AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: Gas prices jumped sharply since the Iran War, with North Dakota up 57.7% (from $2.54 to $4.01) and South Dakota also up 57.7%, underscoring how fast costs can hit regional consumers and businesses. Public Safety Tech: Grand Forks’ Northeast Region UAS Drone Team won a $152,000 state grant for a longer-flight search-and-rescue drone, boosting disaster response and missing-person operations across 16 ND counties and parts of Minnesota. Agriculture Finance: Farmers are leaning into “financialization of farmland” as crop margins tighten, treating land more like an investment asset than a crop-production input. Regional Economic Collaboration: The Valley Prosperity Partnership, a Red River Valley business coalition formed in 2012, has disbanded after members say it delivered its biggest wins, including better Fargo-Grand Forks collaboration. Farm Supply Chain Investment: Constellation Brands will invest $100M over five years to support U.S. hop and barley growers, including additional purchases from North Dakota. Wildlife Management: North Dakota’s fall duck flight forecast is expected to be 9% higher than last year, driven by improved late-spring habitat and brood numbers.

Utilities & Rates: The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved a temporary electric rate increase for Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) starting Sept. 1, adding about $13 a month (nearly 11%) for the average residential customer, while MDU’s larger 14% permanent request moves into a full review expected to run into 2027. State Policy & Health: Lawmakers are preparing for a second special session this year in Bismarck, focused on restricting kratom and also tackling other items they say can’t wait until January. Healthcare Access & Small Business: Fargo-area startup Bison Imaging is rolling out mobile X-ray services to bring diagnostics to patients in Fargo, West Fargo, Horace and nearby communities, targeting facilities where transport is hard. Local Economy & Community: New Town is gearing up for its 75th anniversary celebration, including a parade, tournament, vendor market and new city buildings. Budget Watch: A new report argues North Dakota is running a “structured deficit,” spending more than it collects in the general fund and relying on reserves to mask the gap. Agriculture & Markets: Cattle prices and CME trading are swinging amid news of added imports, border reopening and meat plant closures, adding pressure to producers.

College Football & Local Economy: North Dakota State’s FBS debut is set for Saturday at the Fargodome, with the Bison joining the Mountain West in 2026 and aiming to “play with anybody,” a move that could reshape regional sports spending and recruiting. Agriculture & Crop Options: Barley is getting renewed attention in the High Plains as a flexible alternative to wheat, with North Dakota among the top producers and growers weighing its fit for grain, hay and grazing. Insurance & Seniors: North Dakota was ranked the safest state for seniors, but coverage costs and market competition vary sharply between the eastern corridor and the western oil patch. Trade Exposure: A new map shows North Dakota’s exports are heavily dependent on Canada, with Canada taking 80.6% of state exports—raising stakes as tariff disputes linger. Social Security Snapshot: ZIP-level data shows mixed year-to-year changes across North Dakota, including a 1.7% drop in ZIP 58060 and a 6.9% rise in ZIP 58790. Public Safety & Firearms: A Fargo street fair gun case saw a Texas ruling help dismiss a gun charge, with potential ripple effects for other local arrests. Tech & Community Concerns: North Dakota’s drone warfare push and military vendor activity continue, while data-center proposals elsewhere highlight local pressure points like water, power and community trust.

North Dakota Higher Ed: The State Board of Higher Education rescinded its TikTok ban for university devices, citing updated federal actions, TikTok ownership changes, and cybersecurity reviews; institutions can request access through established processes. Defense & Tech Procurement: The U.S. Army is seeking vendors for an unmanned ground vehicle demo at Camp Grafton in mid-October 2026, with submissions limited to approved consortium members. Military Innovation Showcase: At GrandSky near Grand Forks, DoD contractors and startups displayed drone and counter-drone systems as part of the T-REX program, with Sen. Kevin Cramer and Sen. John Hoeven highlighting North Dakota’s role in the Golden Dome counter-UAS push. Trade Shock to ND: North Dakota businesses are bracing for fallout from a Canada tariff standoff after reciprocal 50% tariffs and a breakdown in talks, with officials warning Canada is the state’s top export market. SNAP Policy Shift: ND postponed a planned ban on buying soda, candy and other sweetened drinks with SNAP benefits from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 after a federal court challenge in other states. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for chocolate-dipped mini doughnuts sold in North Dakota stores due to possible undeclared milk. Meta Settlement Spillover: A multistate Meta child-safety settlement is moving forward, with states describing sweeping new protections for Instagram and Facebook users under 18.

