AGP Executive Report

Livestock Health Watch: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the state is monitoring USDA’s confirmation of New World screwworm in a Texas calf, stressing there’s no food-safety risk from the parasite and Iowa is “standing by” to respond if it threatens local cattle. Animal Health Preparedness: NASDA highlights animal disease prevention as the top concern for state agriculture departments, pointing to updated USDA response planning and tighter coordination with vets and producers. Ag Trade: Iowa farmers are urging renewal of USMCA ahead of a July review, arguing the deal keeps key Canada and Mexico markets open for corn, soybeans, ethanol and tractors. Energy & Water: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses at data centers by 2030 and says it’s backing Iowa efforts to convert 5,000 acres in western Iowa to perennial hay and pasture to cut fertilizer and improve water quality. Business & Finance: Sen. Joni Ernst asks SBA to probe lenders USDA recently barred from its loan-guarantee program, warning about taxpayer risk in government-backed lending. Infrastructure: Lane reductions are coming for months on Cedar Rapids’ Blairs Ferry Road due to the I-380 overpass project, and the Lansing, Iowa–Wisconsin Mississippi River bridge center-span install will shut the free car ferry June 11-12. Manufacturing/Workforce: Whirlpool is ending its second shift at the Amana plant, affecting fewer than 300 workers, with union criticism of the move. Local Industry: Bosselman Pump & Pantry plans to expand by acquiring 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations across the Midwest, including multiple in the Des Moines area and Davenport. Agritech: BioCV Inc. (Ames) launched an intelligent sow monitoring system in North America using smart ear tags and analytics to flag heat, fever, farrowing and lameness earlier. Food Access: Iowa’s Department of Education says more than 530 meal sites will serve free summer meals statewide for kids through SUN Meals programs.

Drought Watch: Iowa’s dry spell worsened in late May, with about three-quarters of the state now classified as abnormally dry or worse, and topsoil moisture trending downward after May rainfall came in 2.06 inches below normal. Water & Climate Risk: Iowa farmers are bracing for “the worst of both” as climate change can mean long dry stretches followed by intense downpours that raise flooding risk even when soils are hard-packed. Livestock Health Threat: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a Texas calf, with Iowa’s lab testing samples and pork and cattle stakeholders watching closely as officials expand response zones and treatment plans. Data Center Push (and pushback): Developers are approaching Fairfax and Linn County about new data center sites near Morgan Creek, while residents cite traffic and land-use concerns. Road Safety: Iowa is raising speed limits on paved hard-surface roads from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1, with signage and enforcement adjustments expected. Rail Safety: A fatal semi-train crash in Poweshiek County is renewing attention on crossing safety, especially where crossings lack gates. Workforce/Community: West Marshall honored two longtime staffers—counselor Patti Edler and teacher Tammy Keigan—after decades of service as they retire. Business & Growth: SBA’s Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition is offering up to $1 million in growth funding for entrepreneurs, with Iowa-area participation highlighted.

Waterway & infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on a draft environmental assessment for work at Lock and Dam 5 in Minnesota City, including removing a lower guidewall section and building an end cell, with construction targeted for late 2027–2028. Ag policy & markets: The National Pork Producers Council is urging a swift USMCA renewal ahead of a July review, warning that ongoing uncertainty is already affecting producers. Pork industry updates: Zoetis highlighted its “Champions of Care” initiative at World Pork Expo in Des Moines, naming three honorees. Livestock health threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a South Texas calf, triggering quarantines, movement controls, and expanded trapping and sterile fly releases—an issue that could ripple into livestock and food production. Iowa research & health: The University of Iowa launched INSIGHT, a five-year, $6 million initiative (aiming for $10 million) to study how environmental exposures like nitrates and PFAS affect health outcomes, including rising cancer rates. Local business & manufacturing: Peosta-based Mi-T-M won Iowa’s “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” for its emission-free ePowerStation. Public safety: Eastern Iowa Airport and federal officials are investigating reports of drones near the flight path at Cedar Rapids. Education: Iowa’s new education standards law takes effect for 2027–28, expanding statewide testing to include social studies and updating health education requirements.

Iowa Politics: Trump’s endorsement streak hit a rare snag in Iowa as GOP Rep. Randy Feenstra lost the governor primary to businessman-farmer Zach Lahn, a setback that could reshape the state’s fall matchup. Iowa Senate Watch: Democrats also locked in their U.S. Senate nominee, with Josh Turek winning the primary and setting up a November showdown. Ag & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, triggering containment and surveillance efforts that ranchers fear could threaten cattle supply and prices. Iowa Health & Research: The University of Iowa is launching a multi-year program to study whether environmental exposures are tied to rising cancer rates, using air and water sampling across the state. Housing: Iowa Finance Authority awarded $11.3M in federal housing tax credits to create or rehab nearly 340 affordable rentals in nine communities. Manufacturing & Industry: Big Grove Brewery became Iowa’s top producer by volume, and Mi-T-M’s silent power station won “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa,” highlighting continued Iowa-made momentum. Transportation: Iowa DOT research earned national recognition for work zone speed safety and superload damage concerns.

