AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Power: NextEra secured up to $1.9B in U.S. loan support to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold Energy Center, aiming to add reliable generation as demand rises and data centers expand. Water & Agriculture: Iowa’s grassroots water monitoring movement is putting volunteers in the field to track nitrates and river health across the Des Moines and other basins. Food & Schools: Two statewide candidates want more Iowa-grown food served in public schools, pitching “off-ramps” for farmers and changes to Farm-to-School rules. Workforce Housing: Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley toured a Waverly development and highlighted state workforce housing incentives aimed at keeping new homes within reach. Energy & Markets: Grain futures tick higher ahead of USDA updates, while diesel and crude price swings keep pressure on farm and transport costs. Tech in Farming: Farm Progress Show coverage spotlights AI and drone tools that help farmers target inputs and manage operations with their own data. Local Governance & Growth: Iowa regulators weigh development impacts as communities debate where big new infrastructure fits—especially power-hungry projects like data centers. Health & Research: University of Iowa researchers land a $165,000 CMTA-funded push to improve timing and biomarkers for treatments targeting CMT1A/CMT1E.

Data Centers & Construction: Cedar Rapids’ building boom is keeping eastern Iowa union crews busy, with hyperscale data centers, a new casino, and other projects driving heavy hours and tight material supply. Local Planning: Urbandale’s council rejected a land-use change needed for a Buc-ee’s travel center, citing congestion and fit with the city’s plan. Energy & Infrastructure: The Iowa/Wisconsin Lansing Mississippi River bridge is now expected to open in early November, months ahead of the prior spring 2027 target, with ferry service set to end when traffic shifts. Agriculture Costs: Diesel prices are hitting record highs, and a congressional analysis says higher fuel costs boosted 2026 planting expenses—especially in Iowa and Minnesota. Beef Markets: Iowa cattle producers are weighing uncertainty around proposed beef imports and packer concentration, with one producer arguing markets can correct without government intervention. Community & Policy: Clinton residents are organizing a free “No Data Center Concert” and peaceful protest as QTS considers a hyperscale data center campus. Public Safety/Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Le Mars logged one scam report in July 2026, while Des Moines and Cedar Rapids lead Iowa totals. Road Work: Mason City will close College Drive near NIACC for about eight days starting Sept. 8 for utility improvements.

County Government & Energy Costs: Grundy County supervisors will weigh a tax abatement tied to an abandoned property in Holland and review a bulk fuel bid for the Grundy Center shop at their Sept. 8 meeting. Trade & Dairy: A new U.S.-Canada tariff fight is now hitting dairy, with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs starting Sept. 8 and targeting milk, cream and whey—raising export-market worries for farmers across the region. Cattle Policy & Prices: Trump’s beef import push is drawing fresh backlash from cattle producers and GOP lawmakers, even as executive orders aim to soften impacts via rancher processing options and country-of-origin labeling. Iowa Energy Debate: An Iowa Environmental Council report says Iowa’s coal-fired share ticked up in 2025, while MidAmerican Energy disputes the framing and stresses reliability and cost. Nuclear Planning: Iowa’s Nuclear Energy Task Force final report is out, adding fuel to the state’s next power-supply debate. Solar for Households: Benton and Iowa County residents have until Sept. 30 to join a group solar rate program through Grow Solar. Public Safety & Health: Gov. Kim Reynolds warns about kratom use and says statewide restrictions, possibly a ban, may be needed. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Iowa cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids continue to see scam losses, with online purchases a common route.

Solar Group-Buy Deadline: Benton and Iowa County residents have until Sept. 30 to join Grow Solar’s group rate, aiming to cut electricity costs through bulk purchasing. Energy & Housing Permits: Iowa lawmakers and candidates keep circling the same theme: speeding up permits and reducing red tape to make housing construction easier, with proposals to streamline inspections and align state and local requirements. Iowa Agriculture Loss: Southwest Iowa farmer and ag advocate Ray Gaesser died after a farming accident, prompting statewide mourning and renewed attention on rural safety. Water & Environment: New USGS research links nutrient pollution in many waterways to nitrogen and phosphorus stored in soil and groundwater, with long recovery times even after reductions. Utility Oversight: Iowa regulators are weighing potential penalties for Black Hills Energy after findings of unusually high probable gas safety violations and slower fix timelines. Local Business/Infrastructure: Chariton Water Board approved a nine-month switch to a new utility billing system, and Theatre Cedar Rapids is nearing the reopening of its renovated auditorium after a $9.5 million campaign. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows multiple Iowa cities, including Clinton, tied for scam-report rankings in July, with online purchase scams driving reported losses.

