately. Fortunately, provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill, and particularly the Working Families Tax Cuts, have been a huge risk mitigator for our business and our customers. These expensing and investment incentives have lowered the upfront cost of investing in durable machinery, production facilities, and other necessary equipment,” Twining shared.

    “This roundtable was a great reminder of who Republicans are fighting for,” McClain said. “We heard directly from hardworking Americans, parents and small business owners who are seeing real relief because House Republicans fought for the Working Families Tax Cuts. We delivered bigger refunds, bigger paychecks, and more breathing room for the people who work hard every day and deserve to keep more of what they earn.”

    Several provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and WFTC outlined below are intended to provide relief to ag retailers:

    — Story Provided by the Agricultural Retailers Association

  • Ag Retailers & Crop Advisers Express Strong Support for USDA’s Regenerative Ag Initiative

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) welcome the recent announcement by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the new $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program. ARA applauds the Trump Administration’s commitment to voluntary, incentive-based conservation efforts that place farmers first and strengthen America’s food and fiber supply.

    “ARA stands ready to collaborate with USDA, NRCS, and all agricultural partners to ensure the Regenerative Pilot Program strengthens producer profitability, enhances natural resources, and supports a resilient food and fiber system for generations to come,” said Hunter Carpenter, ARA’s Senior Director of Public Policy.

    Agricultural retailers and the Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) they employ have long been at the forefront of helping growers adopt practices that improve soil health, protect water quality, and enhance long-term productivity. Many regenerative agriculture principles—such as the 4R nutrient stewardship framework, no-till and strip-till systems, cover crops, variable-rate application, and grazing—are already implemented across the country. For decades, growers have voluntarily invested in these practices because they improve soil function, increase efficiency, and support more resilient farm operations. Farmers are the original conservationists, and their commitment to leaving the land better than they found it remains steadfast.

    ARA strongly supports USDA’s voluntary and incentive-driven approach to regenerative agriculture. These practices must make agronomic and economic sense for individual operations, and we encourage USDA to work closely with agricultural retailers—the trusted advisers who serve farmers every day—to help determine where and how regenerative approaches can be implemented profitably. At the same time, growers who choose not to adopt certain practices, for whatever reason, should not be penalized. Successful conservation requires flexibility and respect for the diversity of production systems across American agriculture.

    The technical expertise offered by ag retailers and their CCAs is essential for helping producers adopt regenerative practices in ways that fit their farms and improve their bottom lines. ARA looks forward to working in concert with NRCS staff—not in lieu of them—to expand technical assistance and ensure that growers receive the full benefit of both public and private-sector expertise.

    The Increased TSP Access Act represents an important opportunity to expand the number of CCAs who can be certified as Technical Service Providers, bolstering NRCS capacity and accelerating on-farm adoption of regenerative systems. ARA greatly appreciates Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Representative Jim Baird (R-IN), and others for introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help address TSP shortages.

  • New Resource to Help Farmers Navigate Changing Endangered Species Act Workplan

    Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), CropLife America (CLA), and the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) are pleased to announce the release of a new resource designed to assist farmers and agricultural retailers in navigating the forthcoming changes to pesticide labels under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan.

    To support our stakeholders, we have developed a decision guide that will facilitate the understanding and implementation of the updated label requirements. This tool aims to provide clarity on new label language so that farmers and retailers can effectively comply with the new regulations while maintaining a focus on both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

    “These label changes will bring challenges, but they also present an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to responsible pesticide use and environmental protection,” said Daren Coppock, president and CEO of ARA. “We are excited to collaborate with our industry partners to help farmers and retailers access the support they need.”

    “Farmers and retailers play a crucial role in helping ensure pesticide products are used responsibly and effectively. By our associations coming together to create resources, we aim to meet a need that helps stakeholders feel confident in navigating new regulations,” said Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA.

    “CPDA is committed to supporting our members and the agricultural community in adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes and providing ESA mitigation tools such as Drift Reduction Agents (DRA’s) to reduce the need for No Spray Buffer zones where possible,” said Terry Kippley, president and CEO of CPDA. “We believe that this crucial industry collaboration to create resources will empower our industry to meet the needs of both environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity.”

    We encourage all industry participants to utilize this resource as we collectively uphold our commitment to responsible and effective pesticide use. Visit the ESA page on the CLA website for more information and other helpful resources.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

    About CropLife America
    Established in 1933, CropLife America (www.croplifeamerica.org) is the leading national trade association representing the pesticide industry. Our members drive innovation and sustainability by discovering, producing, selling, and distributing the essential pesticide products that empower American farmers to grow the world’s food. CLA can be found on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @CropLifeAmerica.

