2024 Annual Report

ANNUAL

REPORT

Explore the report

EXPLORE THE REPORT

retailer of the year

LETTER FROM THE ARA BOARD Chair

awards

letter from the ARA president & ceo

ARA Conference & expo

Advocacy wins & action

digital overview

Public policy priorities

ara financials

member services

professional development pathway

ARAPAC DONORS

about ara

LETTER FROM THE ARA PRESIDENT & CEO

Last year was a return to more challenging times as commodity prices fell and not all input prices followed the same trend. Increasing financial pressure on our members’ grower customers translates directly to lower purchasing of some crop inputs and equipment. When growers prosper, so do retailers. When they struggle, so do we. ARA continues to help members improve productivity, and to that end we launched a service in 2024 to provide Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) support, which is now required for new CDL drivers. The service empowers members to use existing CDL certificate holders to do the required behind-the-wheel training for new driver certification. We also continued our Smart Payments program used by several members to reduce their digital payment processing by an average of 20%. Within this annual report, you’ll see how ARA has taken action on the advocacy front on issues such as:

• Protecting glyphosate from the State of California’s efforts to require untrue statements on labels concerning cancer, which will hopefully set precedent and protect other tools in our growers’ toolbox.
• Advocating for EPA’s continued interpretation of the treated article exemption so that seed treated with a registered pesticide would not have to be reregistered once applied.
• Supporting Farm Bill language allowing Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) to automatically qualify as third-party service providers (TSPs) under USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. (While the fi ve-year bill did not pass, NRCS and the American Society of Agronomy, with whom ARA coordinates often, established TSP provisions through administrative action.)

• Urging EPA’s continued use of existing stocks provisions in pesticide cancellation orders. (When EPA cancelled over-the-top dicamba application in 2024, the agency quoted ARA’s letter several times to justify its provision.)
• Working with EPA and partners like CropLife America and Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology on Endangered Species Act compliance for pesticide applications and shaping the practices considered in EPA strategy documents that will directly impact applicators and growers. (ARA will offer members educational material on such practices in 2025.)
• Opposing tariffs on imported farm inputs, which distort markets and raise prices for farmers.

President Trump’s return to the White House presents both opportunities and threats to our industry. Though issues may change from 2024 in some cases — certainly not all — a sustained presence voicing priorities and concerns of agricultural retailers will continue to be an essential part of our members’ freedom to operate and to do so profitably. That’s why ARA exists, and why we’re in Washington. Thank you for supporting us in 2024. We look forward to representing you in the years to come.

W. Daren Coppock President & CEO

LETTER FROM THE ARA BOARD CHAIR

As I reflect on my first year as ARA Board Chair, the word of the year was “evolution” for our ag retailers delivering agronomic expertise and supplies to our farmer customers amid an everchanging environment. Whether managing weather challenges, strict regulations, new tools (technical, biological or synthetic), or a myriad of other issues, we have embarked upon a new era affecting our industry and rural communities across the nation. But we don’t have to figure this out alone; ARA offers a network of friends and colleagues who, together, promote industry collaboration and evolve to meet those challenges. If the word of 2024 was evolution, the question of this year is quickly shaping to be, “We are an ARA member, but not on the board of directors. How do we get involved?” It is not only the board steering the association’s inner workings. Any member may join an ARA committee supporting public policy, member services, conference content, and ARAPAC fundraising. I’d love to see you at our next meeting! I know firsthand that ag retailers are the backbone of our community. For those who participate in the ARA Winter Board Meeting and Fly-In, I commend you for educating federal lawmakers and regulators, shaping policy conversations, and strengthening our voice in Washington. If you’ve never experienced our Fly-In at the U.S. Capitol visiting legislators and their staff, I encourage you to prioritize the next event. Last year, in 120 meetings with offices on both sides of the aisle, more than 90 ARA members and industry stakeholders moved the needle on policies that preserve critical crop input supplies, modernize transportation infrastructure, and support your role in maintaining a secure national food supply chain. While we couldn’t move a five-year farm bill in 2024 despite our best efforts, we were effective enough to see ARA priorities in House farm bill language and in the one-year extension, including economic aid for the ag community.

ARA members show up in a variety of ways, whether through sharing ideas in committees; supporting our events as an attendee, sponsor or exhibitor; contributing to the ARAPAC; or even hosting officials at facilities to showcase the value we bring to districts and states. Every member makes a difference. Now, I call on you to engage with ARA on a new level, and to bring a team member along to build on our momentum. Reenergize among industry friends at an ARA event, leverage a new member service, or take action anywhere using ARA’s grassroots advocacy tool to send digital messages advocating for priorities that protect your freedom to operate. Thank you for your dedication to your team, customers, community, industry and beyond. There is truly an evolution going on in ag retail; stay involved, and we can evolve together.