Iowa Agriculture & Rural Finance: Farm Credit Services of America pledged $15,000 to the South Dakota State Fair’s “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” drive to buy 450 new swine pens, supporting Iowa-area livestock families and youth exhibitors. Energy & Materials Recycling: Iowa-based Renewablade is turning retired wind turbine blades into concrete retaining-wall blocks for a downtown Des Moines project, tackling a long-running recycling problem for composite turbine parts. Data Centers & Automation in Iowa: Meta is testing dual-armed robots at its Altoona, Iowa data center to swap network cables under human supervision, signaling more automation for the physical work that keeps hyperscale sites running. Local Business & Jobs: 7 Brew plans to hire 80+ employees in Dubuque ahead of its mid-October opening, adding another drive-thru coffee option to Iowa’s growing retail mix. Iowa Policy & Biofuels: USDA is highlighting plans to update farm data collection, while Iowa’s renewable fuels industry continues pressing EPA on refinery exemptions. Community & Leadership: Iowa leaders mourn the death of Ray Gaesser, a Corning farmer and longtime biofuels/conservation advocate who chaired the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum. Sports With Iowa Industry Tie-Ins: Iowa’s 40-0 season-opening rout over Northern Illinois put a spotlight on the Hawkeyes’ offensive line and running game, while extreme heat pushed many Iowa City fans indoors during game day.

Iowa Agriculture & Energy Losses: Iowa leaders are mourning the death of Ray Gaesser, chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum and former Iowa Soybean Association president, remembered for biofuels and conservation work. Cattle & Conservation Policy: U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig are pushing cattle policy toward more pasture expansion and conservation through working-land programs and risk management. Farm Economy Watch: A Midwest heat wave is helping drive higher crop prices, with Iowa growers watching corn futures rebound after yield concerns. Renewable Energy Siting: Researchers say 2027 could be the biggest year yet for energy siting bills, with many proposals aiming to restrict renewables even as enacted rules skew more permissive. Local Housing Development: Bettendorf approved steps toward replacing a mobile home park with a 168-unit apartment project, using tax-incentive tools. Fraud & Scams: Cedar Rapids jumped to 14 BBB scam reports in July, while Iowa cities overall continue to see high identity-theft losses. Workforce & Safety: A roundup on Iowa workers’ compensation explains disability benefit timelines and what happens when injuries keep people from working. Regional Flood Mitigation: Sioux County is set to receive $2.87M in FEMA buyout funding to acquire flood-prone properties.

USDA & Food Processing: President Trump signed an executive order aimed at easing rules for smaller meat processors, pairing “Ranchers First” style access with continued inspections—an Iowa-relevant shift as beef prices and supply chains stay in the spotlight. Ag Data & Water Quality: Iowa expanded its Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project to Benton, Black Hawk, Grundy and Tama counties, offering free kits as farmers push to keep nitrates out of the Cedar River. Nuclear Energy: Gov. Reynolds released the final Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force report, adding momentum to plans for possible nuclear expansion as electricity demand rises. Data Centers & Local Rules: Fort Madison planners are drafting stronger zoning oversight for data centers, while Iowa-area residents and groups keep pressing concerns about water use and infrastructure impacts. Infrastructure Feedback: Iowa DOT is seeking public input on a Monona County bridge replacement on Highway 37 over Beaver Creek, with construction slated for 2029. Rural Leadership: Glen Smith, an Atlantic-area farmer and rural finance leader, was confirmed as USDA undersecretary for rural development.

Iowa Energy & Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds released the final Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force report, arguing Iowa can meet rising electricity demand by leaning on manufacturing strength, the Duane Arnold restart, and a workforce pipeline for nuclear construction and operations. Ag Water Quality: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig expanded a free Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project to Benton, Black Hawk, Grundy and Tama counties, aiming to help farmers keep nitrates out of the Cedar River. Food & Livestock Markets: Trump signed an executive order pushing USDA to make it easier for smaller meat processors to get products to market, while Iowa lawmakers and cattle leaders warn about market stability as beef import and tariff decisions roil producers. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices hit record highs ahead of Labor Day, squeezing harvest budgets even as corn prices near $6. Industrial Growth: DeWitt broke ground on $3.25 million for regional detention ponds at Crossroads Business Park to make nearly 125 acres shovel-ready for manufacturing. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Polk County started building a new 300-foot communications tower to improve radio coverage and fire paging. Consumer & Business Alerts: Iowa regulators warned of a multistate insurance licensing scam targeting job seekers; Iowa also saw a nationwide recall of feline milk replacers due to nutrient deficiencies. Workforce & Careers: The Iowa DNR is hiring an Engineer EIT for its Land and Waters Bureau, aimed at keeping public lands safe and compliant.