Meta Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a landmark $17.1B multistate deal with Meta over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, requiring sweeping new protections and paying states at least $171M. North Dakota Data Centers: A North Dakota tax panel heard how sales tax breaks for data center equipment have surged—from $5.4M (2021) to $7.8M (2023), then to $15.3M (2024) and more than $65M last year—while residents in Mandan continue pushing back at local town halls. Oil & Gas Deal: Callan Power will buy non-operated Williston Basin oil and gas assets from The Pfanenstiel Company for $12.5M cash, with $48M proved PV-10 and $83M 3P PV-10, targeting a close before Oct. 1. Agriculture Watch: Northern Plains spring wheat harvest is accelerating, with USDA spring wheat 62% harvested as of Aug. 23 and early ND quality tests showing strong protein and milling traits. Beef Prices Politics: North Dakota beef producers are questioning Trump’s 90-day plan to import 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef to cut prices, warning it could disrupt herd-rebuilding decisions. Banking Tech: Thirty-nine state bankers associations formed the BankChain Alliance, aiming for a 2027 launch of a bank-owned blockchain network for tokenized deposits, stablecoins, smart payments and settlement.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate deal over teen social media addiction claims, with sweeping child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram, including nighttime limits and screen-break tools. North Dakota Data Centers: A ND legislative panel heard that sales tax breaks for data center equipment have surged—from $5.4M (2021) to $65M+ last year—while residents raise concerns about local impacts like a Mandan project. Electric Rates: North Dakota regulators approved a short-term electric rate increase for Montana-Dakota Utilities, adding about $12.90 per month for typical residential customers while a larger case heads toward 2027. Cybersecurity: ND Health and Human Services reported a phishing attack that exposed protected health information for about 1,700 people, mostly in the Bismarck region. Agriculture & Livestock: NDSU Extension warned drought-driven water hauling can create ammonia poisoning risks for cattle and other livestock. Local Business: Fargo’s downtown Street Light Gallery returns with student artwork, and Dickinson State University announced new academic leadership and organizational changes.

Big Tech Accountability: Utah announced a $12.2B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook child-safety practices, with Georgia AG Chris Carr also touting a proposed $17.1B deal that would require major youth-safety changes plus independent oversight. NDSU FBS Transition: North Dakota State’s move to Football Bowl Subdivision is now official on the field, with the Bison set to host Jacksonville State as the program enters a new era after years of planning and major NCAA fees. Carbon & Energy Growth: Gevo expanded executive leadership to push commercial execution and accelerate its North Dakota expansion, aiming for more cash generation and growth in its carbon business. SNAP Health Update: North Dakota HHS will update what SNAP recipients can buy with EBT starting Sept. 1 under a “Healthy Choice” waiver to steer purchases toward healthier options. Local Business & Community: FORTÉ announced it will acquire Vega Global, expanding its global footprint and adding hundreds of employees. State Economy Watch: North Dakota’s severance-tax take fell in 2024, with the state reporting $3.095B from severance taxes, down from $3.2B the year before.

Business Expansion: FORTÉ, based in Minneapolis, announced it has acquired Vega Global, adding more than 750 employees and expanding its AV and managed services footprint to dozens of new markets, including major APAC locations. State Policy & Health: North Dakota HHS will update SNAP/EBT eligible purchases starting Sept. 1 under a “SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver,” with flow charts for retailers and participants. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Burleigh County at $4.19/gal for the week ending Aug. 15, with North Dakota’s premium average up to $4.56. Local Economy: Wishek Sausage is building a new production facility to expand from its hometown into statewide grocery stores, aiming for shelves by Thanksgiving and broader Midwest reach in early 2027. Carbon Capture Finance: The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $205 million in loans for carbon capture at Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station, with Bank of North Dakota funding split between Minnkota and Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage. Charitable Gaming: A KFYR report says North Dakota charities increasingly rely on e-tabs, and some are even buying the bars that host the machines to secure fundraising space.