Iowa Education & Workforce: Iowa’s Secondary Career and Technical Education Impact Report says nearly 70% of high school students took part in CTE in 2024-25, totaling more than 107,000 students and about 37,000 “CTE concentrators,” with top content areas including engineering, manufacturing, technology and applied sciences. Energy & Infrastructure: Google says it’s committing $17 million to water stewardship projects tied to data centers, including support in Iowa, as operators face growing pressure over water use. Ag Policy & Politics: Iowa’s governor GOP primary upset and the broader farm-country mood point to rising strain from fertilizer and fuel costs, with Democrats betting that anger will spill into November. Livestock & Biosecurity: Reuters reports Texas sent samples from a suspected screwworm case to a federal lab in Iowa for testing, rattling cattle futures as traders watch for a potential U.S. infestation. Local Business & Tourism: Honey Creek Resort in Iowa is set to reopen in mid-June under new operators, with a soft opening planned and a larger grand opening around the Fourth of July. Community & Learning: Dordt University received an Iowa REAP Education grant to distribute a prairie-themed board game, “Perennial,” to classrooms and libraries statewide.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn won the GOP nomination for governor, toppling Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra in a major upset and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand. U.S. Senate: Democrats chose Josh Turek to challenge retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, while Ashley Hinson secured the Republican Senate nomination—meaning Iowa’s Senate race stays a high-stakes, national-watch contest. Ag & Agritourism: Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig promoted the 2026 Choose Iowa Passport, a free digital guide meant to drive visits to farms, food makers, and agritourism stops statewide. Local Government & Infrastructure: Webster County supervisors approved a John Deere tractor purchase for secondary roads, and Davis County moved ahead with courthouse security upgrades. Farm Economy Pressure: Iowa farm operators are weighing tough margins—fuel, fertilizer, and equipment costs—while some look at solar as a way to stabilize income without leaving production. Business Tech: McDonald’s is testing voice-activated drive-thru AI again in select locations.

Ag Policy & Water Quality: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Iowa Farm Act and a “farm-to-faucet” funding bill, including $25M for nitrate-treatment upgrades at Central Iowa Water Works, aiming to cut nutrient runoff and strengthen rural ag. Fertilizer Hauling Rules: FMCSA granted a broader Hours of Service waiver for drivers hauling fertilizer in 34 states, allowing up to 16 hours driving in a 24-hour period during a summer window. Rail & Competition: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review, asking for more detail on competition and freight shifts as ag groups and state AGs push back. Local Banking Expansion: BankIowa will open its first Iowa County branch in the Amana Colonies this September, targeting deposits and services for local farms and businesses. Workforce & Training: Coe College received FAA authorization for an accelerated Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot pathway, reducing required flight hours to 1,000 for eligible graduates. Construction/Permitting Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey led a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to limit activist groups from blocking federal permits before states review them. Wildlife Habitat: Iowa Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program highlights native-plant restoration across the state, including in Des Moines and rural areas.

Water Quality & Ag Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Farm to Faucet water-quality package (HF 2771), pushing nearly $320M over 12 years to upgrade treatment and rural/urban water practices, including $25M for Central Iowa Water Works and a low-rate Rural Iowa Infrastructure Bank. Farm Economy & Diversification: Reynolds also signed the Iowa Farm Act (SF 2465), a broad farm policy package that modernizes zoning exemptions, expands tax breaks for retired farmers, and makes Choose Iowa permanent while boosting local purchasing through a school program. Ethanol in Equipment: Reynolds signed SF 2493 to eliminate the excise tax on fuels with more than 85% ethanol when used in agricultural equipment, highlighting Deere’s E98 prototype. Broadband Infrastructure: Iowa Communications Network (ICN) added a dedicated 100G Chicago route, improving capacity and reliability for public-sector cloud services. Manufacturing Pulse: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth neutral but slipped, with hiring still weak and inflation pressures lingering. Data Center Debate (Local): Waterloo approved a proposed data center plan, drawing protests over limited benefits and environmental/tax concerns. Agriculture Legal Fight: Iowa Valley RC&D joined a federal lawsuit seeking to restore USDA grant funding after USDA canceled the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program awards. Animal Welfare Law: Iowa made intentional companion animal torture a Class D felony under HF 2348, with advocates calling it a long-awaited upgrade.

