AGP Executive Report

Energy & Oil Policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is pushing for faster development of enhanced oil recovery in the Bakken, warning North Dakota’s production is already declining and that the state needs carbon and pipeline buildout to unlock more of the remaining oil. Water Infrastructure: The EPA awarded North Dakota $28.7 million for drinking-water improvements, backing planning, design, and construction upgrades through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. AI Data Center Politics: State officials told lawmakers that environmental concerns about AI data centers are being overstated, arguing the public debate is driven by inaccurate information rather than what regulators are seeing on the ground. Aerospace & Uncrewed Systems: UND and Modern Technology Solutions Inc. celebrated an agreement transferring three RATS aircraft to UND, aiming to grow student training and regional uncrewed aviation capability. Agriculture & Weather: NDSU reports warmer conditions after spring dust and recent rains, but flags a rising flea beetle risk for canola as planting and emergence progress unevenly. Grants for Value-Added Ag: The North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission approved six projects totaling $340,524.50, including corn pit structure work, dry bean inoculant development, and new processing/marketing efforts. Legal/Industry Spotlight: A Dutch court allowed Greenpeace International’s anti-intimidation case tied to Dakota Access Pipeline fallout to move forward against Energy Transfer. Local Business: Grand Forks coffee shop Urban Stampede is closing temporarily for flooring replacement, with a possible pop-up during renovations. Public Works & Heritage: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck paused after human remains and coffin fragments were found, with next steps expected in coming weeks.

Enhanced Oil Recovery Push: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota has a narrow window to accelerate “enhanced oil recovery” before a change in federal administration, warning the state has already declined about 400,000 barrels a day and needs new techniques to slow the drop. Ag Tech & Data: Farmers can start using an updated crop acreage reporting system that lets them scan maps into a computer to generate submissions faster, with real-time updates the next step. Cattle Innovation Funding: Fargo-based 701x raised $10M+ in an oversubscribed Series B from ranchers and local investors to expand its cattle operating system, including GPS-enabled ear tags and herd management tools. Value-Added Ag Grants: ND Agricultural Products Utilization Commission approved about $340,524.50 for six projects, including corn pit structure work, dry bean inoculant development, and marketing upgrades for meat and agribusiness ventures. Local Energy Policy: Ward County moved ahead with first reading of a battery energy storage siting ordinance while still weighing industry tweaks, aiming to avoid a policy gap. Construction & Retail: Fargo is planning a new $21.8M Target store (about 133,780 sq. ft.) at 4900 Alexander Dr. S, with no opening date yet. Public Works & Safety: Bismarck-area crews found possible human remains at the Capitol Grounds during construction, with the state historical society investigating. Court Watch (Energy): A Dutch court said it can hear Greenpeace’s case against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access pipeline protest damages, setting up another legal fight.

Agriculture Policy & Wildlife: USDA expanded its Farm Bill-backed Migratory Big Game conservation framework to cover all 17 states including North Dakota, letting farmers and ranchers apply for funds to use wildlife-friendly practices on working land. Local Government & Taxation: Grand Forks County commissioners advanced a ballot idea to consolidate county mills, while also weighing changes that would end minimum mill guarantees for some ambulance and senior center services. Construction & Community Growth: Hope Lutheran Church broke ground on its 4th West Fargo campus, with city officials approving nearby area changes after traffic and safety concerns from residents. Beef Demand Push: The North Dakota Beef Commission rolled Beef Month programming into June with events like a Fargo beef-and-beer pairing and grilling-focused activities. Energy & Grid: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission consortium, adding 150 MW capacity interest to the 3,000 MW project. Oil & Gas Watch: North Dakota’s March oil update highlighted a record number of active producing wells and continued strength in McKenzie County’s share of output. Data Centers & AI: State leaders and locals are increasingly debating AI/data-center growth in western North Dakota, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong urging local input and warning against rate hikes for existing utility customers. Farm Operations Modernization: FSA is improving crop acreage reporting in North Dakota by scanning paper maps to generate spreadsheets, with a longer-term push toward more digital, real-time submissions. Transportation Rules: A federal Hours-of-Service waiver now allows fertilizer haulers in 34 states to drive up to 16 hours in 24, aiming to ease supply pressure during the summer window. Unmanned Systems: Vantis BVLOS operations added a new FAA waiver for Frontier Precision, expanding BVLOS approval timelines and scaling drone missions across more than 5,000 square miles of managed airspace.

