AGP Executive Report

Ethanol Policy & Markets: The American Coalition for Ethanol holds its 39th annual conference Aug. 19-21 in Minneapolis, with sessions on E15/E85 retail, trade, plant efficiency, and the 45Z clean fuel tax credit. Manufacturing & Trade Resilience: Northern Tool + Equipment’s Burnsville-based shift in production and operations is highlighted as tariffs reshape sourcing and push more work back toward Minnesota. Agriculture Exports & Field Tech: A Taiwanese delegation toured a Faribault-area soybean and corn operation, spotlighting Minnesota’s export strength and precision farming practices. Cattle Herd Rebuilding: Producers in parts of southwest Minnesota are still retaining heifers, but drought and feed access are making herd rebuilds rare elsewhere. Robotics Education: Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference opened the North STAR Center in Bemidji to support regional student robotics teams. Food Safety Watch: University of Minnesota Extension addresses rising cyclospora cases nationwide and urges Minnesota consumers to keep eating fresh produce while following safe handling and recall guidance. Cybersecurity & Water Risk: Reporting says Minnesota has seen cyberattacks targeting water systems, and the White House is pushing a new approach to fight transnational cybercrime. AI Advertising Standards: Marketing Architects in Minneapolis expands tools to help humans and AI judge TV creative quality using a seven-criteria framework. Infrastructure Update: MnDOT will close I-35 lanes near Mesaba Avenue overnight Monday for beams on a new pedestrian bridge, with detours in place.

Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show E85 and E15 deals popping up across Minnesota in the week ending Aug. 8, including $2.90 E85 in Benton County and $3.64 E15 in Big Stone County, while diesel stayed higher statewide (Renville County’s low hit $4.95). Local Governance & Energy Efficiency: Rochester City Council is set to vote on a $100,000 energy efficiency rebate pilot, funded from council contingency, with residential rebates ranging from $100 to $2,000. Agriculture & Research: Central Lakes College will host its CLC Ag & Energy Research Center Field Day Aug. 28, featuring topics like 60-inch corn, cover crops, drone applications, precision irrigation, and hands-on children’s activities. Food & Compliance: FDA inspection updates continue in Minnesota, including Sturdiwheat Foods in Goodhue County (Voluntary Action Indicated) and A. H. Hermel Candy and Tobacco in Nicollet County (Voluntary Action Indicated). Community & Public Safety: UI Health Care employees are pushing back on higher parking permit rates, and Remer Area Ambulance Service named EMT Jennifer Welk EMT of the Year.

Local Planning & Housing: Deer River City Council approved zoning code updates, including higher residential sidewall and building height limits, expanded multi-family unit caps, revised parking rules, and drafted an excessive water usage forgiveness ordinance. Agriculture & Community Events: Itasca County Fair returns Aug. 19-23 with livestock, 4-H projects, arts and family entertainment, celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary. Food & Supply Chains: Chipotle’s automated recall process helped it quickly narrow a salmonella outbreak to jalapeños and swap in new batches before broader government recalls. Energy & Land Use: Minnesota researchers found retired farmland under solar panels can regain native plants and pollinators fast—native bees surged within about four years. Transportation & Infrastructure: MnDOT warned of Highway 52 detours in Rochester tied to a five-week ramp realignment and an I-90 bridge deck pour. Workforce & Industry Skills: Leviathan Robotics Rampage brought Minnesota and Wisconsin high school teams together to re-engineer machines and mentor newer students.

Airport & Construction: Owatonna’s Degner Regional Airport is getting extra pavement reconstruction, with a $672,900 bid approved by the city—well under the $1 million estimate—after subsurface repairs and new apron repaving and tie-down replacements. Energy & Manufacturing: New U.S. power additions in 2026 are being dominated by solar and battery storage, with utility-scale solar and batteries far outpacing new wind and natural gas. Cybersecurity & Policy: The Trump administration is pushing a plan that would let private companies hack foreign cybercriminals under federal contracts, a major shift from government-led operations. Agriculture & Food Supply: Minnesota’s ag economy keeps showing up in policy and industry updates, including work tied to pork producers and farm-focused legislation. Local Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Maple Grove and other Minnesota cities seeing reported scam activity, with fake invoice/supplier bills and unwanted subscription charges among common types. Workforce & Education: Minnesota schools continue reporting on state testing participation and proficiency, with Monroe Elementary’s 2024-25 reading results highlighted. Aviation Industry: Cirrus is expanding its Grand Forks manufacturing footprint by more than 30,000 square feet to meet growing demand, including plans to manufacture composites for a new flight training aircraft.

