AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Qdoba is removing jalapeños from all locations after a Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, has sickened 345 people across 27 states (including North Dakota) with 36 hospitalizations; Chipotle already pulled jalapeños and the CDC says there’s no ongoing risk since the peppers were removed. Public Health Policy: North Dakota’s kratom ban is now in effect as officials move toward enforcement and disposal guidance, with lawmakers preparing a special session response. Energy Reliability: A heat-wave power strain story highlights why North Dakota’s lignite baseload generation matters as grids elsewhere faced emergency measures and renewable shortfalls. Trade & Tariffs: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says talks with the U.S. are focused on “all strategic sectors” and warns Canada may get tougher if tariff deadlines hit Aug. 19. Workforce & Education: Dickinson State University will add 21 new academic programs this fall aimed at tech, business, health care, communications, and public safety. Infrastructure: ND DOT schedules a routine inspection of the Grant Marsh Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan Aug. 10–19 with single-lane closures. Agriculture Markets: USDA reports U.S. cropland values up 3.3% and North Dakota cropland up 3.3% to about $2,800/acre. Industry & Legal: Greenpeace says its anti-SLAPP case against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands will continue after a North Dakota court issued a narrowly tailored anti-suit injunction.

Drug Pricing & Antitrust: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says a proposed $400M settlement with Sandoz would resolve claims the generic drugmaker conspired to inflate prices and limit competition, with injunctive reforms and a 2027 trial looming. Local Governance & Budgets: Ward County commissioners adopted a preliminary 2027 budget that could mean a small property-tax decrease, while setting up a September public hearing. Ag Risk Management: USDA’s forage production revenue protection insurance program has key deadlines—Aug. 11 for enrollment education and Sept. 30 for sales closing in North Dakota and many other states. Energy & Industry: ADM plans to expand North America soybean crush capacity to meet strong biofuel demand, adding 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity over the next three years, including North Dakota sites. Food & Workforce Pressure: Great Plains Food Bank hit an all-time high for food assistance demand, with record need tied partly to federal program cuts. Data Center Transparency: A new report says North Dakota is among states that don’t disclose how much data centers save via tax breaks, pushing calls for more subsidy transparency. Safety & Rural Response: North Dakota Highway Patrol renewed its seat-belt push after fatal crashes, and New Salem-area firefighters battled multiple grass fires sparked by equipment and lightning. Retail & Growth Watch: Minot officials say Chick-fil-A has discussed a location but hasn’t bought property yet, keeping the door open for a possible South Broadway buildout.

Biofuels & Soy Crush: ADM says it will expand North America crush capacity, upgrading four plants (including North Dakota) to add 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity, driven by strong renewable fuels demand. Ag Markets: CBOT grains and soybeans fell as oil dropped on Iran diplomacy hopes, while USDA ratings showed corn condition softness in parts of the Plains including North Dakota. Farm Policy: Sen. John Hoeven secured USDA agreement to restore the prevented plant buy-up option (5%) in crop insurance, giving producers more disaster coverage. Manufacturing Pulse: Creighton’s Mid-America Manufacturing Index stayed above growth neutral for a sixth month, signaling steady regional manufacturing growth despite wholesale inflation pressure. Public Safety (Rural Fire Risk): New Salem volunteer firefighters battled three grass fires in three days, including blazes sparked by harvesting equipment and lightning during extreme heat. Food Industry Jobs: A new look at U.S. food manufacturing finds record employment levels in 2025, with North Dakota’s food manufacturing employing 5,732 workers. Local Development: Minot city records show Chick-fil-A “under review” for the former Hardee’s site on South Broadway, though no property purchase is confirmed yet. Health & Compliance: NDSU Extension warns North Dakota producers and residents to watch for toxic cyanobacteria blooms as hot, dry conditions boost risk in water sources. Legal/Ag Enforcement: A Colfax man was sentenced for stealing more than 130 head of cattle, with restitution ordered to victims. Energy/Infrastructure: Fargo Dome leaders are again pursuing stadium upgrades, but funding needs remain a hurdle with a $22 million gap.