    About CPDA
    The Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) based near Washington DC has been the voice for the generic crop protection industry for 35 years. Nearly 80% of US distribution for the $13 billion crop protection market and approximately 80% of the inert ingredients used in agricultural production in the US are provided by CPDA members. The association members are a network of basic inert manufacturers, adjuvant formulators, distributors, retailers, US pesticide formulators, and generic crop protection registrants and manufacturers who make their voices heard by working together. For more information, please visit CPDA.com.

  • Ag Retailers Name David Rouzer Legislator of the Year

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honors U.S. Representative David Rouzer, R-NC, with the 2024 Legislator of the Year award for his support of agricultural retailers.

    “Rep. Rouzer’s leadership has promoted policies that help to protect ARA member companies’ freedom to operate profitably as they deliver essential services and products to their farmer customers when they need it,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.

    “His steady support for the ag retail industry when it comes to tackling our nation’s economic and regulatory challenges, specifically his sponsorship of the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2023, has brought about important permitting reform legislation to reduce the regulatory burdens impacting ARA members.

    “ARA looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Rouzer and his colleagues in Congress to advance ARA’s public policy priorities established by our membership.”

    Each year, ARA recognizes two legislators who have championed the issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.

    “It is an honor to be recognized with the Legislator of the Year award by ARA,” says Rep. Rouzer.

    “Agriculture retailers ensure our country’s producers have the tools and products necessary to feed and clothe the world. I remain committed in supporting our agriculture retailers, farmers and ranchers, and the supply chain which ensures America has the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.”

    ARA unites its members and their interests to advocate and educate on their behalf, provide services to improve their businesses, and preserve their freedom to operate and innovate, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply for all.

    To view other recipients of this award, visit the ARA’s website.
    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

    Photos taken by Ag Retailers Association during the annual Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In.

  • Ag Retailers Honor House Ag Committee Chairman as Legislator of the Year

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honors House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., with the 2024 Legislator of the Year award for his support of agricultural retailers.

    “Rep. Thompson’s leadership has promoted policies that help to protect ARA member companies’ freedom to operate profitably as they deliver essential services and products to their farmer customers when they need it,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.

    “His staunch support for the ag retail industry, specifically his sponsorship of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, aimed to reauthorize essential Farm Bill programs through 2029 and secure critical financial and disaster assistance for the agricultural community.

    “ARA looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Thompson and his colleagues in Congress to advance ARA’s public policy priorities established by our membership.”

    Each year, ARA recognizes two legislators who have championed the issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.

    “I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Agricultural Retailers Association,” says Chairman Thompson.

    “ARA is a tremendous advocate for policies that support farmers and the businesses that keep American agriculture moving forward. I appreciate their partnership in pushing for a strong farm bill, which will ensure producers and the entire agricultural supply chain get the tools, certainty, and resources they need.”

    ARA unites its members and their interests to advocate and educate on their behalf, provide services to improve their businesses, and preserve their freedom to operate and innovate, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply for all.

    To view other recipients of this award, visit the ARA’s website.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

    ARA annual Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In.

  • ARA Urges Congress to Fund Ag in Year-End Continuing Resolution

    Today the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President & CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement with concerns that Congress may neglect critical payments needed by growers as legislators work on the year-end continuing resolution this week.

    “ARA is extremely concerned with the potential exclusion of grower assistance from the supplemental short-term funding proposal. Without immediate financial assistance, growers may not be able to stay in business, which poses a national and food security risk to the nation.

    “Congress waiting until next year to address this important priority for America’s agricultural industry and their rural communities is not acceptable.”

    In July, ARA member Joey Caldwell with GreenPoint Ag testified during a House Agriculture Committee hearing to emphasize that while farmers are resilient and independent, they require support from policymakers for a robust Farm Bill with the certainty provided by crop insurance.

    “Strong farmers make strong families,” Caldwell testified. “Those strong families make for strong rural communities, and it is those communities that help make the fabric of this nation.”

    ARA strongly urges Congress to recognize the critical role payments to growers play in sustaining the entire supply chain and include ag payments in the year-end continuing resolution.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

  • Ag Retailers Association Names Buttonwillow Warehouse Company Retailer of the Year

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honored Buttonwillow Warehouse Company (BWC) with its Retailer of the Year award in front of more than 600 attendees during the 2024 ARA Conference & Expo.

