AGP Executive Report

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including Iowa, authorizing the Southwest Power Pool to bring idle backup generation online through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Local Energy Management: MiEnergy Cooperative issued a peak energy alert for Monday (2–6 p.m.), urging members to shift cooling and other electricity use later to help keep wholesale power costs down. Data Centers & Zoning: Dubuque residents can weigh in tonight on a proposed data center ordinance, while Fort Madison’s planning and zoning commission is set to review data-center-related extraterritorial zoning and infrastructure impact rules. Water Quality & Agriculture: A University of Iowa researcher is building a nitrate forecasting tool using NASA satellite data and Iowa water monitors to give utilities early warning; separate reporting also highlights rising nutrient loads in rivers and ongoing nitrate pollution awareness efforts. Workforce & Training: Northeast Iowa Community College won a $420,000 Lowe’s Foundation grant to expand hands-on electrical training, including a new lab. Manufacturing Jobs: A Common Sense Institute Iowa report says manufacturing is still Iowa’s biggest GDP contributor, but its job base has been shrinking over time. Farm Conditions: USDA crop progress shows heat stress hurting corn and soybean quality ratings, even as crop development advances.

AI & Defense Funding: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5M, including $24.5M for AI initiatives and a new national defense center in Rapid City, plus major campus construction. Power for Data Centers: NextEra says Iowa regulators approved restarting a shuttered nuclear plant that will sell power to Google, while it pushes ahead with its $67B Dominion deal as data-center demand keeps climbing. Iowa Water Quality: Central Iowa Water Works shut down its nitrate removal facility after 193 days, underscoring the ongoing push for farm practices that cut fertilizer runoff. Storm Recovery Loans: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced SBA disaster loans for eight Iowa counties hit by July storms, with deadlines set for physical damage and economic injury. Biomanufacturing Research: Iowa State-led RuralSTAMINA won an NSF Engines award for $15M over two years, aiming to turn biomass into products like coatings, pesticides, and vaccines. Local Business & Media: Nelson Media Company rebranded the Nora Springs Rockford Register as The River Register and is expanding coverage into Mason City. Manufacturing Spotlight: Plas-Tech Tooling in Garner reached the SBA Patriot Pitch semifinals, competing for a $1M prize pool. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of lentil soup in multiple states due to spoilage risk. Policy & Security Debate: A TSA-related editorial argues airports like Des Moines are moving toward private screening under TSA oversight, raising concerns for labor and public safety.

Antitrust & Pharma: Utah AG announced a $29.6M settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation and trade restraints, with multistate litigation and a first trial expected in late 2026. Small Business & Manufacturing: Ames-area manufacturing firm Plas-Tech Tooling (Garner) was named a semifinalist in the SBA’s $1M Patriot Pitch Competition. AI Policy & Kids Online: Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Ashley Hinson discussed regulating kids’ AI chatbot use while pushing for growth of the AI industry. Agriculture & Weather: Iowa crop conditions stayed ahead of schedule, but hot, dry conditions are still stressing topsoil moisture in parts of northwest Iowa. Public Health & Food Safety: Health officials warn the Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is expanding, while Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of lentil soup in multiple states including Iowa. Local Government & Infrastructure: Newton received Prairie Meadows grants for fire radio equipment and tennis-court bleachers; Hampton-Dumont school board will consider fuel bids and tech handbook updates. Energy & Data Centers: Communities continue debating AI data center expansion impacts on power and water, with Iowa mayors and officials weighing next steps.