Oil & Gas Hiring: Callan JMB will have Callan Power designate Andy Weigman as SVP of land and acquisitions, tapping his 14 years in the Williston Basin and reuniting him with former Northern Oil and Gas colleague Mike Reger. Food & Agriculture: Wishek Sausage says it’s moving into a new building to become wholesale-ready, with products rolling into North Dakota stores first before expanding across the Upper Midwest. Energy Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are blasting Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan, warning it could undercut ranchers and destabilize domestic cattle supply. Consumer & Business Risk: North Dakota HHS disclosed a phishing-related data breach that may have exposed protected health information for people receiving developmental disability services. Legal/Finance: A bankruptcy court complaint seeks return of $216,000 paid by Jade Presents for a merchant cash advance, alleging the deal was misrepresented while the company was insolvent. Public Safety/Health: Federal investigators are still sorting a mismatch between a limited recalled-sprout distribution map and illnesses reported across 15 states, including North Dakota. Local Economy: Fargo’s Downtown Streetlight Gallery returns with 30 student-designed banners from NDSU, keeping the public art up year-round. Business Regulation: North Dakota is among states joining a coalition challenging Big Four accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting and potential consumer protection issues.

Local Economic Development: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to a new Franklin on Fourth restaurant venture, including a Renaissance Zone lease/leaseholder improvement incentive and an eight-year state income tax exemption; the $4 million project is slated to start by Oct. 1 and finish by March 1, 2027, with a patio, arcade, bar and sports video. Food Safety: Federal and state health officials are tracking a multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to E. coli and salmonella, with 55 reported illnesses in 15 states and North Dakota among the affected. Cybersecurity: North Dakota HHS says a phishing attack in July may have exposed protected health information for developmental disability services recipients after three employees’ accounts were accessed; written notifications are underway. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows Sargent County’s lowest regular gas price at $3.59 for the week ending Aug. 15, while statewide averages edged up. Legal/Policy: A coalition of 16 state attorneys general, including North Dakota, is challenging “Big Four” climate-related financial reporting efforts as potentially raising compliance costs and consumer protection concerns. Trade Politics: North Dakota leaders are sharply criticizing Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan, warning it could undercut ranchers and domestic supply.

NDSU Football’s FBS leap: North Dakota State opens its 130th season Saturday at the Fargodome against Jacksonville State, with the Bison also set for a Mountain West debut Sept. 12 at Air Force—plus the league’s new College Football Playoff path for top-ranked Group of Six conference champs. Entrepreneurship surge: A new report says U.S. business formation hit a record pace in July, with North Dakota up 46% year over year as 553,918 new businesses launched nationwide. Childcare subsidy ending: North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief Program, which helped families and required employer matching, is set to expire in September, leaving hundreds without support. Food safety hit: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak have been recalled; 55 illnesses across 15 states are reported, including cases in North Dakota. Postal Service pressure: South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds is pushing investigations and executive-board confirmation holds over slow mail delivery complaints—an issue that matters for rural businesses and veterans. Gas prices: Stark County’s lowest regular gas spot hit $3.89 in the week ending Aug. 15, while statewide averages eased but stayed above year-ago levels.

Food Safety Recall: Everything Sprouts LLC recalled certain alfalfa sprouts and related products after a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to 55 illnesses across 15 states, including North Dakota cases; the FDA says four people were hospitalized and urges consumers to throw out affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Agriculture & Prices: North Dakota ranchers pushed back on President Trump’s 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free imported ground beef, arguing it’s a political “quick fix” that could squeeze an already stressed U.S. cattle herd and won’t reliably lower grocery prices. State Budget Watch: North Dakota lawmakers are set for a second special session in a year in Bismarck, expected to cost taxpayers more than $200,000, to consider a small set of bills including kratom regulations. Local Fraud Update: The Better Business Bureau reported Bismarck logged seven scam reports in July, the most among North Dakota cities tracked, with losses totaling $192.90. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy price reports showed diesel and gasoline volatility in multiple North Dakota counties in the week ending Aug. 15, with some stations hitting the lowest reported prices statewide for their fuel types.