Infrastructure: The Iowa DOT says the new Mississippi River bridge at Lansing will open in November, months ahead of the spring 2027 deadline, with remaining work focused on the deck grip and approach roadways. Energy Policy: Gov. Reynolds’ Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force released recommendations calling for a single state point of contact, a statewide nuclear feasibility study, a “nuclear-ready” community program, and coordinated incentives to pursue federal funding. Ag & Fuel Markets: At the Farm Progress Show, an ethanol update highlighted EPA small refinery exemptions and a California push to enable E15 sales, while broader fuel coverage points to Labor Day pump pain tied to global supply disruptions. Workforce & Education: Iowa State’s new president, David Cook, is touring the state to tackle the recurring challenge of finding and keeping workers and to connect students to Iowa communities. Local Business: Cedar Rapids’ Peppercorn at the Bank is ending regular restaurant service Oct. 29, shifting toward events and catering. Public Health/Safety: An emergency response at the Iowa State Prison in Newton was triggered by roofing-adhesive fumes; staff and inmates were evaluated and cleared, with normal operations resumed. Community: Waterloo’s Walnut neighborhood broke ground on a new playground after three years of planning.

Nuclear Energy Roadmap: Gov. Kim Reynolds released the final Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force report, urging a statewide nuclear-ready feasibility study, a central state office, community readiness support, workforce expansion, and supply-chain outreach as Iowa weighs future nuclear growth. Energy Infrastructure: The Iowa 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Crossing at Lansing will open in early November 2026—months ahead of spring 2027—after faster-than-expected progress and favorable river conditions. Ag Water & Land: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig announced an extra $2.1 million for the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program to meet strong demand, aiming to improve water quality and expand pasture/hay while growing Iowa’s beef herd. DNR Compliance & Permits: The DNR posted recent enforcement actions and draft air and water permits for public comment, including Title V operating permits and water use permit reviews. Retail Antitrust: Iowa joined a DOJ/FTC-backed lawsuit accusing Amazon of manipulating ad auctions to overcharge sellers, with costs potentially passed to consumers. Local Business/Community: Larchwood secured a $1 million grant toward a proposed $4 million community center, with construction targeted for fall if bidding goes smoothly.

Renewable Energy & Agriculture: Brimex Energy says its renewable natural gas project in Mexico is the first renewable thermal facility in the country registered on the CleanCounts Registry, converting dairy, swine and tequila waste into renewable thermal certificates. Iowa Energy Policy: Iowa regulators approved/advanced items tied to biofuels and refinery rules this week, including EPA actions that let 29 Iowa oil refineries skip blending ethanol and other biofuels—sparking fresh debate among soybean and renewable fuels groups. Local Solar Development: Worth County supervisors received an update on the Worthwhile Solar Farm West project, with officials weighing crop-damage concerns and the timing of Iowa Utilities Board review. Workforce & Broadband: Iowa Communications Network named students to its Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council, pairing cybersecurity training with direct access to tech leaders. Education & Training: A Workforce Pell Grant push highlights short-term, employer-aligned training as Iowa’s first recipient of the expanded program. Insurance & Consumer Impact: Iowa drivers are paying more at the pump, while the Iowa Insurance Division warned about identity theft and licensing scams targeting residents. Business Real Estate: ExchangeRight fully subscribed a $63.34M net-leased portfolio that includes Iowa properties, signaling continued investor appetite for long-term, necessity-based tenants.

Water Quality & Ag Policy: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig pushed back on “blame the farmers” talk at Farm Progress Show, defending voluntary cover-crop and cattle conservation efforts while announcing record cover-crop signups in the Greater Des Moines Watershed (300,000+ acres enrolled in 2026, with statewide cost-share topping 1 million acres) and expanded cattle conservation funding. Renewable Fuels: The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s Monte Shaw called EPA small-refinery exemptions “bad news-maybe not so bad news,” saying ethanol supporters are watching whether waived gallons get reallocated to protect 2026-27 renewable fuel obligations. Local Business & Growth: Greater Des Moines Partnership will hand out 2026 Economic Impact Awards to major employers and investors, including American Equity’s downtown HQ move and Holmes Murphy’s expansion in Waukee. Energy Prices: AAA reports Iowa regular gas averaging $3.89 per gallon (down 14 cents week over week) while diesel averages $5.44. Community Safety: AAA’s Tow to Go returns for Labor Day, offering free rides home for impaired drivers in Iowa and nearby states. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Leon, Osceola, and other Iowa cities reporting multiple scams in July, with online purchase and phishing leading the types. Data Centers & Counties: Plymouth County supervisors discussed data center concerns, including water quality, noise, and decommissioning plans, as they work toward future rules after a moratorium.