Bridge & Infrastructure: Minnesota and Wisconsin unveiled the design and schedule for the $1.8B Blatnik Bridge replacement, keeping a similar look but adding safety upgrades, a tied-arch design, and a 12-foot pedestrian/bike path; demolition starts March 2027, with the new span installed by winter 2031 and work continuing into June 2032. Energy & Climate: Olmsted County finished four solar installations at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo/Chester Woods Park, funded in part by the state’s Solar on Public Buildings program, to cut long-term operating costs. Mining & Semiconductors: University of Minnesota researchers say low-purity Iron Range ore can be converted into semiconductor-quality pyrite, pointing to cheaper materials for solar, batteries, and electronics. Steel Decarbonization: A new report finds direct reduced iron could cut emissions about 40% versus blast furnaces, with Minnesota’s Iron Range included among evaluated regions. Food Safety & Manufacturing: Taylor Farms expanded its jalapeño recall tied to a Salmonella outbreak, with Minnesota retailers among those affected. Local Business: Anhorn’s Gas & Tire in Medford marked a $900,000 renovation with grants and community support to keep a third-generation shop competitive. Public Policy: Voters will decide whether Minnesota Permanent School Fund distributions increase for all districts starting July 1, 2027. Retail Expansion: Costco opened in Otsego with a packed grand opening and first-day sales expectations around $1.3M.

Public Safety & Water Security: Minnesota reported coordinated cyberattacks on water treatment facilities in more than 30 communities, part of a wider wave of malicious intrusions hitting utilities across multiple states. Transportation & Construction: MnDOT says the northbound Hwy 52 on-ramp to eastbound I-90 in Rochester will close starting Aug. 17 for about five weeks for realignment. Agriculture & Processing: American Crystal Sugar kicked off its 2026 pre-pile sugarbeet harvest in the Red River Valley, starting factory runs weeks ahead of the main stockpile harvest. Manufacturing Expansion: Cirrus celebrated opening an expanded Grand Forks manufacturing facility, adding 30,000+ square feet to boost production capacity for its aircraft lineup. Senior Living: Minnetonka-based Certus Living is rolling out a new wellness program and expanding memory care under its “Life By Design” philosophy. Local Government & Tax Burden: Wadena County is pushing the state and Enbridge to fix pipeline pollution-control tax credit valuation disputes so rural taxpayers aren’t stuck with repayment costs. Food Safety: A frozen raw dog food recall is expanding after possible salmonella contamination, with multiple states affected. Community Design: Eagan Art House, designed by JLG Architects, earned three sustainability and recreation awards for its geothermal, solar, and low-carbon build.

Workplace & public safety: Federal DHS subpoenas in Minnesota reportedly targeted labor unions and a climate group during the anti-ICE protest crackdown, pulling in years of financial records even where no crime was alleged. Immigration policy: The DNC advanced a resolution calling for abolishing ICE, signaling Democrats may sharpen their message ahead of 2026. Healthcare & biotech: The FDA approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+, a new option expected this fall. AI in everyday health: A new report highlights how more Americans are using AI chatbots for health advice—helpful for some, but raising privacy and “delay care” concerns. Outdoor & health guidance: A mold/air quality expert urges Minnesotans to check outdoor air pollution daily and protect themselves during poor-air days, following wildfire-smoke impacts. Minnesota business & nonprofits: Hammer & NER named Matt Buley as its next CEO, effective July 27. Local industry/innovation: Wambolt will debut its Ready-To-Go gear storage system at Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis. Sports business: The Minnesota Forge pro volleyball team was unveiled for a winter start, as women’s sports momentum keeps building.

Aerospace Expansion: North Wind broke ground on a $1B+ Aerospace & Hypersonic Research and Testing Complex in Rosemount, aiming to modernize aging U.S. ground-testing capacity. Public Safety & Health: A mold and air-quality expert urged Minnesotans to check outdoor pollution daily and take indoor precautions during smoke-heavy stretches. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data showed E85 hit as low as $2.64 in Sherburne County and regular gas as low as $3.84 in Sibley County for the week ending Aug. 8. Food & Retail: THC beverages face a tougher road as federal rules could cap THC in hemp products, putting restaurant operators in limbo. Business Restructuring: Winnebago Industries announced manufacturing alignment moves, including relocating towable production and consolidating lines, with some facilities set to close and be offered for sale. Local Infrastructure: Rochester-area Highway 52 work tied to I-90 was pushed to Aug. 17 due to rain risk. Civil Rights Watch: Court filings allege a broad DHS surveillance operation in Minnesota targeting protesters and unions during the Metro Surge immigration crackdown. Cyber/Scam Risk: Minneapolis logged 83 scam reports in July, the highest among 147 Minnesota cities tracked by BBB Scam Tracker.

