AGP Executive Report

Pork Industry Tech: PIC’s “Pork Chop Studio” uses imaging and computer vision to replace subjective pork quality scoring with more objective, scalable data—aimed at steadier genetic selection and higher consistency for consumers. Fuel Costs for Iowa Agriculture: Sen. Chuck Grassley renewed calls for a diesel export embargo after Iowa diesel hit record levels around $6.57, arguing high fuel costs are crushing farm income; the broader debate is also tied to the Iran war and tight refining supplies. Iowa Water Safety: Slater warned residents not to give tap water to infants under six months after a nitrite spike, noting boiling won’t remove nitrites and could concentrate them. Energy & Grid Planning: A new Iowa study links fast-rising power demand to data centers and AI growth, while pointing to Iowa’s “all of the above” mix—wind/solar leadership plus efforts to restart Duane Arnold. Local Broadband Leadership: Waterloo Fiber named Robert Houlihan CEO to expand the community-owned fiber network. Farm Bill Pressure: Pork producers are pushing Congress to resolve California Prop. 12 uncertainty in the Farm Bill as the Senate Ag Committee advances the 2026 package. Health Policy: FDA is embracing harm reduction in tobacco control, signaling a shift toward safer nicotine options for adults while keeping youth protections.

Energy & Inflation: Sen. John Kennedy told a Des Moines crowd the Iran war is driving Iowa’s inflation, pointing to oil’s role in “the price of everything,” and predicted the conflict could end within six months as gas averages $4.39 and diesel hits a record $6.21. Retail Regulation: Iowa’s vape registry enforcement is moving forward after a court lifted an injunction; the state plans to publish a vapor products directory Oct. 15, and only listed products can be sold—threatening some shops’ survival. Ag Costs: Sen. Chuck Grassley urged Trump to embargo diesel exports to lower fuel prices, saying high diesel is “killing farmers’ income” as Iowa averages about $6.21. Manufacturing Jobs: Amy’s Kitchen will wind down its Santa Rosa manufacturing and shift work to Oregon and Idaho, ending 260 jobs. Public Health Enforcement: Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a coalition asking federal action against counterfeit GLP-1 weight-loss drugs tied to Chinese supply chains. Local Business & Community: A new ice cream parlor opens in Manchester in a historic creamery building, and Council Bluffs debuted a new riverfront Adventure Tower with climbing, caving and treetop views.

Farm Bill Stalemate: Iowa farmers are still waiting on relief as Congress deadlocks over a new farm bill; the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version, but SNAP changes and House-Senate differences could keep help from landing soon. State & Local Governance: Fayette County supervisors will review its Annual Urban Renewal Report and TIF balances, plus housing-trust updates tied to low-income repairs and energy upgrades. Public Health & Safety: Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a multistate push to crack down on counterfeit Chinese GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, warning about fentanyl-linked ingredients. Energy Costs: National gas prices rose again as crude stays near $100 a barrel, adding pressure to farm and household budgets. Food & Ag Policy: USDA is moving value-added agriculture funding and Iowa continues expanding local-food school grants, while farmers brace for margin stress from fuel and fertilizer swings. Manufacturing & Jobs: IEDA approved assistance for multiple manufacturers and startups, signaling continued Iowa investment despite higher operating costs.

Farm Policy: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig praised Senate Agriculture Committee passage of a modernized Farm Bill, calling it “significant” for Iowa and highlighting permanent, nationwide year-round E15. Economic Development: The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved tax credits tied to 346 jobs and about $246.5M in new capital investment, including manufacturing expansions in Altoona and Ankeny plus startup and tourism grants across the state. Small Business: Iowa Central’s North Central Iowa SBDC named Anna Woodward as its new regional director, covering 12 counties with no-cost counseling for entrepreneurs. Energy & Costs: A Sioux City rally featured Iowa GOP candidates pressing fuel-price relief ideas, including year-round E15 and proposals to adjust fuel taxes amid data-center sales tax breaks. Local Infrastructure: Muscatine set a closure of 230th Street for paving, with detours in place through late fall and a spring 2027 restart. Community & Health: Ames opened the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, a roughly $27M project adding year-round swimming and wellness options.