    “I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at Buttonwillow Warehouse Company,” says BWC Chief Operating Officer Clay Houchin. “Our company’s decades-long legacy of putting people first has enabled us to consistently meet the evolving needs of growers while fostering a world-class workforce contributing to the prosperity of the communities we serve.

    BWC believes the keys to success lie in three core values: integrity, community, and innovation. By prioritizing people, communities, and agricultural innovation, Buttonwillow Warehouse Company has earned this distinguished honor.

    “Our industry relies on innovative partners who consistently deliver results, and for over 50 years, BWC has exemplified this commitment to excellence,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “Their leadership and tailored services have not only set them apart but have also greatly contributed to the success of local communities. We’re proud to recognize them as a leader in our industry.”

    The Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Bayer and The Scoop, annually honors an ARA member retailer company or individual that displays effective employee relations, environmental stewardship, customer reliability, industry leadership, and more.

    BWC is a premier agricultural retailer providing comprehensive services, with a focus on custom blending, crop protection, fertilizer, and sustainable agriculture practices. They are committed to meeting the diverse needs of their customers and pride themselves on their strong community ties with a dedicated team of over 100 employees who contribute to their ongoing success and industry leadership.

    Watch a video showcasing the hard work of the BWC team.

    Learn more about the ARA Conference & Expo on the website or on ARA’s social media.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

  • Ag Retailers Association Honors Jimmy Panetta with Legislator of the Year Award

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honors Representative Jimmy Panetta with a Legislator of the Year award.

    “Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country need access to the latest innovative tools in order to feed the world and better protect our environment,” said Rep. Panetta.

    Photo: Ernie Roncoroni, Grow West; ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock; Rep. Panetta; Fred Nichols, Huma Inc.; and Clayton Houchin, Buttonwillow Warehouse Company.

    “It’s an honor to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the ARA as we work to move forward impactful legislation, like my bipartisan Plant Biostimulant Act, to better encourage the adoption of these emerging agricultural products. I look forward to continuing to advance new technologies that will empower our farmers to usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture.”

    Each year, ARA recognizes top legislators who have championed the issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.

    “Rep. Panetta earned this award for his unwavering support for the agriculture community, specifically by sponsoring the Plant Biostimulant Act (HR 1472), which aims to establish a federal definition for plant biostimulants,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.

    “Panetta has championed other policies important to ag retailers, however, his efforts to expand access of biostimulant products, which can be used to improve plant health and stress tolerance while reducing environmental impact, is the main reason ARA selected him for this award.”

    To view other recipients of this award, visit the ARA’s website.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

  • Ag Retailers Conference Addresses Challenges and Lessons Learned

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) recently held their 2023 ARA Conference & Expo with more than 600 ag retail industry professionals in attendance.

    The opening general session keynote speaker and generational expert Kim Lear with Inlay Insights offered a closer look into the next generation of ag retail’s workforce and how to lead multigenerational teams to thrive.

    “Agriculture, like any other industry, is experiencing a shift in the workplace as millennials transition from entry-level positions to management, Gen X steps into the c-suite, and Gen Z enters with a fresh perspective,” says ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “Kim shared new communication tactics to bridge the generational gap and build resilient teams.”

    Coppock then took the stage to deliver his annual President’s Report to share the top concerns he hears from ag retailers across the country, to celebrate our industry’s policy wins this year, and to peer into what the future of ag retail holds as it relates to artificial intelligence, people, regulatory overreach, risk management and more.

    Then, author and coach Jones Loflin delivered his keynote address with solutions to taking back control f your day instead of letting it control you.

    “As an ag retailer, I know what it’s like to feel as if there are never enough hours in a day to get everything done,” says ARA Board Chair Ian McGregor with The McGregor Company. “I look forward to getting back to work and implementing what I’ve learned today and sharing it with my team.”

    Later in the afternoon, attendees participated in two breakout sessions. The first was on disaster recovery, planning and prevention. Meherrin Fertilizer President Mike Carroll told his story of when the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant burned earlier this year and the comprehensive effort needed to manage the response. From cleanup to business continuity, Carroll shared lessons learned to help attendees refine their own crisis management plans.

    “Stop Letting Your Recruiting Challenges Create Retention Pain” was the second breakout session of the day led by Erin Mies and Kristen Ireland with People Spark Consulting. This interactive session dug deep into how to adjust work to both increase retention and engagement within your team while reducing recruitment headaches.

    The first day featured a tour of Winter Park and concluded with another networking reception in the Expo Hall to encourage relationship building across the industry and to showcase the leading products, services and programs.

    Learn more about the ARA Conference & Expo on the website or on ARA’s social media.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.