AGP Executive Report

Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit seeking to overturn federal approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing a decade-long battle over the project. Farm Markets: USDA’s October outlook lifted its corn yield forecast to 181.2 bushels per acre, above expectations, sending grain futures lower. North Dakota’s projected yield rose 2 bushels to 132. AI and Energy: Applied Digital is targeting 4 gigawatts of AI data-center capacity by 2030, while a proposed Cass County data center developer says it plans to bring its own power generation. AgTech: Grand Farm broke ground on a $33.7 million Innovation Campus expansion near Casselton and received a $5 million federal grant for a year-round testing track. Manufacturing: Badland Batteries opened its lithium-ion battery factory in North Fargo, with Sen. John Hoeven highlighting the state’s defense-manufacturing growth. Farm Support: North Dakota producers are expected to receive about $721 million in federal farm safety-net payments this month.

Manufacturing: Badland Batteries opened its Fargo lithium-ion factory, making batteries for drones and autonomous systems, with military and public-safety uses. Innovation Funding: North Dakota’s LIFT loan program is accepting applications through Nov. 9, offering financing to companies commercializing technology in fields including agriculture, energy and advanced computing. AI Infrastructure: Applied Digital has brought 75 megawatts of data-center capacity online in Ellendale and is pursuing much larger growth; meanwhile, North Dakota candidates and residents are pressing for more transparency around data-center impacts. Farm Economy: North Dakota producers are expected to receive about $721 million in federal farm payments this month, while rural communities can apply for support for agricultural and workforce technology. Fuel Costs: AAA says U.S. gas prices remain at autumn records; North Dakota’s regular average was $4.17 a gallon for the week ending Oct. 3. Local Infrastructure: FEMA issued a final notice on proposed grant assistance for Lincoln’s plan to replace flood-prone wastewater lagoons with a mechanical treatment facility.

AI Infrastructure: Applied Digital’s fiscal first-quarter revenue jumped 322% to $341.9 million, while a new report says a major hyperscaler is building a 1-gigawatt data center in North Dakota. Ag Investment: North Dakota producers are set to receive an estimated $721 million in federal farm payments this month; meanwhile, Grand Farm has broken ground on its Innovation Campus expansion, backed by a $5 million federal grant. Business Funding: The state’s LIFT technology loan program is accepting applications through Nov. 9, supporting commercialization in fields including ag tech, energy and advanced computing. Workforce: Construction employers at North Dakota worksites received 762 H-2B worker approvals through June, underscoring demand for seasonal labor. Financial Innovation: The Bank of North Dakota has launched a stablecoin pilot with local partners.

Data Centers: North Dakota’s AI boom is drawing investment and pushback. Applied Digital reported first-quarter revenue up 322% to $341.9 million, while lawmakers and residents raise concerns about data-center siting, power and water use. Agriculture: Producers are set to receive an estimated $721 million in federal farm-support payments. Grand Farm also broke ground on an Innovation Campus expansion backed by a $5 million grant, and rural communities can apply for $10,000 AgTech project awards. Energy: WBI Energy made a final investment decision on its Bakken East natural-gas pipeline, advancing a project intended to expand regional gas capacity. Farm Costs: Diesel remains a major harvest-season strain; North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue said the federal dyed-diesel tax measure offers little relief against prices more than $2 per gallon above last year. Dairy: A judge upheld the permit for a planned 25,000-cow dairy in Traill County, clearing a hurdle for the state’s largest operation. Local Budgets: Stutsman County approved a 2027 budget with a projected $9.46 million deficit, including increased road work and capital spending.

AI Infrastructure: Applied Digital reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of $341.9 million, up 322% year over year, as it expanded data center operations; its $221 million net loss and $6.4 billion debt underscore the cost of growth. North Dakota is also drawing attention as an AI data center hub, though residents have raised concerns about water use and prime farmland. Agriculture: North Dakota producers are expected to receive $721 million in enhanced farm safety-net payments. But diesel prices remain a major strain: the North Dakota Farmers Union says expanding access to tax-free dyed diesel will offer little relief. Food and Energy: A judge upheld the permit for the planned 25,000-cow Herberg Dairy in Traill County. Separately, WBI Energy is advancing its Bakken East natural gas pipeline, while Minnkota plans a gas-fired plant in Cass County. AgTech: Grand Farm has broken ground on its Innovation Campus expansion and secured $5 million for an indoor test track, supporting year-round agricultural technology research.