Food Security: Northeast Iowa Food Bank is in a final push to finish its $14 million Capacity Campaign, nearly done with an expanded Waterloo facility that will add cooler/freezer space, a bigger kitchen, and a new Cedar Valley Food Pantry—aiming to lift meals from about 8.4 million to 10.5 million annually. Higher Ed & Business: The University of Iowa broke ground on a two-year Tippie College of Business expansion linking the Pappajohn Business Building and Gilmore Hall, adding 43,800 square feet plus an all-season atrium and new hands-on labs for sales, AI, marketing and communications. Ag & Farm Economics: Farmers and crop-insurance stakeholders met with U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad and USDA’s risk agency chief to discuss crop insurance changes and how the program affects farm stability and mental health. Farm Safety & Training: FFA students from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin packed NICC for the Tri-State Ag and Dairy Expo, featuring safety demos like grain bin rescue and dairy innovation sessions. Manufacturing Growth: Accumold plans a 50,000-square-foot Ankeny expansion with Iowa tax incentives backing 150 new jobs as demand pushes the company beyond current capacity. Energy & Inputs: A local farmer warned that record diesel prices could squeeze margins, especially for newer operations. River & Logistics Tech: A live webcam at Locks and Dam 15 is back online via the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, giving real-time visibility into lock operations and bridge traffic for Quad Cities commuters and tow-watchers. Policy & Fraud: The House advanced Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn’s GUARD Act to help local police tackle elder financial scams, including “pig butchering” schemes. Agribusiness Innovation: BASF unveiled Voraxor, a next-generation low-use-rate herbicide targeting tough broadleaf weeds like marestail and pigweed.

Fuel & Freight Costs: Gas prices are climbing again as crude stays high near $100 a barrel, with the national regular average up 16 cents to about $4.44 and diesel also near record levels—an affordability hit that matters for Iowa trucking, farm inputs, and grain movement. Politics & Energy Affordability: Republicans are scrambling to address high energy bills tied to data centers; a Senate fast-track push failed, while Iowa lawmakers backed votes tied to the Iran war, underscoring how fuel costs and foreign policy are colliding with midterm politics. Iowa Research & Health: The University of Iowa is moving toward a new cancer drug discovery and development institute (CANDID), aiming to speed lab work into early clinical trials and build Iowa’s pipeline for drug manufacturing and regulatory science. Local Housing Finance: Grinnell was named an Iowa Thriving Community and received Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, supporting multiple low-income housing projects and potentially more development. Community Broadband/Tech: GRM Networks is marking 75 years serving farms and businesses across north Missouri and southern Iowa, with events featuring local infrastructure and construction equipment displays. Business/Finance: West Bancorporation (West Bank) will report quarterly results Oct. 29, and the Ensign Group declared its quarterly dividend.

Energy & Environment: Benton County supervisors sent Linn County a letter opposing the Morgan Valley gas plant, challenging an air-permit waiver that would swap in monitoring data from other locations. Renewables: Mills County’s zoning board cleared Orion’s 3,200-acre Folsom Lake solar project, with plans for an 800 MW solar array and 900 MW battery storage, pending remaining permits. Farm Policy & Biofuels: Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered Iowa flags half-staff this weekend for Ray Gaesser, a longtime agriculture leader tied to biofuels and conservation; meanwhile, Iowa’s senators pushed farm bill changes in the Senate Ag Committee as dairy and pork provisions move forward. Workforce & Economy: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in August; the state added 2,400 jobs, including 1,300 in manufacturing. Education & AI: The Iowa Board of Regents backed ISU’s new AI-focused graduate program and approved FY 2028 funding requests, including $2 million for an AI-ready workforce initiative. Local Business Finance: O’Brien County Economic Development won a $99,000 USDA Rural Development grant to expand its revolving loan fund for local startups and expansions. Construction & Infrastructure: Mason City reopened a key intersection after road work, with more closures planned next week.

Water Quality & Health: Iowa secretary of agriculture candidate Chris Jones and House District 57 hopeful Shawn Ellerbroek drew a crowd in Shell Rock, tying Raccoon River contamination concerns to cancer risk and pushing for tougher, more up-to-date nitrate standards. STEM & Workforce: Registration opened for the 2026 Iowa STEM Summit in Des Moines (Nov. 6), spotlighting classroom strategies and career pathways, including Iowa’s aerospace push. Food & Consumer Safety: The FDA classified a recall of six hand soaps distributed in 15 states, including Iowa, after possible bacterial contamination. Ag Policy: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a farm bill along party lines after Democrats objected over nutrition benefit timing. Defense Tech (Iowa): BAE Systems launched its compact Shadow EW electronic-warfare family, with hardware production planned in Cedar Rapids. Data Centers (Iowa): Central City leaders backed a proposed smaller data center, while Peosta residents largely oppose development and the city weighs ordinance timing and safeguards. Iowa Industry Watch: Iowa State University President David Cook highlighted the role of research farms and extension in keeping agriculture strong. Fraud Prevention: Rep. Zach Nunn’s TRAPS and CLEAR Forms bills advanced in the House Financial Services Committee to target payment scams and simplify insurance paperwork.