Sports Media & Streaming Costs: Minnesota fans may pay about $1,500 a year to watch all the state’s pro teams as coverage fragments across team apps and services, with the Twins moving to Twins.TV and the Wild/Wolves/Lynx scrambling after Main Street Sports shut down. Accessibility & Aging in Place: Access North marked its 2,000th ramp build with a new ramp in Hibbing, highlighting how home modifications help residents stay put. Local Infrastructure: MnDOT will close Hwy. 52 both directions at the I-90 interchange southeast of Rochester starting 5 a.m. Aug. 14 for bridge-deck work, with detours in place. Construction & Permitting Watch: Monticello Tech’s revised data center application (Aug. 3) adds more engineering detail, but the operator and key specs still aren’t finalized as the city reviews completeness. Public Health & Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, affecting prepared foods across multiple states. Energy/Environment: Monticello plans to remove up to 423 ash trees this fall through DNR ReLeaf funding as Emerald Ash Borer continues spreading. Regulatory Oversight: The CFTC warned prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket about deficient incentive filings and manipulation risks. Business Finance: Vireo Growth authorized a share buyback program starting Aug. 17 under an NCIB.

Minnesota Environment & Research: The University of Minnesota won $23.3 million through the state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for 34 projects aimed at protecting water, boosting climate resilience, and conserving habitat. Food & Agriculture: Vanilla is getting a spotlight in Minnesota, with a University of Minnesota survey showing big support for vanilla and year-round ice cream habits, as the school prepares to unveil a 175th-anniversary flavor. Retail & Rural Supply: Tractor Supply is planning its first Grand Rapids store, with construction starting in August and an early-2027 opening, targeting farming, pets, gardening, and home/outdoor needs in northern Minnesota. Transit & Infrastructure: Hennepin County advanced funding discussions for Metro Transit’s Blue Line Extension, a 13-station, 13.4-mile light-rail plan from Target Field toward Brooklyn Park, with projected daily ridership and noted past utility delays. Business Growth: Tierra Encantada, a Minneapolis-area early education franchise, landed on the Inc. 5000 list for 2026, highlighting rapid revenue growth and job creation. Public Health & Food Safety: A major jalapeño recall expanded after hundreds reported sickened, with Minnesota retailers named among those affected. Local Economy & Housing: Rochester’s mayoral primary results showed Joe Powers and Jess Garcia leading, with affordability and ongoing construction cited as top issues. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low-price pockets for E85 and premium fuel across Minnesota counties, reflecting continued volatility in regional pricing. Manufacturing & Outdoor Goods: Winnebago Industries approved a quarterly dividend increase, signaling continued capital returns while investing in product and operations.

Cybersecurity for utilities: Minnesota confirmed hackers hit about 36 municipal water systems, with more states reporting similar intrusions as experts warn small operators lack resources and federal support. Agriculture & manufacturing policy: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison told Farmfest the Deere repair settlement is a win for rural access to diagnostic tools and manuals for independent shops, but he says the right-to-repair fight isn’t over. Minnesota politics: Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota’s DFL U.S. Senate primary, beating Angie Craig, signaling voters want a more progressive message. Elections & local governance: Hennepin County District 3 advanced Marion Greene and engineer Abdihakim Ibrahim to the November ballot. Hemp regulation: Sen. Rand Paul backed a one-month delay on a federal hemp ban, saying lawmakers still need a workable long-term solution. Energy & infrastructure: CenterPoint reminded Minnesota customers to call 811 before digging after thousands of damages tied to unmarked lines. Food safety: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño recalls tied to salmonella, reaching more retailers and states, including Minnesota. Sports-business crossover: The Vikings named Kyler Murray QB1 over J.J. McCarthy, a decision that could reshape fantasy and player usage.

Food Safety Recall: Chipotle’s “guac signal” set off a fast internal recall push, and Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall keeps expanding as salmonella-linked products pull from Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target and more. Public Health & Compliance: The Minnesota 811 Day reminder is blunt: call before you dig—CenterPoint says thousands of gas-line damages happen when underground lines aren’t marked. Cybersecurity for Industry: A new push targets municipal water systems after attacks in multiple states; Minnesota lawmakers are backing stronger EPA cybersecurity authority for drinking water and wastewater. Local Government & Costs: Crystal’s 2027 levy plan is getting softened as the city trims its budget increase and debates staffing moves like a police co-responder role. Real Estate & Logistics: NorthPoint bought two Eagan warehouses for $27M, and Maple Grove advanced a revised plan for 86 townhomes with added sidewalks. Mining & Workforce: Trump’s administration announced $180M for mining education, including grants tied to South Dakota Mines. Aviation Deal: SC Aviation acquired Heartland Aviation to expand charter, management and maintenance across the Upper Midwest. Business Updates: Electromed will report Q4 fiscal 2026 results Aug. 25; Horizon Fitness bought a St. Paul industrial building for $6.325M.