Energy & AI Infrastructure: EIF’s megawatt verdict highlights how AI and even some bitcoin mining hinge on real-world grid limits—generation, interconnection, transmission, substations, cooling, permits, and lead times—so “compute” is ultimately an electricity delivery problem. Local Governance & Data Centers: Palo, Iowa, approved data center rules requiring developers to pay for city upgrades, while Linn County debates where expansion fits alongside nuclear power and rural pushback grows. Agriculture & Farm Economy: Iowa Farmers Union members heard Democratic candidates argue the farm bill can boost cover crops and no-till, but only if farmers get support during income pressure. Food Safety: Cyclospora concerns keep widening nationally, with a multistate outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce; Iowa-area shoppers also saw Amy’s Kitchen lentil soup recalled over spoilage risk. Workforce & Education: Hampton-Dumont School Board weighs fuel bids and technology handbook updates. Legal/Business: Oto ambulance former treasurer pleads guilty to theft and must repay over $20,000. Sports (Iowa tie-in): Caitlin Clark starred in the WNBA All-Star Game, and Iowa-linked recruiting buzz continues with Iowa’s presence in major point-guard decisions.

AI & Power Demands: A new wave of AI data centers is raising alarms in rural areas over farmland loss, water strain, noise, and grid pressure, with communities asking Iowa-style questions about who pays and who benefits. Public Health: A former FDA food-policy official says the national cyclospora outbreak is nearing a “catastrophic level,” as CDC/FDA investigations expand and consumers face growing confusion. Food Safety in Iowa: Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup is among this week’s recalls tied to spoilage risk, and the broader cyclospora-linked lettuce situation continues to widen. Agriculture Update: Iowa corn and soybeans are ahead of schedule, with strong crop-condition ratings in the latest progress report. Local Schools & Energy: Hampton-Dumont school leaders will weigh fuel bids and technology handbook updates, while nearby Sioux Center is tapping ISU design and engineering resources for community planning. Economic Development: University of Dubuque named Joe Bormann to lead its Chlapaty Center for Innovation, a new engineering and maker-focused facility slated to open in 2027. Workforce & Fair Pay: An Iowa State University professor won a major equal-pay verdict after years of underpayment claims. Utilities & Growth: NextEra reported profit gains driven by data-center power demand and said it has full ownership of Iowa’s Duane Arnold plant. Community Services: Ottumwa is testing mixed recycling pickup as part of a streamlined waste operations plan. Business Spotlight: SBA selected Iowa’s Plas-Tech Tooling as a semifinalist in the Patriot Pitch Competition.

Energy & Environment: Iowa DNR says it found no negative air-quality impacts from Alliant Energy’s proposed Bobcat Energy Center near Marshalltown, clearing the way for three new natural-gas combustion turbines after a virtual public hearing. Agriculture & Food Safety: CDC and FDA report the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is more widespread than first thought, with cases approaching 7,000 across multiple states; Taylor Farms says it’s issued broader recalls and paused central Mexico sourcing. Renewables & Local Power: Cerro Gordo County sued the Iowa Utilities Commission to block approval of a large solar project, arguing the process bypassed county zoning rules for prime agricultural land. Economic Development: IEDA approved nearly $1 million in funding for three Eastern Iowa startups, including SwineTech’s AI operating system for pork producers and a medical device design firm in Coralville. Local Governance & Data Centers: Palo passed a data center ordinance requiring developers to pay for city upgrades and emphasizing water-use review, while Cedar Rapids’ mayor defended the financial benefits of its data center deals amid resident concerns. Water: Storm Lake kept mandatory water conservation in place due to near-unsustainable demand, even after wells returned to service. Workforce & Economy: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in June, with Benton County among the lowest.