Energy & AI Demand: Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel says AI data centers could drive major growth for Berkshire Hathaway Energy, noting data centers already make up about 8% of its load in Iowa. Manufacturing Deal: Stellar Industries (Garner, Iowa) bought Midwest Fire (Luverne, Minn.), expanding into fire and emergency-response vehicles while keeping Midwest Fire operations in Luverne. Iowa Business Real Estate: A developer bought a historic Des Moines warehouse for $1.6M and plans a $13.7M renovation into office space, seeking historic tax credits. Ag Data Modernization: USDA is launching a pilot to improve crop acreage and yield estimates using better satellite imagery and geospatial tools after farmer criticism of staffing cuts and data reliability. Local Governance & Growth Limits: Lee County supervisors say Iowa’s new property tax growth cap may force an end to the county’s tax abatement program for private improvements. Consumer & Workplace Safety: Iowa regulators warned of workers’ compensation scams using fake hearings and forged letterhead demanding upfront fees. Policy Watch (Kratom): Iowa officials renewed warnings about kratom’s risks and the difficulty of enforcement as products change to evade bans. Trade & Competition: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged secret ad-price surcharges in search advertising auctions, including Iowa.

University & Business Education: Jaron Wilde, a long-time University of Iowa Tippie accounting professor, has been named associate dean of undergraduate programs in Iowa City. Ag Policy & Data: USDA leaders at Farm Progress Show laid out a plan to modernize agricultural data collection, aiming to cut duplicate reporting and improve acreage and yield estimates using new tools. Beef Trade Tension: Tyson Foods pushed back on USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ claim that shuttered beef plants would be sold only to American-owned buyers, saying it will sell to any buyer. Biofuels Watch: EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions for 2025, and Iowa’s Ag Secretary Mike Naig said reallocation plans for 2026-27 are needed to protect RFS integrity. Energy Infrastructure: Alliant Energy began bringing new natural gas-fired generators to its Burlington plant, part of a reliability upgrade approved by Iowa regulators. Retail Crime Push: A lobbying fight over a federal retail crime bill is heating up, with supporters seeking Senate action and civil liberties groups warning about expanded federal enforcement. Public Safety: Iowa officials warned of rising kratom deaths and urged a total ban as synthetic products become more common. Consumer Fraud: Iowa Insurance Division flagged a licensing/identity theft scam targeting future insurance producers, warning against letting others use your credentials. Local Roads: Cass County supervisors approved new 45 mph speed limits on three roads after safety reviews. Weather & Crops: Iowa corn and soybeans continue developing as harvest nears, with statewide conditions rated mostly good to excellent. Amazon Legal Battle: Iowa and other states joined the FTC lawsuit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices through manipulated auctions.

FTC & State AGs vs. Amazon: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices that allegedly inflated Sponsored Ads auction prices, with claims of more than $20B overcharges to advertisers. SNAP Junk-Food Bans: Two states paused SNAP “junk food” restrictions after a federal court ruling, while other states still face legal uncertainty. John Deere AI for Farmers: Deere rolled out Operations Center features and a new AI assistant (“JD”) that lets farmers ask questions and get recommendations using their own field and machine data. Farm Progress Show in Iowa: Iowa will host the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, with hundreds of exhibitors and commodity groups. Electric Tractor Debut: GoSun’s Moonrider 27 electric compact tractor made its Farm Progress Show debut, aiming to cut total cost of ownership. Local Ag & Safety Notes: Iowa reported cows euthanized after a barn fire and ongoing harvest support efforts for farm families. Data Centers in Iowa: Woodbury County held data center town halls as residents weigh zoning rules, water, noise, health, and power impacts. Iowa Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price reports showed pockets of lower gas across Iowa counties heading into Labor Day.

FTC vs. Amazon: The FTC and 22 states, including Iowa, sued Amazon over a “secret ad surcharge” scheme, alleging the company misled advertisers about “second-price” auctions and inflated sponsored ad prices for more than a million businesses. Consumer protection: Iowa’s DIAL warned of workers’ compensation scams using forged state letterhead and fake hearings that demand upfront fees before benefits are released. Ag & biofuels: Iowa and regional farm groups reacted to EPA small refinery exemption decisions, saying RIN reallocation could protect 2026-27 biofuel demand, while others urged tighter hardship standards. Rail watch for farmers: The Fertilizer Institute opposed the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, warning reduced competition and unreliable service could disrupt fertilizer deliveries. Public health research: Cyclospora research is being scaled back as cases surge past 17,000, with some USDA projects shuttered and one slated to move to Iowa. Water quality: A Cedar Valley study found nitrate levels can vary widely by neighborhood, even within the same city. Energy: Peak energy alerts urged voluntary conservation in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Local business & fraud: Polk County approved a new long-term lease with Prairie Meadows, while BBB Scam Tracker data showed Newton among Iowa cities with reported scam activity.