Agriculture: North Dakota’s soybean acreage has more than tripled since 2000, driven by biofuel demand and exports to China. But yields remain below neighboring states, spurring NDSU research into varieties suited to the state’s short, dry summers. Farmers are also set to receive an estimated $721 million in federal support this month. Energy: Minnkota Power plans a roughly $1 billion, 400-megawatt gas plant in Cass County, with a potential 2031–32 start. The project depends on the planned Bakken East pipeline. Data Centers: Proposed projects are drawing political and local scrutiny, from an agriculture commissioner challenger’s criticism to lawmakers’ questions about water use and residents’ concerns over farmland and zoning. State water officials say utilities have so far been able to meet data center demand. AgTech and AI: Grand Farm has broken ground on its Innovation Campus expansion, backed by a $5 million grant for an indoor test track. Applied Digital has also brought another 75 megawatts of AI infrastructure online at its Ellendale site. Finance: The Bank of North Dakota is piloting its dollar-pegged Roughrider Coin with four local banks and credit unions.

Energy Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative plans a $1B natural gas-fired plant in Cass County, buying land in Harmony Township near the Bakken East Pipeline endpoint, with a possible 2031-32 start. Data Centers & Zoning: Harmony Township is seeking new legal counsel after questions about whether a former chairman’s undisclosed land deal with a data center developer could invalidate July zoning changes tied to higher noise limits and battery storage. Banking & Crypto: Bank of North Dakota launched a Roughrider Coin stablecoin pilot with local banks/credit unions and Fiserv, testing benefits and risks in a controlled setup. Ag Policy: Sen. John Hoeven and Sen. John Boozman met with ND farm groups on farm bill priorities, highlighting safety-net and crop insurance improvements and new ARC/PLC payment estimates. Small Business: SCORE Dakotas formed by merging three regional SCORE chapters to expand mentoring for entrepreneurs across rural and urban communities. Workforce Training: Mitchell Technical College Foundation received $945K to expand rural skilled-trades training for energy jobs across the region, including North Dakota. Public Services: NDDOT will issue free Non-Driver Photo IDs at four tribal nation events to help residents vote. Food Safety: FDA says more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade were recalled in 37 states due to undeclared dyes. Fuel Costs Politics: Trump’s executive order expands access to red-dyed diesel on highways, aiming to ease diesel prices ahead of elections.

Diesel Relief for ND Truckers/Farmers: Trump signed an executive order waiving the off-road requirement so people can buy tax-free red-dyed diesel on public roads through end of 2026, aiming to blunt record diesel prices—though analysts warn states may still enforce rules and supply impacts may limit benefits. AgTech Funding in Fargo: NSF AgTech Engine launched a new seed fund for later-stage ag startups, backing prototype refinement, field validation, commercialization planning, and follow-on readiness. Grand Farm Expansion: Sen. John Hoeven announced $5M for Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus phase two, including an indoor AgTech test track for year-round validation of autonomous systems, robotics, implements, and more. Precision Ag Reality Check: NSF AgTech Engine director Michael Frank says precision ag adoption sits around 27% and urges companies to prove real farm value, not just features. Stablecoin Pilot in Bismarck: Bank of North Dakota launched a Roughrider Coin stablecoin pilot with local banks/credit unions and Fiserv, testing near real-time interbank settlement in a controlled environment. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls tied to potential E. coli contamination expanded to additional Great Value and Trader Joe’s lots. Public Safety on ND Roads: Highway 52 will close temporarily for rail crossing repairs near Voltaire; a semi hauling anhydrous ammonia rolled near Devils Lake with no leak reported. Local Governance/Heritage: Archaeologists found seven coffins at the governor’s residence property; cataloging and reburial are expected in spring 2027.

Banking & Fintech: Bank of North Dakota launched its Roughrider Coin stablecoin pilot with four local banks/credit unions and Fiserv, aiming to test a dollar-pegged “new rail” for faster interbank payments. Ag Fraud Enforcement: A North Dakota cattle broker, Taylor Bang, pleaded guilty in the Agridime cattle Ponzi scheme; the state ordered Bang Cattle Sales to stop livestock sales and revoked his dealer license. Infrastructure & Logistics: ND DOT will temporarily close U.S. Highway 52 at a rail crossing west of Voltaire from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19 for repairs, with a signed detour in place. Workforce & Education: The Department of Public Instruction and lawmakers unveiled the Support Teachers and Youth Succeed bill, proposing educator bonuses tied to earnings from the Common Schools Trust. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,000+ cases of 28-oz Gatorade (Lemon Lime/Orange and Zero versions) in 37 states, including North Dakota, due to undeclared Yellow dyes; consumers should check lot codes. Local Business Dispute: Fufeng USA threatened litigation against the city of Grand Forks over its terminated corn milling plant deal. Aviation/Research: FAA awarded $12M for 19 drone research projects to support safe UAS integration. Energy/Tech: Applied Digital commissioned another 75MW at Polaris Forge 1, bringing live critical IT capacity to 250MW.