Fertilizer Logistics Relief: FMCSA granted a sweeping Hours-of-Service waiver for drivers hauling fertilizer in 34 states, letting them drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period (with a required 6-hour sleeper-berth break) from May 26 to Aug. 26, aiming to ease supply squeezes. Farm Data Modernization: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is upgrading crop acreage reporting so maps can be scanned into spreadsheets instead of hand-keyed; North Dakota and Maryland are first to use the improved system, with a longer-term push toward more digital, real-time reporting. Beef AgTech Funding: Fargo’s 701x closed an oversubscribed $10M+ Series B backed entirely by ranchers and local investors (no VC), building satellite-connected GPS ear tags and cattle software, and is moving into new international markets. Grid Buildout in ND: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC consortium, securing 150 MW capacity on the $3.2B line once it starts operating—adding another path for power from the west. USDA Big Game Conservation: USDA unveiled a migratory big game framework across 17 states, including North Dakota, to better align federal spending and landscape connectivity for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer while keeping working lands working. Local Water Infrastructure: Minot approved equipment purchases tied to the Northwest Area Water Supply biota treatment plant, targeting late-August startup and flow to Minot by September or October. Retail & Community: Grand Farm will plant and donate 7,000–10,000 ears of sweet corn to Churches United for the Homeless, using its Casselton Innovation Campus to support both AgTech and food security.

Workplace Safety: North Dakota employers and state officials pushed a “Get Home Safe Day” message in Bismarck, stressing safety as a daily habit (not just training) under WSI’s workers comp umbrella. Agriculture: USDA’s first Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index readings for 2026 show corn and soy starting the season with North Dakota corn rated 13.85 on the index (near year-ago), while the broader report sets the tone for how Dakotas’ planting and weather are shaping up. Unmanned Systems & Aerospace: North Dakota highlighted autonomous systems leadership at AUVSI Xponential 2026 through a “North Dakota Row” featuring nine companies and major international engagement. Local Industry & Growth: Grand Forks City Council approved a second reading to annex a right of way near planned Northern Plains Nitrogen and Epitome Energy sites—aimed at road maintenance improvements, but with nearby landowners raising concerns. Energy/Infrastructure: A flood-risk update from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers points to how North Dakota dams like Pipestem and Jamestown help reduce downstream damage. Public Safety: A Grand Forks man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a kidnapping-for-ransom tied to a meth drug debt, underscoring ongoing Red River Valley enforcement.

Autonomous Systems & Aerospace: North Dakota’s “North Dakota Row” at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 put nine UAS and autonomous-tech companies on a global stage, drawing major industry and government attention and international delegations. Energy Grid & Transmission: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector utility consortium, lining up for 150 MW on the HVDC line once it’s operating—another push to move power across regional markets. Bakken Oil Tech: North Dakota leaders are urging faster progress on enhanced oil recovery, while operators warn there’s no guaranteed “silver bullet” for boosting Bakken output. Federal Research Funding: UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is recalling furloughed staff as new DOE contracts near final terms, including work tied to getting more oil from shale. Agriculture Tech Grants: The NSF AgTech Engine opened producer-engaged ag tech RFPs (up to $100,000), prioritizing practical, deployable solutions for water resilience, logistics, breeding, regenerative systems, and value-added markets. Cover Crops: A cover crop incentive program reopened with higher annual payments, aiming to reduce barriers and speed adoption. Consumer/Construction Watch: ND AG Drew Wrigley warned homeowners about fake asphalt-paving contractors demanding upfront payments. Local Business: Forum Communications finalized its purchase of the McKenzie County Farmer, expanding coverage in the Bakken. Workforce Housing: McKenzie County is investing $11M in modular homes for trades students, senior duplexes, and a pathway-to-purchase plan to ease the housing crunch.