Amy Asmus 2024-2025 ARA Board Chair

Advocacy wins

ARA priorities were included in the House Farm Bill language and 1-year extension with economic aid for the ag community

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets waiver request withdrawal prevented a gas fleets ban in the state

Loper Bright Supreme Court Decision reversed the Chevron Defense after ARA and others requested SCOTUS review

Existing Stocks Order following dicamba cancellation allowed continued use

Treated Article Exemption for treated seed litigation avoided duplicative regulations

Increased member engagement in hosting facility visits, meeting with Congress and ARAPAC support

ADVOCACY ACTIONS

17

Comments Filed for the Record

706

Grassroot Messages to Federal Regulators & Legislators for ARA Advocacy Campaigns

14

Agency Relationships to Work on Regulatory Issues

341

Congressional Office Meetings Advocating for Ag Retail

18

DC Help Desk Cases with Regulatory/Legislative Questions

28

Coalitions & Working Groups Partnering with ARA

12

Facility Visits Hosted by ARA Members

PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES

Transportation and Supply Chain

ARA’S GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY TOOL

Farm Bill

Send messages to legislators or regulators in seconds View voting resources Find your officials, candidates and legislation

Energy

GET STARTED

Modern Agriculture Technologies

MEMBER SERVICES

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Support Cut through regulatory red tape to train more truck drivers and save $3K per driver training.

Payment Processing Program Reduce credit card payment processing fees by about 20% and improve customer experience.

Model Fertilizer Contract Streamline terms and conditions, manage risk and collect digital signatures.

DC Help Desk Reach out to a direct line to regulatory and legislative answers from the ARA team.

NAVIGATOR 360° Leadership Assessment Reveal hidden talents with this online tool built specifically for ag professionals.

Learn more

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Tax Write-Off Deduct 70% of dues as an expense (ARA does not offer tax advice; consult tax preparers.)

New Retailer Member Consultation Set up a customized consultation with member-firm Faegre Drinker.

Learn more

30

93

29

Attendees at ARA Management Academy, held in partnership with Purdue University and Arizona State University

Attendees at ARA Winter Board Meeting and Fly-In

Rising Stars named and celebrated industry-wide

1,100+

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTPATHWAY

22

NAVIGATOR 360° leadership assessments completed

Attendees for webinars

216

SPARC online learning modules + training manual + personalized fact sheets (Sustainability Programming for Ag Retailers and Certified Crop Consultants)

Retailer member participants in ARA and Syngenta’s Leadership At Its Best program

Committee members shared ideas

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

AWARDS

Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award

Retailer of the Year

Excellence in Advocacy Award

Legislator of the Year

Distinguished Service Award

Legislator of the Year

U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta

Rod Wells, GROWMARK

Ernie Chappell

Buttonwillow Warehouse Company

Joey Caldwell, GreenPoint Ag

U.S. Representative Jim Baird

ARA’s Rising Stars award program is an opportunity to recognize, reward and develop emerging leaders.

2024 ARA CONFERENCE

& EXPO SUMMARY

See what's in store for 2025

87

607

36

Attendees

Exhibitors

Sponsors

DIGITAL OVERVIEW

Hover to see results.

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X (Twitter)

Media hits

Email

Website

YouTube

ARA FINANCIALS

Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionSeptember 30, 2024

ARA FINANCIALS

Consolidated Statement of ActivitiesSeptember 30, 2024

Consolidated Statement of ActivitiesSeptember 30, 2024

ARAPAC DONORS

Consolidated Statement of ActivitiesSeptember 30, 2024

ABOUT ARA

Who is ARA? The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is the only national association exclusively representing agricultural retailers at the federal level. ARA operates thanks to company dues paid by three different types of agribusinesses: retailers/distributors, suppliers (seed, equipment, fertilizer, pesticides, technology, etc.), and affiliated organizations (universities, associations, etc.). Our Mission 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.

Protecting Your Freedom to Operate.

ARA’s Rising Stars

Sponsored by

Awards program

Garrett Alan Asmus, Asmus Farm Supply, Inc. Tyler Blackburn, GreenPoint Ag Daniel Bonetti, Grow West Trey Colley, GreenPoint Ag Leah Cook, River Valley Cooperative Lane Danielson, GROWMARK, Inc. Hannah Davis, Keystone Cooperative James Draper, Stueve Construction Abel Elwell, Willard Agri-Service Jake Freeman, International Raw Materials LTD John Michael Greco, GreenPoint Ag Brooke Grieder, GROWMARK, Inc. Lane Hacker, Keystone Cooperative Ben Henson, GreenPoint Ag Zach Jensen, Easy Automation Inc.

Brandon Justice, GreenPoint Ag Jared Myers, Keystone Cooperative Chase Porter, Southern States Cooperative, Inc. Kyle Pulley, Keystone Cooperative Blaine Rohlk, Keystone Cooperative Katelyn Schwiderski, GROWMARK, Inc. Kolin Sukovaty, New Century FS Brent Tinkel, Keystone Cooperative Aaron Villicana, Keystone Cooperative Benjamin White, GreenPoint Ag Ben Wiatt, Keystone Cooperative Darren Wiatt, Keystone Cooperative Jason Wilkins, Southern States Cooperative, Inc. Eric Winans, BRANDT Joseph Woods, MFA Incorporated

(Members as of Dec. 31, 2024 appear in bold.)