Courthouse HVAC: Wayne County supervisors discussed possible legal action over a malfunctioning courthouse Dedicated Outdoor Air System, saying prompt independent assessment is needed to avoid future costs. Utility finance: Newton City Council advanced franchise fees for electric and gas utilities on a 5-1 vote, but members said they’re still unsure as residents question the impact and the city cites a projected $680,000 budget gap. Ag innovation & funding: Iowa Economic Development Board loans backed Ames startups Narrate AR (autism support) and Soil Serdem (precision ag geospatial tools), plus Coralville’s Juggernaut Life Sciences. Hospital patient experience: Iowa ranked 9th nationally for patient experience, scoring 3.74/5 on communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, and noise. Food safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of organic lentil soup in multiple states including Iowa due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage. Water & wetlands: USDA set aside $3M for wetland mitigation banking projects, with Iowa listed among priority states. Energy policy: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig urged the Senate to move year-round E15 nationwide, citing EPA waivers and stalled legislation. Workforce & business outlook: ABI’s survey found Iowa employers remain optimistic, with most expecting sales growth and capital spending. Livestock data gap: Researchers say Iowa’s livestock facility count may be higher than the DNR database shows, raising questions for manure and water pollution tracking. Local power/data center planning: Linn County began public input on whether data centers tied to nuclear power should get separate zoning consideration.

AI & Power Costs: Trump’s “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” says AI data centers and big tech must fund the power buildout so electricity bills don’t spike for households, with claims rates could even fall as companies add capacity to the grid. Iowa Water Tech: A University of Iowa project is using NASA Earth data plus local monitoring to forecast nitrate levels and flag risks earlier for drinking-water sources in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Ag Economy Pressure: A new study says 2025 Trump tariffs raised costs for Midwest households by $2,000+ and cut manufacturing jobs, with Iowa included in the modeled region. Food & Farming Networks: Farmers and consumers are pushing to rebuild local food networks outside industrial supply chains, arguing for direct sales and smaller-scale commerce. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Iowa DOT is seeking public input on replacing the U.S. 59 bridge over U.S. 34 near Emerson, and Fremont County Engineer Dan Davis plans to retire in October after decades leading county projects. Community & Agriculture: Six Iowa farm families—including one from Chelsea—will receive the Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair; plus Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair wrapped in Waterloo with youth livestock learning headed to the state fair.

Business Climate: A new Iowa Association of Business and Industry survey finds 63% of Iowa employers expect Q3 sales growth and 85% plan capital spending, with workforce talent, health care costs, and property taxes topping concerns. Trade & Agriculture: Sen. Chuck Grassley says new tariffs on some Canadian imports are likely leverage in USMCA talks, while an ag market analyst calls uncertainty the new normal for farmers amid trade wars and global conflicts. Workforce & Veterans: Eastern Iowa hosted National Hire a Veteran Day job fairs, pairing veterans with employers including an engineer at Nordex USA. Small Business: NFIB’s June Small Business Optimism Index rose to 97.4, while hiring stayed cautious as inflation remains the top worry. Energy & Data Centers: Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is gaining governors’ support, aiming to keep data-center power costs from hitting consumers—an issue also driving local zoning fights. Environment & Power: Environmental groups sued Iowa’s DNR over coal-ash landfill discharge at Ottumwa, and Cerro Gordo County is challenging a proposed 500 MW solar project. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled over 184,000 cans of organic lentil soup due to potential spoilage from can lid defects. Innovation in Iowa: The University of Dubuque named Joe Bormann to lead its Chlapaty Center for Innovation, and a Cedar Rapids-area biomanufacturing pitch event is set for Omaha in September.