Press Freedom & Courts: North Dakota native Theodore “Ted” Boutrous Jr. says the fight to restore White House access for banned journalists (CNN, MS NOW, Politico) will continue after a judge reinstated access for 14 days and a hearing is set for Oct. 8. Energy Infrastructure: WBI Energy advanced the Bakken East natural gas pipeline to a “Final Investment Decision,” with FERC approval next and possible operation as early as 2030. AI & Data Centers: Midwest Tech Summit leaders highlighted North Dakota’s fiber and power advantages for AI infrastructure, while Applied Digital pushed more Polaris Forge 1 capacity online in Ellendale (75 MW added; 250 MW critical IT load operational). Local Data-Center Tensions: Casselton-area residents questioned a proposed Harmony Energy Park site on prime farmland as the Legislature’s AI and Data Center committee prepares to meet. Agriculture Costs & Logistics: Diesel prices climbed as harvest begins, and railroads raised grain shipping fuel surcharges—adding pressure on farm margins. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,000+ cases of Gatorade in 37 states over undeclared yellow dyes; CDC reported an alfalfa sprout outbreak now at 76 sickened across 16 states. Workforce & Immigration: North Dakota employers in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services filed 34 H-1B petitions in 2025, all approved. Tech in Retail: NoviSign cloud software rolled out at a John Deere dealer network to manage showroom screens across multiple states.

AI Data Centers: Applied Digital says it has brought an additional 75 MW of AI infrastructure online at its Polaris Forge 1 campus in Ellendale, completing 250 MW of operational IT load there and targeting 400 MW at full buildout. Local Land Use: Casselton-area residents are questioning a proposed Geronimo Power data center on prime farmland, as lawmakers and NDSU plan upcoming public discussions on data center impacts, including water use and local government effects. STEM Workforce Pipeline: UND community members signed a beam for the STEM Complex in Grand Forks, highlighting continued growth in engineering and new opportunities for students. Immigration & Tech Jobs: North Dakota employers filed 34 approved H-1B petitions in 2025 under the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry, with Infonero and Aldevron among the top filers. Food Safety: The CDC reports an alfalfa sprout outbreak now tied to 76 illnesses across 16 states, while the FDA expanded frozen berry recalls (including Walmart’s Great Value and Trader Joe’s) over possible E. coli contamination. Energy & Costs: National gas prices fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41, and North Dakota’s 2024 state tax collections rose 3.1% to $5.8B, with sales/gross receipts up 3.1% to $1.9B.

STEM & Education Buildout: UND students and community members signed a beam for the STEM Complex in Grand Forks, with UND leadership saying the project is in phase one and backed by donors and state funding. Data Centers vs. Farmland: Casselton-area residents questioned Geronimo Power’s Harmony Energy Park data center site on prime farmland, as lawmakers and NDSU plan upcoming AI/data center discussions on power and water impacts. Ag-Tech to Kids’ Products: A North Dakota farm kid turned ag-tech entrepreneur is selling personalized farm-map play rugs and related products, turning decades of mapping work into consumer goods. Energy & Permitting: Sen. Kevin Cramer is tied to a Senate energy bill that would limit how long administrations can stall permits for whole classes of energy projects, with faster legal review and potential fines. Fuel Watch: The national gas average fell nearly 7 cents to about $4.41, after a record September. Food Safety: FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products shipped to North Dakota. Sports (Local Economy of Attention): NDSU’s Polasek-led win story and the “Battle of the Basins” shutout dominated weekend coverage in Fargo.