Construction & Materials: Knife River reported Q2 earnings of $43.9M (77 cents/share) on $938.6M revenue, with full-year revenue guidance of $3.4B–$3.6B. Agriculture Markets: Old-crop canola supplies are tight in North Dakota as grain futures see mild corrective pullbacks overnight. Weed Control & Field Services: The Northern Plains Weed Symposium runs Aug. 24–26 in Washburn, with registrations due Aug. 18. Energy & Land Use: A new U.S. Geological Survey report says about 360B tons of coal sit under federal land in the lower 48, including some in North Dakota—raising questions about what could realistically be mined. Healthcare Access: North Dakota VA received a $710,000 Highly Rural Transportation grant to keep free rides for rural veterans; meanwhile, a nationwide blood shortage has Dak Minn Blood Bank hosting an emergency donation drive at Altru in Grand Forks. Public Safety & Local Ops: A Barnes County sheriff urged residents to turn off crash-detection alerts that are triggering false 911 calls, including during construction or heavy equipment use. Community Growth: KIDS Program and HIT Inc. plan to expand into a larger Dickinson facility in 2027 to meet rising early-intervention demand.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced emergency executive actions to ban kratom products in North Dakota, citing overdoses and deaths tied to unregulated sales; a special legislative session is set for Sept. 2 to push further enforcement and rules. Healthcare Access: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded a $710,000 grant to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs to keep free transportation available for rural veterans to reach healthcare facilities. Early Intervention Expansion: The KIDS Program and HIT Inc. will move into a larger Dickinson facility (1729 State Ave. N.) to expand services for about 270 children across Region 8, with an opening targeted for early summer 2027. Utilities & Rates: Montana-Dakota Utilities filed with the ND Public Service Commission seeking a 14.5% overall electric rate increase for about 94,700 customers, with an interim request that would raise typical residential bills starting Sept. 1. Energy & Growth: Dorchester Minerals, L.P. closed an acquisition of mineral and royalty interests totaling about 3,100 net royalty acres in the Williston Basin, adding exposure in five ND counties. Agriculture Watch: Pro Farmer’s CCI reported further corn deterioration, with Nebraska and North Dakota among the biggest decliners in the latest week.

Water Safety: North Dakota DEQ and water experts are urging people to stay out of lakes and reservoirs with harmful algal blooms, including Lake Tschida, after hot weather and nutrient runoff boosted risk for humans, pets, and livestock. Power & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized backup power dispatch for data centers and other large users during extreme heat across the Southwest Power Pool, which includes North Dakota, to reduce outage risk. Energy Infrastructure: Basin Electric and Burns & McDonnell are using an accelerated build approach for a new natural gas–fired power station to meet fast-growing demand in the Bakken region. Agriculture Biosecurity: New World screwworm concerns are still being monitored after a recent North Dakota case was ruled out, as USDA moves toward phased reopening of cattle trade. Drought Impacts: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is shrinking access, with submerged boat ramps likely to force more use of low-water ramps next year. Livestock Crime: A southeastern North Dakota cattle theft case ended with a 10-year prison sentence (with suspended time) and $341,000 restitution after more than 130 head were stolen. Construction & Retail: Kraus-Anderson finished a renovation and expansion of a Scheels sporting goods store in Bismarck, adding retail space and safety upgrades. Workforce Outlook: Demographers warn North Dakota and the region may face ongoing young-worker shortages even as pay and housing dynamics shift. Local Culture & Heritage: A mammoth skeleton excavation under a northwest North Dakota garage is underway, with lawmakers funding the dig. Transportation & Logistics: American Truck Simulator announced a North Dakota expansion featuring major cities and landmarks, signaling continued growth of the state in digital freight tourism.