FTC Fertilizer Probe: The FTC has launched a major industry-wide investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration after farmers reported sharp input-cost spikes, with Kansas Corn leaders urging regulators to hear directly from producers. Iowa Farm Bill Moves Toward Signing: Gov. Kim Reynolds is set to sign key agriculture-related bills before Tuesday’s deadline, including the Iowa Farm Act, which adds tax relief and expands support for beginning farmers and small-scale meat processors. Water Quality Politics: A Southwest Iowa House candidate is making nitrate and phosphorus pollution—and rising cancer concerns—a central issue, arguing solutions should focus on improving water without finger-pointing. Workforce + Education: Iowa’s Department of Education released a revamped Approved Industry-Recognized Credentials list for 2026-27, using a clearer three-tier system to steer students toward high-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers. Precision Ag in Schools: Iowa State’s PATCH program is bringing hands-on precision agriculture training to high school classrooms, using GPS-guided tools to teach digital farming basics. Food Industry Investment: Barilla plans a $170M expansion at its New York pasta facility, adding production and packaging capacity tied to U.S. demand. Agriculture Trade Angle: USMEF says AGOA could improve U.S. beef and pork market access, but it’s pushing for changes where partner countries restrict imports.

Renewable Fuels & Biofuels: Rep. Randy Feenstra marked Renewable Fuels Month by backing year-round, nationwide E15 after House passage, arguing it brings steadier demand for Iowa producers and could lower costs for drivers. Severe Weather: A new look at June storm patterns says “Tornado Alley” shifts north as the jet stream moves poleward, putting Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and nearby states in the prime severe-weather zone with high instability. Agriculture Research: University of Illinois researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to map corn and soybean tillage trends from 2000-2022, aiming to better track soil health and erosion impacts beyond farmer surveys. Water & Regulation: Iowa groups filed a federal lawsuit over EPA’s handling of nitrate pollution cleanup, saying the agency backed away after industry pressure. Iowa Politics (Election Week): With Iowa’s primary Tuesday, U.S. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Jim Carlin made final pushes on affordability and rural priorities, while local election officials reminded voters about poll closing rules. Community & Infrastructure: Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village Roundhouse replacement is under construction and expected to open this fall, supported by state and local funding.

USDA Crop Watch: USDA’s first 2026 corn and soybean condition ratings are rolling out, with growers and traders watching weekly progress closely for any early deterioration. Iowa Politics & Workforce: Iowa’s June 2 primary is set to shape control of Congress, with Democrats pushing to flip the state while Republicans defend key races, including an open Senate seat. Ag Markets & Trade: China has reopened HPAI-related poultry import access for 17 U.S. states, a potential boost for U.S. chicken exports as lean hog and cattle futures react to shifting demand. Fertilizer Pressure: Farmers are sounding the alarm as fertilizer prices stay elevated and the FTC investigates the fertilizer market. Rail & Accessibility: Amtrak wrapped $20M in ADA upgrades at Iowa’s Ottumwa and Mt. Pleasant stations, improving platforms and safer access. Local Business: A Worthington couple expanded a farm-based popcorn operation into retail and grocery supply, showing how Iowa producers diversify beyond commodity crops. Cedar Rapids Campaign Disruption: Hecklers interrupted Ashley Hinson’s rally as she promoted a ban on insider trading and prediction-market activity by members of Congress. Energy & Data Centers: QTS is planning temporary power for a Cedar Rapids data center, highlighting how grid capacity and permitting are becoming major bottlenecks.

Iowa Politics (Primary Focus): Republican governor hopefuls Zach Lahn and Adam Steen are crisscrossing Iowa ahead of the June 2 GOP primary, with Steen warning turnout could be unusually low and urging supporters to show up because “those votes…are weighted more this year.” Rural Health (Federal Policy): U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Michael Bennet won unanimous Senate passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, extending the program for five years; Iowa hospitals in the model include Spirit Lake, Newton, Fort Dodge and Grinnell. Ag Markets (China & Livestock): China lifted HPAI poultry import restrictions for 17 U.S. states, reopening export access under a regionalization deal; markets also tracked lean hog and cattle futures rebounds. Iowa Workforce (Layoffs): New WARN reports show three Iowa employers cutting jobs in May, including Rhiner’s Plumbing closing in Clive, as 2026 layoffs total 1,713 across 13 organizations. Food & Retail (Local Giveaway): Iowa Farm Bureau and Fareway launched a Sizzlin’ Summer Giveaway with $200 meat gift cards at each of 119 Iowa Fareway stores plus a grand prize grilling bundle. Infrastructure (Local Government): Waterloo crews are repairing East 4th Street bridge/curbs with daily closures, while Belmond’s council meets Monday on wastewater and aquatic center project items.