Energy & Infrastructure: WBI Energy cleared a major milestone with a “Final Investment Decision” for the Bakken East natural gas pipeline, moving it toward the FERC regulatory process; the plan is two phases—Watford City to north of Bismarck (target 2029) and then to west of Fargo (target 2030). Public Safety & Tech: UND Police says its campus security camera system (about $1.8M) is helping solve crimes, noting it uses Verkada—not Flock—and that data sharing would be limited to investigations. Agriculture Supply Chain: Black and pinto beans are flagged as short-supply for 2026-27 as production fell and buyers drew down stocks; processors point to canola and soybeans taking acreage. Food Safety: A frozen organic berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak tied to Walmart and Trader Joe’s brands sickened 17 people. State Tax Snapshot: North Dakota reported 2024 sales and gross receipts tax collections up 3.1% to $1.9B, while the national gas average dipped nearly 7 cents to $4.41. Workforce/Training: UND and NDSU hosted a woody encroachment workshop to train future wildlife managers on invasive species control. Local Sports & Community: UND engineering celebrated the Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex dedication, boosting hands-on space for students.

AI & Data Centers: Applied Digital says its Polaris Forge 1 campus in Ellendale hit Ready for Service on the second phase of Building 2, adding 75 MW and bringing live critical IT load to 250 MW, with the fully built-out site targeting 400 MW. Finance & Payments: Fiserv has gone live with a stablecoin platform for banks, and North Dakota’s Roughrider Coin is now available to 90+ ND banks and credit unions via Commercial Center on Solana. Energy & Infrastructure: WBI Energy plans a Bakken East pipeline, while North Dakota also faces ongoing policy fights over wetlands setbacks that affect farmers and hunters. Agriculture & Rural Workforce: A Western Dakota Corps of Discovery program is rotating high-tech career kits worth more than $1M through western ND classrooms, and workforce shortages remain widespread with 12,000+ job openings statewide. Education & Industry Skills: NDSU dedicated the Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex, a nearly $100M push to expand labs and hands-on training. Wildlife & Outdoor Economy: UND and NDSU hosted a woody encroachment workshop to help students tackle invasive species on prairie landscapes; youth pheasant weekend runs Oct. 3-4. Food Assistance: North Dakota opened public comment on SNAP changes that would restrict purchases of certain candy, soda, and sweetened beverages. Courts & Oil Royalties: The ND Supreme Court heard arguments in an oil royalty deductions dispute involving Hess, with mineral owners alleging excessive withheld amounts.

Oil & Royalties: The North Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute over whether Hess improperly withheld royalty money by taking postproduction deductions; the ruling will decide if the case can move toward a jury trial. Energy Infrastructure: WBI Energy cleared a major hurdle for the Bakken East Pipeline, with state leaders pointing to improved natural gas reliability and potential manufacturing and power opportunities. Diesel Relief for Farmers: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a diesel fuel emergency, temporarily suspending limits on using dyed special fuel for tax-exempt agricultural operations to boost near-term supply during harvest. Stablecoin & Payments: Fiserv’s stablecoin platform went live in production, with North Dakota’s Roughrider Coin enabling faster interbank settlement for banks and credit unions. Public Safety/Transportation: ND DOT deputy director Robin Rehborg was appointed chair of AAMVA’s International Board, continuing her driver-safety leadership at the state level. Livestock Health: Fall calf marketing is underway, with veterinarians urging producers to review vaccination and management plans ahead of sale day. Healthcare Costs: A coalition of states, including North Dakota, is seeking court approval of a $400M Sandoz/Fougera generic drug settlement tied to alleged price-fixing and reduced competition.

AI Data Centers: Applied Digital says it hit “Ready for Service” for the next 75 MW phase at Polaris Forge 1 in North Dakota, bringing 250 MW of critical IT load online and supporting a fully leased 400 MW AI campus. Stablecoin Banking: Fiserv has put its digital-asset platform into production with Bank of North Dakota’s Roughrider Coin on Solana, with 90+ ND banks and credit unions accessing it through existing Fiserv banking rails. Fuel Cost Relief for Agriculture: Gov. Kelly Armstrong expanded North Dakota’s diesel emergency, allowing eligible agriculture users to use cheaper red-dyed diesel on highways for hauling grain and livestock during the harvest stretch. Harvest Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued frost and freeze alerts for the Red River Valley, including Fargo-Moorhead and parts of northern ND, urging protection for plants and outdoor plumbing. Food & Budget Pressure: A report flags SNAP administrative cost changes that are raising the bill for counties, with one example showing a North Carolina agricultural county facing a $397,000 annual increase. Policy & Livestock Debate: An I-BAND letter criticizes North Dakota’s push toward electronic ID for Bangs vaccinations, arguing it goes beyond outbreak oversight and raises tracking concerns.