Pipeline & protest politics: A court ruling is putting fresh heat on Greenpeace’s Dakota Access Pipeline-era actions, with the group’s reputation taking another hit as legal fallout continues. Bees & food system: The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, raising alarms for pollinator health as beekeepers already face heavy losses from pests and disease. Housing & workforce building: McKenzie County is investing $11M to tackle the housing shortage, including modular home construction with students and new senior-friendly duplexes. Local wind development: Flickertail Wind’s progress is getting messy at the township level, with New Rockford moving forward while Grandfield voted no on key agreements. Ag market trust: A “beans, beef and Boeing” China trip is being blamed for market whiplash, underscoring how quickly commodity and stock moves can turn when buyers doubt the deal. Farm equipment scam: The BBB warns North Dakota buyers about a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” site that stole $35,000+ by impersonating a real South Dakota family business. Grid & reliability: A new reliability assessment says the summer power outlook is stronger thanks to solar and battery additions, challenging claims that old fossil plants are needed. Data centers & rates: States are rethinking data center deals as lawmakers weigh power-grid costs and household utility impacts. North Dakota housing push: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say ND needs thousands more units and want higher state Low Income Housing Tax Credit minimums. Small business real estate: A $1.7M Rochester-area bank building purchase clears the way for a drive-thru 7Brew Coffee shop.

Ag Markets & Trade Risk: A “beans, beef and Boeing” China trip rattled expectations fast—soybeans, cattle and Boeing shares slid within days, underscoring how markets now demand proof, not presidential promises. Consumer Scam Alert: The BBB flagged a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” site impersonating a real Castlewood, S.D. family and pushing buyers to wire $35,000+ for nonexistent machinery—calls, invoices, then silence. Housing & Local Development: A $1.7M purchase of a former bank building in Rochester clears the way for a drive-thru 7Brew Coffee shop, with construction targeted for fall and an opening in January 2027. Affordable Housing Pressure: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say ND needs thousands more units and are urging bigger state Low Income Housing Tax Credit minimums to close a 6,000–9,000 gap. Energy & Grid Readiness: A new reliability assessment says the grid is in decent shape for summer, crediting solar and battery storage additions. Local Business Spotlight: Dickinson’s STOP Ice Cream & Snacks is drawing crowds with ice cream, waffle cones and Mexican-inspired treats since opening in April. Community & Outdoors: Grand Forks kicked off its summer with a Riverside Park planting event, while ND Game and Fish reminds people to leave baby wildlife alone.

Housing & Policy: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say North Dakota still needs thousands more affordable units, urging Sen. John Hoeven to push for bigger Low Income Housing Tax Credit minimums as the state struggles to close a 6,000–9,000-unit gap. Energy & Infrastructure: North Dakota DOT is replacing Backwater Bridge on Highway 1806 near Standing Rock, with a temporary bypass and work expected to finish by November. Agriculture & Risk: A North Dakota corn grower met with the FTC chair over fertilizer costs, while another report highlights how nitrogen uncertainty can hit corn profits. Workforce & Small Business: The ND Small Business Development Center-Southwest plans to reopen a Dickinson office in early-to-mid June to restore face-to-face help for local entrepreneurs. Elections & Civic Life: Early voting starts June 1 in Stutsman County, with absentee signature “cure” steps emphasized for voters. Wildlife & Outdoors: Game and Fish reminds North Dakotans to leave baby animals alone—parents are often nearby. Tech & Privacy: AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail over financial data privacy and security risks. Community Spotlight: Fluffy Fields Vineyard and Winery in Dickinson marks its 10-year anniversary June 6 with vendors and live music.

