AGP Executive Report

Agribusiness: Crews are building a $180 million, 25,000-cow dairy near Hillsboro. The operation could begin milking in late 2028 and become North Dakota’s largest dairy herd. Fargo Development: City commissioners are set to consider a redevelopment tax incentive and a tax break request for a $61.6 million housing and commercial project. The proposed incentive could cover up to 100% of property taxes for 10 years. Jobs: North Dakota’s unemployment rate rose to 2.8%, a two-year high. Energy: North Dakota oil wells hit a record high, while production and prices continue to outpace forecasts. Financial Innovation: North Star Community Credit Union joined a pilot for Roughrider Coin, a dollar-backed digital asset designed to speed payments between financial institutions. Small Business: Staffing shortages have delayed the planned opening of The Local 636 Bar and Grill in Hillsboro until at least mid-November.

Energy: North Dakota oil wells reached a record high, as production and prices continue to outpace forecasts. At an energy industry panel in Minot, leaders warned output could decline within five to 10 years without new ways to sustain aging wells. Data Centers: A proposed Harmony Township moratorium was put on hold after a meeting was canceled, while residents raised concerns about heavy truck traffic tied to nearby construction. State lawmakers are also shaping data center rules. Infrastructure: Bottineau County was awarded up to $691,000 in federal rail funding to help develop a rail-served grain elevator, improve grain handling and move rail operations away from a school zone. Six North Dakota communities also received more than $4.2 million in community development grants. Innovation: Grand Forks’ UAS Summit drew a record 800 attendees and 67 exhibitors, spotlighting the state’s growing unmanned aircraft sector and new UND research and defense partnerships. Agriculture: A regional survey of rural bank leaders found low economic confidence amid high fuel and fertilizer costs; soybean demand from China has improved, but harvest supplies and uncertainty continue to weigh on prices.

Oil and Gas: North Dakota hit a record of more than 20,000 active oil wells in August, with production at about 1.16 million barrels a day. Higher prices are speeding up well development and helping production exceed state revenue forecasts. Community Investment: The state awarded $4.2 million in development grants to six communities for infrastructure, housing and public safety projects. Data Centers: Geronimo Power offered to pause its Harmony Township data center application for six months as residents weigh a proposed development moratorium. The company says it wants time for discussion; township supervisors were considering the measure. Utility Oversight: Public Service Commission candidates Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh debated energy costs and landowner concerns, as large projects put pressure on regulators to balance development with public input. Agriculture: A North Dakota farmer plans to convert 35 erosion-prone acres to grassland, earning $5,250 a year for five years while restoring soil and wildlife habitat. Trade: Fargo-based Northern Crops Institute trained a Nigerian pasta manufacturer in using U.S. wheat, aiming to improve production and build export demand.

Community Investment: North Dakota awarded $4.2 million in development grants to six communities for infrastructure, housing rehabilitation and public safety projects, amid about $12.5 million in requests. Energy Growth: Gevo expects its carbon business to generate more than $50 million in 2026 revenue; a planned 2028 expansion at its North Dakota operation could roughly double revenue from that business and other site operations. Homegrown Brand: Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, launched in a North Dakota kitchen, is now Hershey’s largest salty-snack brand, with $626 million in annual sales and a 23% share of the pretzel market. Hershey sees room to grow it into a billion-dollar brand. Agriculture: McKenzie’s Black Leg Ranch received the 2026 Noble Land Stewardship Award. The fifth-generation, 21,000-acre operation combines ranching with events, tourism and a brewery. Transportation: Red River Valley & Western Railroad secured a $23.6 million federal grant, adding investment in the state’s freight network.

Business Incentives: North Dakota opened applications for its 2026 Automation Tax Credit, offering eligible manufacturers and animal-agriculture businesses credits of up to 15% on qualifying equipment. Applications are due Feb. 2. Rail Investment: Red River Valley & Western Railroad won a $23.6 million federal grant to replace 26 miles of aging track and expand siding capacity near Wahpeton, with work expected to start in 2027. Industrial Development: State regulators opened public comment on a proposed pig iron plant northeast of Minot that would process Minnesota mine waste into a steelmaking material. Comments are due Nov. 20. Growth Sectors: North Dakota oil production and prices continue to outpace forecasts, boosting state revenues, while lawmakers begin shaping data center legislation. Fargo’s bioscience summit also highlighted the region’s growing medical innovation sector. Banking: Bell Bank officially opened a larger Grand Forks location, employing 26 people and leaving room to expand.