Grid & Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra generation for the Southwest Power Pool during extreme heat, letting operators dispatch plants and activate backup generators at data centers and other large commercial/industrial sites as a last resort to reduce outage risk. Energy & Resources: A new USGS report estimates about 360 billion tons of coal under federal land in the lower 48 that could be developed, including some in North Dakota, as the administration weighs what that means for future mining. Cost of Living: A new study ranks North Dakota among the most affordable states for groceries, saying a $100 grocery budget goes farther there than the national average. Local Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a helmetless West Fargo man suffered life-threatening injuries after a motorcycle crash on I-94 near Exit 347. Culture & Tourism: At the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch’s wet-plate portraits are on display at Salt + Scoria, spotlighting Native American faces and stories. Tech & Entertainment: American Truck Simulator’s next DLC is set to add North Dakota as a playable route, though no release date is listed. Health Care: Minot Medicaid billing for enteral and parenteral therapy jumped to $15,687 in 2024, more than double the prior year.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra power dispatch across the Southwest Power Pool, including backup generators at data centers and large commercial/industrial sites, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat (no rolling outages ordered; order runs through Aug. 3). Food & Cost of Living: A new GOBankingRates study says a $100 grocery budget goes furthest in North Dakota—covering what would cost about $106 nationally—while Hawaii lands last. Wildlife & Outdoor Economy: North Dakota Game and Fish finished annual pronghorn aerial surveys; biologists report numbers trending better, with 1,310 licenses available for the 2026 season across all 18 hunting units. Health & Community: Jamestown Regional Medical Center honored Laura Kulsrud of Grace City with its 2026 SHERO Award for her Help Desk work and long-running advocacy for her sons. Local Development: Grand Forks officials say two Columbia Mall locations are moving, with city leaders pushing for reinvestment to improve tax revenue and community impact. Workforce Training: James Valley Career and Technology Center is rolling out a new Building Trades instructor and expanded hands-on programs tied to construction and ag industry partnerships.

Data Centers in the City: A new NYU study finds 97.5% of U.S. data centers sit in metro or micropolitan areas, putting the “cloud” right alongside highways and neighborhoods—not out in remote rural space. Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for North Dakota and 16 other states as extreme heat strains the regional grid, aiming to prevent blackouts. Agriculture & Livestock: North Dakota wheat quality is mixed across planting dates, while pronghorn surveys show fawn-to-doe ratios improving for the 2026 season; meanwhile, cattle groups are pushing for MCOOL in the farm bill process. Local Business Pressure: Grand Forks officials are still dealing with Columbia Mall vacancies as more stores plan to relocate, highlighting ongoing redevelopment pressure. Workforce & Training: Jamestown and JVCTC are rolling out new school-year staffing and hands-on Building Trades and Ag education programs. Community Safety & Health: NDSU Extension will host free suicide prevention webinars for people in agriculture, and ND DOT schedules routine bridge work between Bismarck and Mandan with lane closures.