Food Safety: The FDA says an alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including 2 cases in North Dakota; 46 are reported with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, 7 with Salmonella, and 4 hospitalizations, with officials urging consumers to throw away affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Agriculture & Trade: President Trump’s 90-day, tariff-free import window for up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef is drawing pushback from North Dakota ranchers, who warn it’s a short-term “quick fix” that could undermine efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd amid drought-stressed conditions. State Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are set for a second special session in a year in Bismarck on Sept. 2, with costs estimated above $200,000, to consider five bills including proposed kratom regulations. Local Business: JonnyPops is seeking Minnesota’s “Forward Fund” support for expansion that could add 100+ jobs, with North Dakota listed as a potential location. Energy & Infrastructure: Tallgrass announced an open season for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline for crude oil transportation from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub. Education & Community: Oak Grove school in Fargo welcomed its new president, Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom, as reviews highlight leadership and faith formation.

Beef Policy Clash: Trump’s 90-day, tariff-free import window for up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef is drawing pushback from ranchers and GOP lawmakers in cattle states, who warn it’s a “quick fix” that could undercut efforts to rebuild the U.S. herd amid drought-stressed inventories. Health & Food Safety: Federal and state officials are investigating a multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to Minnesota’s Everything Sprouts LLC, with 55 illnesses across 15 states; North Dakota is among the affected states, and consumers are urged to avoid recalled sprouts. Energy & Infrastructure: Tallgrass and Bridger announced a new 30-day binding open season for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline for crude oil transportation commitments. Healthcare Costs: Several states—including North Dakota—are rejecting a federal model that would expand Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, citing cost and budget hurdles. Local Business/Community: Fargo-area radio personality Tom Brosseau is ending his “Great American Folk Show” after years of spotlighting North Dakota artists. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports North Dakota regular and diesel prices easing slightly from earlier highs, with county-level lows still showing up at select stations.

Data Centers & Local Control: North Dakota lawmakers are being urged to start earlier discussions as more data center projects move in, including Applied Digital’s massive Harwood footprint; residents in Mandan raised concerns about infrastructure costs, noise, and proximity to schools while officials weigh ordinance proposals. Ag & Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has reached 15 states and 55 confirmed cases, including North Dakota and South Dakota, with federal health officials linking it to Everything Sprouts products and urging consumers not to eat affected lots. Beef Imports Clash: Cattle and ag groups across the Dakotas are pushing back on a Trump plan to open a 90-day, tariff-free window for up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef, warning it could undercut herd rebuilding and producer prices. Farm Safety: NDSU Extension highlights high injury and fatality risks on farms, and reminds producers and homeowners to call 811 before digging to avoid buried utilities. Recreation & Jobs: Minnesota’s USDA-funded walk-in access program expands public land access for wildlife recreation, while North Dakota’s Senior Community Service Employment Program is taking applications in Jamestown and Fargo for paid job training for eligible 55+ job seekers. Community & Culture: Tom Brosseau is ending his long-running “Great American Folk Show,” with the final broadcast set for Aug. 29 on Prairie Public Radio.

Beef Imports Clash: North Dakota and South Dakota cattle groups are pushing back hard on Trump’s plan to open a 90-day window for up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef, arguing it could undercut producers trying to rebuild herds and add uncertainty to cattle markets. Food Safety: The CDC says an E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to Minnesota’s Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts has reached 55 cases across 15 states, including North Dakota and South Dakota; the FDA is urging consumers and retailers not to eat recalled Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Local Governance: Aberdeen’s deputy mayor will lead the Aug. 24 City Council meeting while Mayor Travis Schaunaman recovers, with council business including discussion of a potential data center ordinance. Energy & Grid: FERC approved Southwest Power Pool’s “topology optimization” plan aimed at cutting grid congestion costs and reducing wind curtailment. Payments Tech: Walmart says tap-to-pay is rolling out starting Aug. 24, with North Dakota slated for an Apple Pay-ready schedule later in September. Agriculture Policy: Sen. Kevin Cramer says he’ll block future Trump nominees over a Biden-era federal wetlands rule he says threatens farmers’ drain tile rights.