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have surged to 374 nationwide, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water use. Farm Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 (“Farm Bill 2.0”) on a 12-11 party-line vote after Sen. Mitch McConnell returned, moving the bill toward the full Senate; Iowa’s Joni Ernst pressed for changes tied to Proposition 12 and hog producers. Biofuels & Trade: USDA unveiled an American biofuels trade plan after record 2025 ethanol exports, targeting market access and blending in Latin America and Asia. Local Food for Schools: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools program will fund 125 schools with about $1,600 each to buy Iowa-grown food, ahead of Iowa Local Food Day. Pork & Regulation: Iowa pork producers and national groups are pushing Congress to avoid state-by-state “patchwork” rules tied to Prop 12. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a hand-soap recall to Class II after reports of possible bacterial contamination across multiple states, including Iowa. Transportation & Rail: Council Bluffs is working with Union Pacific to reduce train-crossing delays as longer trains back up traffic. Energy Costs: Analysts warn gasoline and diesel prices could jump again as disruptions tied to the Iran conflict and shipping pressures continue.

AI Oversight Debate: Iowa candidates are weighing how to regulate AI as major AI firms urge slower development and stronger guardrails. Childcare Expansion: Everbrook Academy is set to open in Ames, adding a new early-childhood center on the Danfoss campus to ease Iowa’s childcare shortage. Data Center Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says Iowa is among states seeing the most local data-center moratoriums as communities push back over power, grid capacity, and water impacts. Local Governance: Lee County supervisors are drafting a data-center ordinance after residents packed townhalls and a one-year moratorium. Energy & Climate: Iowa’s 2026 Climate Statement warns electricity demand is rising fast with AI data centers and urges more renewable power. Agriculture & Trade: USDA and analysts point to global shipping and war-driven grain tightness pushing corn and other prices higher. PFAS Corporate Split: States are suing to block Corteva’s planned split that would move seed operations to Johnston, Iowa, amid PFAS liability concerns. Workforce & Tech: USDA’s tech chief is shifting roles to focus on consolidating farmer records under “One Farmer, One File,” with farmers.gov timelines in focus. Public Safety: Cedar Rapids police warn drivers after multiple I-380 crashes tied to construction-zone attention. Business & Dining: A fast-casual Mediterranean spot, Mezze, is opening in downtown Des Moines to meet demand for to-go meals.

Energy & Climate: Iowa scientists warn the state is at a “fork in the road” as electricity demand surges, urging a wind/solar-led system backed by carbon-free reliable power instead of new coal or gas. Data Centers & Power Demand: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have jumped to 374 nationwide, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water use. Workforce Training: Iowa Workforce Development launched a $3.5M grant program to expand apprenticeship and training capacity at community colleges, unions, and private programs, with $1.5M reserved for healthcare. Agribusiness Inputs: Rep. Ashley Hinson and Iowa farmers are pressing for more domestic fertilizer production and competition as prices squeeze margins. Flood Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local governments will study upgrades to the Big Sioux River flood-control plan after the 2024 McCook Lake disaster. Rural Recovery: USDA Rural Development awarded $2.8M for tornado recovery projects across Minden and Greenfield. Local Business & Construction: Waterloo’s Sycamore Street closure continues for major downtown redevelopment, while Cedar Rapids’ Leela’s Kitchen is drawing attention from inside a gas station. Transportation: I-29 near Sergeant Bluff will see overnight closures for bridge-beam installation tied to the Southbridge interchange.

Data Center Backlash: Wells Fargo says U.S. local moratoriums on data center construction jumped to 374, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as residents cite power costs, grid limits, water use, and community disruption. Local Planning Fight: In McDonald, the proposed data center at the former McDonald Steel site is drawing two public meetings, with opponents pushing for an emergency moratorium and more safeguards. Ag Policy Pressure: More than 170 farmers in Johnston urged USDA to investigate fertilizer “cartel” practices after prices surged; USDA deputy Stephen Vaden said antitrust enforcement is on the table. Harvest Reality Check: Iowa’s September start is “excessively wet,” easing drought but slowing fieldwork—only about 2% of corn is harvested and soybeans have none yet. School Construction: Waterloo approved $64.5M in bonds for the new United High School and renamed a court for longtime coach Dr. Anthony Pappas. Energy & Fuel Politics: Iowa governor candidates are pitching plans to cut fuel costs, including a possible state fuel tax suspension and more biofuel investment. Food & Beverage Investment: A new report finds 63 planned Food and Beverage projects in August, the second-highest month of 2026.