Rail Investment: Red River Valley & Western Railroad won a $23.6 million federal grant to replace 26.4 miles of aging track between Gwinner and Wyndmere and expand siding capacity near Wahpeton. Work could begin in 2027, improving safety and allowing heavier trains. Oil and State Revenue: North Dakota’s August oil output reached 1.16 million barrels a day, 5.58% above forecast. The state’s realized price was $76.14 a barrel, also well above projections, boosting expected tax revenue. Data Center Rules: A proposed state bill would address data centers’ power costs, water use and decommissioning. It would bar shifting facility-related electricity costs to household ratepayers. Farm Business: A January conference at Grand Farm in Wheatland will help producers strengthen communication, management and transition planning as farm operations grow more complex.

Oil & State Revenue: North Dakota oil production reached 1.16 million barrels a day in August, 5.6% above forecast, while the state’s oil price topped its budget assumption. Production and prices are lifting oil-tax revenue above projections. Workforce Risk: North Dakota ranks fourth nationally for jobs potentially exposed to automation, with 47.16% of covered employment in high-risk occupations. The figure measures exposure, not predicted job losses. Higher Education: NDSCS says enrollment has grown more than 30% since 2022 and aims to generate 80,000 annual student credits by 2030; 85% of students continue their education in-state. Local Budgets: Grand Forks County approved a budget adjustment to prevent a steep cut to NDSU Extension. The office plans to shrink its space to reduce costs and preserve staffing and pay increases.

Business Oversight: A state audit links North Dakota Development Fund board chair Jim Albrecht and vice chair Rob Lindberg to four million dollars in potential conflict-of-interest transactions. The Commerce Department has not identified the companies involved. Health Costs: State regulators approved 2027 ACA rate increases averaging 7% to 19% for individual plans; small-group increases range from 9.5% to 18.34%, raising costs for residents and small employers. Knife River: Activist investor Starboard is preparing to nominate directors at the Bismarck-based company, pressing for stronger profit margins or a sale. Manufacturing: The SBA awarded $9.5 million to two tribal organizations for small-manufacturer training, including North Dakota’s Chippewa Sustainable Solutions. Oil and Agriculture: Dorchester Minerals agreed to acquire royalty interests covering about 4,300 net acres in three Williston Basin counties. Meanwhile, drought-related disaster designations in North Dakota include Golden Valley and McKenzie counties, adding pressure for affected producers.

Health Care Costs: North Dakota approved 2027 ACA rate hikes averaging 7% to 19% for individual plans and 9.5% to 18.34% for small-group coverage. About 45,000 residents buy insurance outside employer, Medicare or Medicaid plans. Grand Forks Clinic: The clinic and six affiliated businesses filed for Chapter 11, listing up to $10 million in liabilities; the owner says they will remain open and continue serving patients. Oil and Gas: Dorchester Minerals agreed to acquire royalty interests covering about 4,300 net acres in three Williston Basin counties, in exchange for 1.25 million partnership units. Separately, state and industry leaders are advancing an enhanced-recovery effort they say could double Bakken oil reserves, with Sen. John Hoeven seeking $400 million in federal loan guarantees. Knife River: Activist investor Starboard Value is preparing to nominate directors at the Bismarck-based construction company, pressing for higher profit margins or a possible sale. Rail Investment: Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for infrastructure upgrades in North Dakota.

Bakken Investment: North Dakota officials and oil industry leaders are pushing phase two of an enhanced-recovery project they say could double recoverable oil and extend the Bakken’s life by decades. Sen. John Hoeven is seeking $400 million in federal loan guarantees, and industry leaders expect to seek state funding. Tribal Energy: A $200,000 solar-and-battery installation at a buffalo barn on Standing Rock has restored reliable power, with elevated panels and reinforced supports designed around the herd. Rail Infrastructure: Red River Valley & Western Railroad is receiving $23.6 million for upgrades, a federal investment in the freight links that serve regional businesses. Data Center Debate: Grand Forks-area legislative candidates are weighing data-center development, with local control emerging as a key issue for communities considering new projects.