Ag Economy: Purdue/CME’s Ag Economy Barometer slid as farmer sentiment weakened—input costs stayed the top worry, with both “current conditions” and “future expectations” dropping in the June read. Farmland & Auctions: DTN’s Landwatch roundup highlighted recent sales, including an Iowa Allamakee County 258-acre farm that moved in multiple tracts for $3.9M. Energy & Power Demand: A new report frames Berkshire Hathaway Energy as a “backdoor” AI beneficiary as data centers expand electricity demand—MidAmerican in Iowa is cited in the growth outlook. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a data breach tied to credential-stuffing on its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, potentially exposing personal and account details. Local Governance & Data Centers: Johnson County is weighing tighter data center rules (water use, geographic limits, closed-loop cooling) as a moratorium nears its end; in Salix, residents report escalating protest-related damage. Iowa Business/Infrastructure: Waverly City Council advanced workforce housing tax credit support and bridge-related improvements. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall remains in focus after FDA updates around cyclospora testing; a separate Amy’s Kitchen soup recall also lists Iowa among affected states. Weather/Costs: AAA says Iowa gas prices rose again, with regular averaging $3.80/gal. Research & Industry: ISU is leading multiple projects in the DOE’s Genesis Mission, including work spanning agronomy and mechanical engineering.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The cyclospora lettuce recall tied to Taylor Farms remains active as FDA says a “false positive” briefly misled investigators, but traceback and health data still point to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico; the recall now covers 27 states including Iowa. Ag Policy & Competition: Iowa corn growers are urging a faster Senate Judiciary probe into fertilizer industry practices, citing record prices and merger-related uncertainty. Energy & Defense Manufacturing: The U.S. Army broke ground on a new 155mm ammunition production facility at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, part of a Future Artillery Complex modernization. Soybeans & Rural Economy: United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO, outlining a push for market diversification and value beyond price; ethanol production also rose on margins and demand. Iowa Business & Innovation: IEDA approved funding for multiple startups, including Ames AI and agritech geospatial software, plus a Lakeside Lab construction update in West Okoboji. Local Governance & Growth Pressure: Linn County planners weigh whether to allow data centers tied to Iowa’s nuclear plant despite an 18-month moratorium, while other Iowa communities debate or protest proposed projects. Workforce & Economy: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in June, with the state adding about 600 jobs. Community & Events: Des Moines will host the AAU Junior Olympic Games, expected to bring major economic impact to the metro.

Water Infrastructure: A U.S. Senate committee approved a $10 million feasibility study to expand the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, which already serves parts of southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. Local Roads & Public Works: Ottumwa is adding more summer street closures tied to its sewer separation project, while Jefferson Street Bridge in Ottumwa is headed for a $50,000 feasibility study after concerns about its age and historic status. Data Centers Debate: Palo advanced a final data center ordinance as Google eyes a local build, and Linn County is weighing a nuclear-linked exception to its data center moratorium tied to restarting Duane Arnold. Food Safety: The iceberg lettuce cyclosporiasis recall tied to Taylor Farms expanded to 27 states, keeping Iowa-area shoppers and food operators watching closely. Ag Economy & Leadership: Iowa farm income fell 53% from 2022 to 2024, and the United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO starting Oct. 1. Aviation & Jobs: A new airport director is taking over at the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, with continued terminal and facility upgrades planned. Community & Tech: Marshalltown entrepreneurs launched an AI-powered app aimed at helping aspiring business owners register legally.

Data Centers & Politics: Palo’s council approved a final-reading data center zoning ordinance on a 4-1 vote, but residents say it won’t protect the city enough and is hard to enforce as Google weighs a nearby project. Food Safety: FDA says a cyclospora “false positive” doesn’t change the basis for the ongoing Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall tied to a multistate outbreak that has sickened thousands, including in Iowa. Agriculture Leadership: The United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as its next CEO, starting Oct. 1, with Knupp bringing long ag and trade experience and Iowa roots. Energy Permitting: Alliant Energy filed an air permit application for the Morgan Valley Energy Center in Linn County after seeking rezoning for the gas-fired plant. Manufacturing Exec Move: ADM appointed Jeff Rowe as executive vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing commercial businesses, global manufacturing, and R&D. Iowa Farm Economy: USDA’s Iowa crop progress report shows corn and soybeans ahead of last year, but moisture remains short and more rain is needed. Local Ag Recognition: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Sean and Sara Dolan of Newton Pork. Sports & Schools: North Fayette Valley approved 8th-grade participation guidelines for high school athletics under Iowa House File 2591. Community & Health: Iowa school districts are reminding families to apply for free and reduced-price meals for 2026-27. Legal/Markets: Tribes and other groups backed Iowa regulators in a challenge involving Kalshi sports-event contracts.