Education & Workforce Training: James Valley Career and Technology Center kicks off a new school year with a new Building Trades teacher and expanded hands-on programs, while Jamestown High School welcomes new staff including a new librarian and English department additions. Energy Reliability & Home Power: After three summer-storm outages, a North Dakota homeowner is moving toward rooftop solar plus battery backup, reflecting growing interest in resilience as heat strains the grid. Agriculture—Wheat Quality: North Dakota’s spring wheat is a “grab bag” of conditions tied to planting timing, with most acres rated fair to good as harvest begins. Agriculture—Fuel Costs: A new analysis puts North Dakota among the hardest hit by rising diesel costs during the 2026 planting season, adding about $88.6 million versus last year. Soy Processing Expansion: ADM plans to expand oilseed crush capacity, including upgrades at Green Bison Soy Processing in Spiritwood, adding about 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity and new demand for farmers. Public Health & Policy: Gov. Armstrong and AG Wrigley are set to announce actions on kratom after state data linked kratom-related compounds to 23 deaths since 2019, with lawmakers weighing a possible special session. Local Government & Sales Tax: Jamestown residents and parks officials weigh in on a proposed amendment to the city’s sales and use tax ordinance tied to extending funding for the Two Rivers Activity Center. Data Centers & Housing Demand: New research finds data centers are overwhelmingly urban, and separate reporting highlights how the boom is driving demand for workforce housing—an issue that will matter for North Dakota as more capacity plans move forward.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency power order for Minnesota and 16 other states, including North Dakota, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch extra generation to reduce blackout risk through Aug. 3 as extreme heat strains the grid. Coal Watch: A new USGS report says there are about 356 billion tons of coal potentially developable under federal land in the lower 48, including parts of North Dakota, though demand and developability still matter. Ag Policy: Cattle groups are pushing hard for MCOOL in the Farm Bill, with North Dakota’s Independent Beef Association backing mandatory country-of-origin labeling ahead of Senate Agriculture markup. Soy Processing Expansion: ADM plans upgrades at Green Bison Soy Processing in Spiritwood plus three other plants, adding about 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity—more demand for U.S. oilseeds. Public Health & Regulation: North Dakota leaders are weighing a special session action on kratom after state data linked kratom-related compounds to 23 deaths since 2019. Farm Costs: A Senate analysis says North Dakota farmers paid about $88.6 million more for diesel during the 2026 planting season, up sharply year over year. Transportation Planning: NDDOT finalized a 25-year roadmap through 2050 after broad public input, including tribal consultations and college outreach.

Crop Watch: USDA’s Crop Progress report shows a widening regional divide: corn ratings slid nationally, moisture keeps shrinking, and stress is more visible in parts of the northern and western Corn Belt—while some big producing areas still look strong, leaving the market stuck on one question: how big is the crop? Ag Processing: ADM is expanding soybean crush capacity, including upgrades at a North Dakota plant, adding about 700,000 metric tons of annual oilseed crush capacity across four sites—good news for local demand for soybeans and meal. Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host its 3rd annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17-18 in Fargo, spotlighting precision agriculture for greenhouses, indoor farms, sensors, and water/nutrient management. Energy Reliability: The DOE issued an emergency order for extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch backup generation across 17 states including North Dakota to reduce blackout risk. Rural Safety: With dry conditions and haying underway, North Dakota foresters and NDSU Extension warn that ditch mowing and hay equipment can spark fast-moving hayfield fires—maintenance and inspections matter. Local Labor: Cass-Clay Creamery in Fargo is back in talks with Teamsters after workers authorized a strike, with pay, health co-pays, and contract protections still separating sides. Policy Watch: Lawmakers may return for a special session on a kratom ban, with doctors warning some products act more like opioids. Mining & Water: An Indigenous-led Water Walk prayed for the water near the proposed Tamarack copper-nickel mine, with plans to move extracted material to North Dakota for processing. State Spotlight: U.S. News ranks North Dakota No. 4 best state, citing strong employment, fiscal stability, energy, and infrastructure/opportunity.

Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host the 3rd annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17-18 in Fargo, focusing on “Precision Agriculture for Controlled Environment Agriculture” with tours, exhibitors, and talks on AI, sensors, water/nutrient management, and energy-efficient greenhouse and vertical farming. Soy Crush Expansion: ADM is expanding soybean crush capacity, including North Dakota upgrades, adding about 700,000 tonnes across four U.S. plants to meet renewable fuels and vegetable oil demand—aimed at boosting throughput by debottlenecking and storage improvements. Power Reliability in Extreme Heat: The U.S. DOE issued an emergency order for 17 states, including North Dakota, directing the Southwest Power Pool to dispatch backup generation as a last resort through Aug. 3 to reduce blackout risk during record heat. Rural Health Funding: ND HHS opened applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with $50.5M available—highlighted by $22M for rural ambulance upgrades, plus grants for electronic medical records, telehealth, and rural workforce childcare. Grid + Data Center Pressure: North Dakota is also in the mix of national grid and data-center debates as regulators weigh MDU rate increases and data center cases, while utilities and developers push for more capacity. Agr Markets Watch: Commodity Week panelists say near-term Dakotas yield risk from heat and dryness will drive prices, but longer-term support remains tied to shrinking global stocks and strong domestic demand.