Agriculture & Trade: North Dakota corn growers met with the FTC chair over fertilizer pricing practices, arguing supply disruption and distorted prices are driving up costs for farmers and consumers. Farm Stress & Health: A new report highlights a “farm stress crisis” in North Dakota, calling for longer-term mental-health support as input costs, weather, and financial strain pile up. Energy & Rates: Otter Tail Power Co. faces a June 2 public hearing in Bemidji over proposed electric rate hikes, with customers bracing for higher bills. Construction & Infrastructure: Crews are replacing the Backwater Bridge in Morton County, with a temporary bypass in place and work expected to wrap by November. Small Business: The ND Small Business Development Center-Southwest will reopen a Dickinson satellite office in early-to-mid June to restore face-to-face help. UAS & Oil/Gas Tech: Vantis expands as Frontier Precision joins the network, cutting BVLOS waiver timelines to weeks and targeting scalable unmanned missions for sectors including oil and gas and agriculture. Bees & Safety: A semi crash on I-94 near Valley City released an estimated two million bees, stinging the truck driver hundreds of times. Civic/Community: Minot leaders toured flood protection work tied to the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project, and public comment is open on a reclaimed landfill recreation plan. Policy/Markets: A North Dakota cattle group is asking federal regulators to investigate wild swings in cattle futures markets that they say undermine producer price protection.

UAS & Mapping Expansion: North Dakota’s Vantis network is accelerating BVLOS approvals, cutting waiver timelines from years to about 23 business days as Frontier Precision joins as a second champion operator, expanding managed airspace across 5,000+ square miles. Ag Policy & Markets: A North Dakota cattle group is asking federal regulators to investigate wild swings in cattle futures and how they ripple into cash prices and producer risk tools. Trade Shock to Farming: A new North Dakota State University analysis says China’s retaliatory tariffs wiped out about $14.9B in U.S. ag export sales over a year, with soybeans taking roughly half the hit. Farm Inputs Research: Purdue research suggests corn growers may be able to use less nitrogen without sacrificing yields, aiming for a “triple win” of profits plus air and water benefits. Local Infrastructure & Land Use: Minot officials and council members toured flood protection work tied to the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project, while a reclaimed Superfund landfill near Maysa Arena moves toward EPA approval for new recreation trails. Community & Heritage: Casselton’s Johnny’s Landing is set to turn a historic farmstead into an agritourism lodging and wellness destination with an $870K matching grant. Rural Health Watch: NDSU Extension warns dusty spring conditions can raise pneumonia risk in cattle, urging producers to spot early respiratory signs.

Ag Policy & Risk: USDA base acre updates could let North Dakota producers adjust coverage for Ag Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage, with landowners able to request changes June 1–Aug. 31. Livestock Health: NDSU Extension warns dust and dry, windy conditions can raise pneumonia risk in cattle, especially calves, and urges producers to watch for respiratory warning signs. Drought Herd Management: With below-normal precipitation, cow-calf producers may need to reduce herd size and focus on reproductive efficiency and calving records during drought. Energy & Grid: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota should handle data center growth through infrastructure capacity, local input, and transparency—without raising consumer rates. Rural Tech & Drones: Vantis Fly Day at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site showcased drone integration capabilities for public and private users. Fiber for AI Growth: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology are building the Heartland Fiber Project, a $700M, 2,000-mile route spanning North Dakota to support hyperscaler connectivity. Local Community & Workforce: A North Dakota woman, Elsie Reiswig, received the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal for WWII shipyard work. Education & Youth Ag: NDSU Extension set Junior Crop Scout School dates for hands-on agronomy training across the state. Sports: Williston rolled past Shanley in Class A softball, while Mandan advanced with a win over West Fargo.

Medal of Honor for WWII service: McClusky’s Elsie Reiswig, 103, received the Congressional “Rosie the Riveter” Medal for her shipyard welding work in California during 1942-45, presented by Sen. John Hoeven. Tourism-area business shift: Medora’s Cowboy Cafe is replaced by L’Amour Bistro, opening April 27 and betting on early-season momentum as visitors arrive. Power and local control: Deuel County voters will decide proposed power plant zoning Tuesday, with residents arguing for an industrial-area location and concerns about adding another facility. Grid workforce support: Northwest REC and Basin Electric donated $15,000 to Northwest Iowa Community College’s Powerline program, backing training for lineworkers and utility careers. Ag risk coverage basics: CLIP is explained for spring producers as an umbrella policy layered over existing Revenue Protection, potentially paying when combined county revenues fall short. Soil health momentum: North Dakota’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is expanding faster than expected, with 20,000+ acres enrolled and federal partnership talks underway. Energy infrastructure upgrades: The FAA and DOT announced major air traffic control upgrades including a Grand Forks, ND, replacement project. Data center subsidy transparency push: Reporting says ND is among states not disclosing how much tax breaks data centers save, prompting calls for more transparency. Retail expansion watch: Kwik Trip is eyeing its first Nebraska locations and continues Midwest growth, including its recent North Dakota rollout.