Ag Economy Pressure: A new joint study from Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa State University and Iowa Bankers Association says Iowa net farm income fell 53% from 2022-2024, with financially vulnerable farms rising to 19% by Dec. 2025 as input costs stay high and grain prices lag. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora, shipping potentially affected product to 27 states including Iowa; FDA later said a test result was a false positive but the recall remains in effect. Weather & Power: Severe storms with 70–80 mph gusts and funnel clouds hit north/central Iowa, knocking out power and damaging homes and trees; Des Moines also saw crash-related outages affecting about 7,300 customers. Farm Operations & Conservation: Iowa State Extension events include a Bremer County farmland leasing workshop (Aug. 4) and a windbreak school near Sumner (Aug. 13), while an Iowa farmer near Madrid shared nitrate runoff reduction practices under the Farm to Faucet push. Local Infrastructure: Bremer County adopted a long-range plan as property tax uncertainty lingers; Jefferson County residents questioned a problematic Pleasant Plain Road chip seal timeline. Industry & Markets: USDA crop progress and condition updates point to corn entering tasseling/pollination with soil moisture needing timely rain. Rural Broadband: Ernst and Baldwin backed a bill to cut SEC-style reporting burdens for small rural ISPs to speed fiber buildout. Ag Processing: Green Acres Milling in Albert Lea expects to start running oats in September, with electrical work and safety systems finishing up.

Ag Leadership Move: ADM named agriculture veteran Jeff Rowe its new Executive VP and COO, overseeing commercial businesses, global manufacturing and R&D. Air Quality Alert: Iowa City saw unhealthy particulate levels from Canadian wildfire smoke, with DNR and the National Weather Service urging sensitive groups to limit time outdoors. Local Food Supply Chain: A new Choose Iowa school grant wrapped up its pilot year, helping districts buy locally sourced meat, dairy (with limits), eggs, honey and produce. Farm Economy Pressure: Multiple reports point to Iowa net farm income down 53% from 2022-2024 and a prolonged downturn expected through 2027, with rising costs and weak prices squeezing cash flow. Food Safety Shakeup: FDA walked back an earlier cyclospora-positive lettuce test tied to Taylor Farms, calling it a false positive while the recall investigation continues. Energy & Permitting: A Minnesota battery project near the Shell Rock River cleared final approval despite Iowa-area concerns; meanwhile, Linn County is weighing data centers that would support nuclear facilities. Consumer Protection: Iowa’s Insurance Division revoked a Missouri producer’s license and ordered restitution over alleged predatory annuity sales to retired postal workers. Business & Jobs: IEDA approved state funding for Corridor startups, including a Coralville medical device loan. Infrastructure: Des Moines airport is exploring TSA Gold+ tech ahead of its 2027 terminal expansion.

Food Safety & Ag: The FDA says a Cyclospora-linked lettuce sample tied to Taylor Farms de Mexico was a false positive, but the broader investigation is still active; Taylor Farms has already pulled central Mexico iceberg lettuce and issued recalls covering multiple products, while Taco Bell removed affected lettuce and Walmart pulled select bagged items as a precaution. Iowa Agriculture Policy: Iowa’s pest certification rules get an update: IDALS now offers a revised Certified Handler manual (CS500) and adds a new Category 12 Soil Fumigation certification, with exams available online and at college test sites starting July 15. Energy & Local Planning: As counties pause data centers, experts say governments can negotiate terms that reduce environmental impacts and secure community benefits; Iowa’s Cedar Rapids is cited for requiring annual contributions to a community betterment fund. Business Moves: Cottingham & Butler expands Property & Casualty leadership, including a new P&C brokerage leader role and transportation co-leadership. Community & Workforce: Jackson County 4-H welcomes a new extension educator and a summer intern, continuing local youth agriculture programming.