Renewable Energy: A roughly $200,000 solar-and-battery project at Wózu Inc.’s buffalo barn on the Standing Rock Reservation restores reliable power while providing shade for the herd. Its elevated, reinforced panels were designed to withstand buffalo. Data Center Investment: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum pointed to a potential $10 billion North Dakota data center investment, saying its backers offered to rebate local electricity customers. Power supply and local control remain key concerns as communities weigh data center proposals. Bakken Oil: North Dakota officials are advancing a new phase of testing aimed at boosting oil recovery, as the state looks to produce more from fewer rigs. Rail Infrastructure: The Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for upgrades, a federal investment in the region’s freight network. Farm Outlook: September rains may have damaged North Dakota’s soybean crop, adding uncertainty for farmers during harvest.

Data Centers: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum pointed to a proposed $10 billion North Dakota data center as a model, citing a promised rebate for local power customers. His pitch comes as Fargo leaders consider incentives tied to job creation and candidates debate data center impacts and local control. Oil and Infrastructure: North Dakota’s next phase of field-scale oil recovery testing is underway, while a federal award of about $24 million will support rail upgrades in the state, including work by Red River Valley & Western Railroad. Agriculture: September rains may have discolored some North Dakota soybeans, potentially affecting prices for farmers selling into certain markets; early reports say the beans should still crush well. Grand Forks Dispute: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million in damages from the city, keeping a long-running business and development dispute in the spotlight.

Agriculture: Heavy September rains may leave some North Dakota soybeans discolored by fungus, lowering their value when sold. The beans appear suitable for crushing, but farmers selling them into other markets could take a hit. Data Centers & Power: A proposed 200-megawatt battery storage project near Casselton is headed for a North Dakota Public Service Commission hearing Oct. 23. The site is part of a larger solar development; a separate data center proposed for the township could use up to 540 megawatts, keeping local energy and development impacts in focus. Oil & Rail: North Dakota officials are moving into the next phase of a field-scale effort to boost Bakken oil recovery. Separately, the Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for upgrades, a potential boost to freight infrastructure. Startup Community: A founder’s account of moving to West Fargo after attending the Prairie Capital Summit underscores how investor introductions and local connections can help entrepreneurs choose North Dakota as a place to build.

Bakken Investment: North Dakota leaders are advancing phase two of Crack the Code, a roughly $400 million effort to test enhanced oil recovery across entire fields. Officials hope the technology can boost production and extend the Bakken’s life, though the work faces delays and may require more state funding. Data Center Debate: Grand Forks-area candidates differ on how tightly to regulate data centers, with Democrats urging stronger safeguards and Republicans emphasizing caution and local control. Energy Projects: The Public Service Commission will hear public comment Oct. 23 on Geronimo Power’s proposed 200-megawatt battery storage project near Casselton; a separate data center planned nearby is not part of that hearing. Founder Community: A guest columnist credits the Prairie Capital Summit’s investor introductions and founder network with helping persuade her family to move to West Fargo and build a business here. Infrastructure: The Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for upgrades, supporting freight infrastructure across the region.

Oil Production: North Dakota leaders are advancing phase two of the Bakken “Crack the Code” effort, seeking about $400 million for enhanced recovery that could double output from existing fields and extend their life. Using existing infrastructure is expected to lower costs. Pipeline Rules: A judge says state approval of Summit Carbon Solutions’ CO₂ pipeline does not automatically override county zoning. The state commission must revisit route and safety questions and assess local setback rules. Agriculture and Data Centers: Agriculture commissioner candidates Doug Goehring and Vern Thompson debated tariffs, farm pressures and data-center growth. Thompson called for state rules and stronger community protections; Goehring stressed property rights and better communication from developers. Tourism: State tourism officials met in Medora to plan 2027 marketing, citing campaign data and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s boost to visitor interest. Farm Markets: Soybeans came under pressure as harvest caught up, processor crush slowed and Brazil’s crop outlook strengthened. Rail Investment: Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for infrastructure upgrades.

Tourism: Nearly 120 industry professionals met in Medora to review campaign results and plan 2027 marketing, with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library already drawing more visitors. Local Growth: Casselton is attracting young families with a strong business climate, schools and access to Fargo-area jobs. Workforce: A nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople is delaying construction, as data-center demand grows and experienced workers retire. Energy: North Dakota’s Bakken outlook points to more oil production with fewer rigs. Infrastructure: Red River Valley & Western Railroad received $23.6 million for upgrades. Business Policy: Fargo leaders are weighing tax incentives tied to job creation, while Cass County residents debate a proposed data center and the need for clear rules.