Data Center Siting Fight: Dubuque County is weighing a new ordinance after residents raised concerns about data-center pollution, including light pollution’s possible health impacts, plus water and land use. Local Infrastructure & Flood Resilience: FEMA continues funding N’West Iowa flood recovery, including Sioux County buyouts, while King County approved about $14.3M for 39 flood-reduction projects—an Iowa-relevant reminder that drainage and culverts can be the real bottleneck. Harvest Disruptions: “Excessively wet” conditions are slowing Iowa fieldwork, with about 2% of corn acres harvested and soybeans still at 0% harvest as maturity and leaf-drop lag. Fuel Costs Watch: Diesel is hitting record highs in Iowa (AAA cites $6.06/gal), and gas prices remain volatile by county—useful for trucking and farm budgets heading into harvest. Ag Market Pressure: Iowa farmers are pushing USDA to act on fertilizer pricing and alleged market dominance after big jumps in inputs and rising bankruptcies. Meta Settlement for Iowa Teens: Iowa will create a $25M restitution fund tied to the Meta child-safety lawsuit, with AG Brenna Bird estimating about $100 per eligible teen, plus school and enforcement funding. Energy Policy Politics: A governor candidate is calling for a temporary cut to Iowa’s gas tax to blunt pump-price pain. Community & Education: UI Dining is naming national vendors for IMU renovations, with the new lineup set for fall 2027.

Data & Power Infrastructure: Wells Fargo says local data-center moratoriums have surged to 374 nationwide, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water use. Grain Transportation Costs: Reuters reports U.S. rail fuel surcharges on grain shipments have more than doubled year over year, hitting record levels and squeezing farmers during early harvest. Fertilizer Market Pressure: USDA deputy Stephen Vaden urged farmers to use an anonymous portal (SaveFamilyFarms.US) to report fertilizer problems, framing it as potentially actionable under antitrust laws. Rural Health Access: MEDIC EMS of Scott County is seeking a grant for a rural mobile paramedic/EMT program to deliver non-emergency care at home. Nuclear Restart: The DOE is backing NextEra’s Duane Arnold restart with up to $1.9B in loans, aiming to bring the plant back by 2029. Harvest Planning: Iowa State Extension will host a grain harvest webinar Sept. 21 covering quality, harvest losses, and storage setup. Energy Mix Watch: An Iowa Environmental Council report finds coal generation ticked up again at major utilities as wind growth slows and AI-driven demand rises.

Data Centers & Power Strain: Wells Fargo’s tracker says U.S. local data-center moratoriums jumped to 374, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water use. Healthcare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Iowa, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Ag Outlook: The Fed’s Beige Book reports Corn Belt farm conditions improved slightly, though heavy rains and flooding still stress some areas; biofuel demand is supporting ethanol and biodiesel production. Iowa Fuel Watch: GasBuddy spotlights low prices in the week ending Sept. 5, including $3.82 E15 in Winneshiek County and $3.64 regular in Crawford County, alongside multiple county-by-county midgrade and diesel lows. Water Quality Project: Linn County and Cedar Rapids schools are building a new wetland at Morgan Creek Park that could treat about 40 million gallons of stormwater annually. Local Culture & Science: UNI launched a 3D, 360-degree interactive tour of its century-old campanile, and Dubuque County received a $50,000 grant for a “Fatal Fashion” exhibit linking textile history to environmental impact.

Data Centers & Power Strain: A Wells Fargo tracker says local moratoriums on data center construction have jumped to 374 nationwide, with Iowa among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water use. Healthcare Refunds: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Iowa, tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Iowa Sports—Cy-Hawk: Iowa beat Iowa State 16-13 on a late game-winning kick, reclaiming the rivalry trophy in a tense, penalty-filled matchup at Kinnick. Iowa Sports—Volleyball: Iowa State fell 3-0 to American University, with the Cyclones missing senior Lilly Wachholz due to an injury. Local Community Spotlight: The Clay County Fair highlights Veterans Appreciation Day and other themed days as it runs through Sept. 20. Ag & Food Industry: Mexican Cheese Producers in Darlington, acquired by Sigma Alimentos, is expanding and works with Iowa farmers to supply fresh Mexican cheeses to the U.S.