Ag Retailers Association
“We appreciate Chairman Boozman and committee members for recognizing the unique role of retailers and other agricultural businesses in the Senate’s Farm Bill, and we are committed to working with Congress and the Administration to get this bill signed into law,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.
The Agricultural Retailers Association’s policy team joined the Scoop Podcast to lay out what’s still in play this fall — a stalled Senate farm bill, a disaster aid package hung up over its price tag, a labor rule sent back to the drawing board, and a rail merger they say will cost ag shippers competition.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the Central Valley, and our growers depend on a strong network of agricultural retailers to keep their operations productive and competitive,” said Congressman Costa.
With decisions being made that shape ag retailers’ business, here’s how ARA has recently made an impact advocating for their freedom to operate.
“ARA supports transparency in fertilizer markets, but Congress should first allow the USDA to complete the comprehensive market study outlined in Section 12302 before creating a permanent federal reporting program,” said Daren Coppock, ARA President and CEO.
Recognized in front of hundreds of professionals, nominees will have networking opportunities and explore new ways to hone their leadership skills.
The Stop the Rail Merger Coalition believes the Union Pacific (UP) – Norfolk Southern (NS) merger would reduce competition, weaken service reliability, and raise shipping costs across large portions of the U.S. economy.
ARA’s Hunter Carpenter breaks down the House-passed Farm Bill—and the critical pesticide labeling and permit reforms that got left behind. From the breakthrough on year-round E15 sales to the high-stakes battle over rail mergers, find out how these decisions impact your bottom line and license to operate.
ARA’s annual fly-in connects congressional members with ag retailers from their districts, giving them the opportunity to hear directly from ARA members about the issues.
“America’s agricultural retailers and growers continue to face high fuel costs and tight margins,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “This commonsense relief will help them stay productive and profitable at a critical time of year.”
ARA took its priorities to Capitol Hill to push for a Farm Bill finish line and fixes that affect retailers’ day-to-day operations—especially transportation rules, trade uncertainty, and biofuels policy.
“ARA’s 2026 policy priorities are built to safeguard the tools, technologies, and regulatory certainty that agricultural retailers and their farmer customers rely on every single day,” said Richard Gupton, ARA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy.
The letter says, "“Agricultural retailers in multiple regions are already reporting delayed spring fertilizer deliveries and growing allocation pressure as product arrival dates shift and transportation capacity tightens.”
“Chairman Crapo’s leadership, including his work to extend critical Farm Bill provisions, provided much-needed stability and continuity for farmers and the broader agricultural supply chain,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.
ARA points to the legislation’s provisions for farm safety net and risk management tools, conservation and research, and trade and rural development.
“As implementation moves forward, it is important that federal actions reflect real world supply chain dynamics,” Daren Coppock said. “Agricultural retailers are prepared to work with USDA and other federal partners to ensure existing distribution channels continue to serve farmers efficiently.”
“ARA commends Chairman G.T. Thompson for his leadership in advancing the 2026 Farm Bill and for his commitment to providing long term certainty for America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural supply chain partners,” said ARA President & CEO, Daren Coppock.
“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.
Nominate your professional operator for AGCO’s operator of the year soon as nominations close September 30.
ARA’s policy team of Hunter Carpenter and Richard Gupton discuss the impact of the recent reconciliation package on agriculture, a “skinny Farm Bill,” dead in the water California regulations, and what to expect before the August recess.
To be eligible for the spring workforce window, employers must begin the H-2 application process by June 1.
Additionally and specifically, Canadian potash imports into the U.S. will be subject to a reduced import tariff of 10%.
ARA updated Model Fertilizer Contract with ARA member Faegre Drinker to empower the ag retail industry to better manage risk, collect e-signatures, and outline consistent terms and conditions for dealing with fertilizer suppliers or customers.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) has received one of ARA’s annual Legislator of the Year awards. Here’s how he’s been supporting ag retailers.
U.S. Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) is being honored with one of ARA’s annual Legislator of the Year awards. Find out how he’s supported ag retailers.
With this year’s spraying season quickly approaching, there are a few steps you can take now to prepare for the busy months ahead. One of them includes preparing a kit of items you will need during applications.
Register for this upcoming ARA webinar to understand the in’s and out’s of both the H-2A and H-2B programs for employers.
With a decades-long legacy of putting people first, the Houchin family and the team at Buttonwillow Warehouse Company has been named the 2024 Retailer of the Year by the Agricultural Retailers Association.