Workforce Watch: WARN reports three Iowa employers cutting 91 jobs in May, led by Rhiner’s Plumbing closing in Clive (47 jobs); other major reductions include Whirlpool in Amana (341 in March) and CNH Industrial in Burlington (209). Ag & Fertilizer Pressure: Farmers are pushing the FTC over fertilizer pricing and competition, while a USDA update says urea prices have nearly doubled since February amid shipping disruptions. Midwest Farmland Values: A Chicago Fed survey finds “good” farmland values up 2% in Iowa year over year, but down 1% over the last two quarters on average. Local Infrastructure: Waterloo’s East 4th Street bridge repairs mean daily closures, and residents say Waterloo train blockages are creating recurring traffic bottlenecks. Housing & Community Buildout: HUD and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn tout regulatory relief and public-private partnerships as Habitat for Humanity builds 48 townhomes in Waukee, supported by John Deere volunteers. Iowa Industry & Growth: Des Moines’ ICON Water Trails project hits a milestone with in-river elements finished at Principal Point, with the site opening planned for spring 2027. Workforce & Immigration: U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn holds an employer roundtable on hiring shortages, with immigration reform flagged as a key fix.

Fertilizer Probe: The FTC has launched a major investigation into a fertilizer price spike tied to the Iran conflict and broader market pressures, with farmers from multiple states urging tougher scrutiny of possible anticompetitive conduct. Biofuels & Land Values: A new study links the ethanol boom to long-lasting farmland appreciation and widening rural inequality, raising questions about land access for new and beginning farmers. Iowa Senate Race: Ashley Hinson and Jim Carlin are in the final stretch of Iowa’s June 2 GOP U.S. Senate primary, with both campaigns leaning hard on affordability and farm input costs. Rural Health: Osage Veterinary Clinic added two new veterinarians as northern Iowa faces a growing shortage of rural animal care. Energy & Data Centers: QTS is planning a temporary power plant near the Cedar Rapids airport to support testing at its data center campus. Ag Leadership: ISU Extension is taking nominations for its annual Iowans Impacting Agriculture awards, due June 30. Local Governance: Sheldon accepted City Manager Sam Kooiker’s resignation and named interim leaders as questions swirl around meeting notice timing.

Broadband Upgrade: Mediacom is rolling out a new 5-Gig residential tier (5 Gbit/s down, 1 Gbit/s up) across more than 500,000 Iowa homes, aiming to reach 1 million+ by year-end. Energy & Power: Opposition is growing to Alliant Energy’s proposed 720-megawatt natural gas plant in Linn County as the Iowa Utilities Board reviews the application. Ag Policy & Markets: The FTC has launched a formal investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the U.S. fertilizer industry, as farmers push for more transparency and fair pricing. Biofuels & Fuel Supply: Biomass-based diesel is scrambling to reach 90% capacity as record RFS requirements take effect, adding pressure to Iowa’s renewable fuel supply chain. Housing & Jobs: Habitat for Humanity and John Deere are teaming up for a statewide build effort, with 1,200 Deere volunteers helping assemble home panels across multiple Iowa communities. Local Industry Spotlight: Big Grove Brewery is now Iowa’s largest craft brewer by volume, with a major production facility in Iowa City driving growth. Infrastructure: Julien Dubuque Bridge repairs begin June 10 with a free shuttle for walkers and bikers during summer construction.

Air Quality Oversight: Iowa DNR posted draft air construction permits for public review, including a Muscatine grain processing modification affecting gluten spray dryers, with comments due June 29. FTC & Fertilizer Markets: The FTC launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, a move farmers say could finally bring antitrust scrutiny to soaring input costs. Biofuels Policy: Iowa Ag Sec. Mike Naig urged the U.S. Senate to pass a standalone year-round E15 bill, citing Iowa’s reported fuel-cost savings and pushing back on “mandate” misconceptions. Swine Health: Naig said Iowa confirmed a rare pseudorabies case tied to pigs brought in from Texas; officials depopulated the affected animals and reported no spread beyond the original group. Rural Economy Signals: Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet Index stayed below growth neutral in May as farm income pressure and elevated ag inputs weighed on rural hiring and finances. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Dubuque leaders are reviewing a developer’s request for a data center ordinance while the county paused data-center zoning moves for a year. Fuel Watch: AAA reported Iowa regular gas averaging $4.12 and diesel at $4.97, both down from last week. Logistics & Training: Northwest Iowa Community College received a $15,000 donation to support its Powerline program, backed by regional electric co-ops. Food & Community: Iowa’s tourism industry partners named award winners, including the Iowa Children’s Museum and Hyatt Regency Coralville for service and visitor experience.