Rural Healthcare Funding: North Dakota is rolling out about $50.5 million in new grants under its Rural Health Transformation Program, with deadlines as soon as July 30 for hospital and school wellness equipment and pharmacy dispensing kiosks, plus larger pushes for rural ambulance upgrades (about $22M, due Aug. 9) and workforce childcare planning (about $3M). Housing Rehab Dollars: The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency is distributing $240,000 through Helping HAND grants to local groups for home repairs and safety upgrades for lower-income households, including major allocations in Fargo and Dickinson/Williston. Grid Reliability Under Heat: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order tied to extreme heat, directing the Southwest Power Pool to boost generation resources across 17 states including North Dakota to prevent blackouts. Agriculture Under Stress: Hot, dry conditions are stressing Northern Plains crops—reports highlight canola and soybeans showing stress in parts of ND, and one southwest producer is even shifting durum wheat to hay due to poor kernel development. Energy Projects: Basin Electric is planning $200 million in upgrades to a wind farm south of Minot, aiming for bigger blades and higher output. Infrastructure Planning: ND DOT engineers are advancing four-laning concepts for U.S. 52 between Minot and Voltaire, with public meetings and a preferred divided highway design under review. Tech & Research: UND’s AI battery-management project was selected for the DOE’s Genesis Mission inaugural cohort, bringing new federal backing to North Dakota research. State Policy Watch: North Dakota lawmakers are weighing a potential special session tied to a kratom ban and the stalled ND Military Gallery funding.

Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized Southwest Power Pool to activate backup generation across 17 states, including North Dakota, as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Rural Health: North Dakota HHS opened a new round of Rural Health Transformation funding opportunities totaling about $50.5M to expand access, workforce, and tech in rural communities. AI & Energy Infrastructure: UND’s AI battery-management project was selected for the DOE Genesis Mission inaugural cohort, positioning North Dakota research for energy and national security breakthroughs. Grid + Data Centers: North Dakota regulators are weighing MDU rate increases and data center cases, while the White House expanded a “ratepayer protection” pledge aimed at keeping AI data-center power costs off household bills. Transportation & Construction: ND DOT and engineers advanced public input on four-laning U.S. 52 between Minot and Voltaire, with a preferred divided design and further meetings ahead. Ag Economy: Farmland values stayed steady in the first half of 2026 across the region including North Dakota, with producer confidence holding despite tighter margins. Local Business: A Williston-area builder earned a nomination for a statewide builders’ award after regional recognition.

Utility & Data Centers: Montana-Dakota Utilities is seeking a 14.5% rate increase, with an interim bump of about $12.90/month for typical customers, while regulators also weigh data center-related concerns and public input. Grid Reliability: Extreme heat is pushing Midwest electricity prices sharply higher, and the U.S. Energy Department has issued emergency power measures affecting the western grid that includes North Dakota. Local Energy & Oil: North Dakota oil output dipped slightly in May, with gas-oil ratio hitting a new record, while McKenzie County continues to anchor production. Biofuels & Ag Value-Add: A Fargo-area project would build a research lab for a value-added chemical company tied to ethanol and biofuels inputs, seeking nearly $300K in tax incentives. Property Rights: A pipeline eminent-domain fight heads toward the U.S. Supreme Court over whether landowners can recover attorney fees. Community & Growth: Williston moves to address kratom sales with a non-ban resolution, and the city’s new Evolution Sports Complex lands major naming partners. State Spotlight: North Dakota jumps to No. 4 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States rankings, led by employment, fiscal stability, and energy.