Agriculture & Conservation: North Dakota’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing more interest than the state can fund yet—about 20,000 acres are in play, but first-year demand topped available money with 458 applications requesting roughly $10.5 million on a $6.5 million grant. Energy & Infrastructure: Crews are replacing all 818 windows at the North Dakota Capitol, a ~$5.6 million project aimed at better winter energy efficiency, with work running through October. Trade & Farm Economics: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says tariffs are becoming a permanent feature of policy, not a temporary bargaining chip—raising fresh uncertainty for North Dakota’s farm belt as the US weighs NAFTA-style talks and China fallout. Oil & Transportation: River levels are dropping and barge cargoes are being cut back in Europe, a reminder that water-dependent logistics can tighten supply chains quickly. Local Utilities & Power: PSC Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart is seeking reelection, focusing on energy development, utility costs, and landowner concerns. Water & Community: Summer Water Tours are scheduled across ND (Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt, Bismarck) to spotlight water supply and irrigation issues. Workforce & Tech: UND’s rare earth pilot plant tour highlights efforts to scale domestic strategic materials manufacturing from lignite-derived inputs. Public Safety: A Beulah shooting stand-off ended with a suspect hospitalized after a six-hour incident involving multiple agencies.

Affordability Pressure: Rep. Dawson Holle says costs are hitting everyone, from farmers facing “astronomically” higher expenses to single parents, as intra-party GOP fights shape North Dakota House races. Oil & Shipping Strain: Falling river levels are cutting barge capacity in Europe, a reminder that energy supply chains can tighten fast; meanwhile gas prices remain volatile statewide. Minot Roadwork: Minot announced a Second Ave SW closure for a Montana-Dakota Utilities gas line project, with other traffic impacts easing mid-week. Grid-Scale Tech & Training: NDSCS partnered with RDO and Wingtra on FAA-authorized drone mapping and research near Wahpeton; Northland Community & Technical College is launching a composites manufacturing boot camp with IACMI funding. Energy Policy Debate: Interior Sec. Doug Burgum doubled down on AI and data centers at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, while opponents keep raising concerns about power, water, and costs. Local Housing Incentives: Grand Forks City Council preliminarily approved Beacon tax incentives to support downtown apartments, while dropping plans for a public plaza role. Health & Food Safety: FDA is investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder capsules, including cases reported in North Dakota. Agriculture Markets: NDSU and the National Rural Export Center are teaming up to help farmers find global buyers; an NDSU crops economist warns fertilizer prices may stay high into spring 2027. Rail Merger Fight: Six state attorneys general urged federal regulators to reject the UP-Norfolk Southern merger application as incomplete. UND Critical Minerals: UND is seeking a $50M DOE grant to build a refining facility at a coal mine to boost domestic critical mineral supply for electronics and AI.

Minot Politics: Minot’s mayoral race is heating up for the June 9 ballot, with interim mayor Mark Jantzer touting downtown revitalization, a new hospital, and a discovery center, while challenger Josiah Roise warns that rising property taxes and a growing city government without population growth could push residents out. Rail Oversight: Six state attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern’s merger filing as incomplete, arguing key market-share details and future impact analysis are missing or buried. Energy & Courts: Georgia AG Chris Carr asked the U.S. Supreme Court to toss a Boulder County climate lawsuit against major oil and gas producers, saying one locality can’t set national energy policy. Ag Exports: NDSU’s Agricultural Risk Policy Center is teaming with the National Rural Export Center to help farmers and rural businesses find global buyers and expand markets. Local Incentives: Grand Forks gave preliminary approval to Beacon tax incentives for apartment projects, but held back on involvement in the public plaza. Legal/Justice: A federal judge overturned North Dakota’s $28M Dakota Access Pipeline protest-related verdict, clearing the way for a settlement. Tech & Kids Online: AG Nick Brown joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority to protect children online.