Food Safety & Recall: Taylor Farms expanded its jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall to prepared foods and grocery shelves, with products sold across Minnesota and Wisconsin and “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16. Cybersecurity for Utilities: A new wave of suspected Iranian cyberattacks has hit U.S. water systems, including at least 30 Minnesota municipal systems, renewing calls for stronger protections for small operators. Agriculture Research: University of Minnesota sugarbeet experts say “one-pass” mixes of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides don’t deliver the best results—separate applications still matter for crop safety. Energy & Farming Co-Use: U of M Extension is set to host an agrivoltaics webinar on dual-use solar research, focusing on how solar can coexist with crops and dairy. Manufacturing & Trade: AISI reports 2025 U.S. steel shipments rose 5% to 91 million net tons, while imports fell, a sign of steadier domestic demand. Local Industry Investment: Niron Magnetics announced a conditional up to $150M Department of War loan commitment to build rare-earth-free magnet manufacturing in Sartell. Politics Affecting Industry: Minnesota and Wisconsin primaries Tuesday spotlight progressive-versus-moderate fights and Trump-linked candidates, with potential downstream effects on energy, agriculture, and regulation.

Water Cybersecurity: Hackers tried to seize control of municipal water systems in at least a dozen states, with Minnesota reporting attacks on dozens of water systems; CISA urges utilities to remove internet-exposed control equipment. Food Supply & Waste: A new Minnesota law lets food shelves receive eggs up to 30 days past the “sell by” date if refrigerated and in original packaging, with labeling requirements. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT lane closures start the week of Aug. 17 on Highway 10 through Royalton for a $1.1M pedestrian and resurfacing project, with work shifting in segments through early September. Industrial Real Estate: St. Michael is reviewing a proposed Pro Tech industrial condo plan—18 buildings totaling 218,000 square feet—aimed at contractors and service businesses. Mining & Critical Minerals: Trump announced more than $2B in mining investments plus $180M for mining education, including a conditional $150M loan commitment tied to rare-earth magnet production in Minnesota. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show midgrade prices easing in parts of Minnesota, with notable low points in Meeker and Hennepin counties for the week ending Aug. 1. Health & Rehab: A Mayo Clinic Rochester study finds therapy dogs can boost engagement and mobility during stroke rehabilitation. Agriculture & Weather: USDA crop condition updates show Minnesota corn ratings slipping slightly week over week as conditions change across the region.

Energy & Utilities: Minnesota electric co-op leaders met at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association summit to warn that aging grid assets and surging demand are squeezing affordability and reliability. Agriculture & Water Safety: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering free nitrate testing for private well owners at events like Farmfest, highlighting how farm runoff can contaminate wells that aren’t federally regulated. Construction & Materials: A look at how mass timber is gaining traction in the Upper Midwest as updated building codes and embodied-carbon goals push more projects beyond traditional limits. Food Safety: Major grocery chains including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods issued recalls tied to a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños distributed from Mexico. Data & Cybersecurity: Levi Strauss disclosed a cyberattack that hit employee computers via social engineering, with the company saying no customer data was stolen. Local Business & Home Services: A Breezy Point roof-care business is marketing soy-based roof rejuvenation as a cheaper way to extend shingle life. Industry Policy: Congress left town without passing a farm bill, with SNAP cost-share disagreements keeping the measure stalled.

WNBA & Local Sports: The Minnesota Lynx clinched a playoff spot with a 103-90 win over the Dallas Wings at Target Center, as Kayla McBride poured in 43 points and set a WNBA single-game 3-point record with 10 makes. Food Safety & Litigation: A Minnesota woman sued Chipotle in federal court, alleging a chicken burrito bowl caused Salmonella infection and sepsis after raw jalapeños were allegedly involved; the case adds to a broader outbreak focus. Public Health Recall: Federal officials issued a recall alert for jalapeño-containing meat and poultry products tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak affecting at least 345 people across 27 states, with Minnesota and Colorado most affected. Cybersecurity & Utilities: Minnesota’s policy and infrastructure risk conversation continues as federal and state agencies respond to cyberattacks on critical systems, including water and public safety networks. Hemp Policy: The U.S. Senate delayed a federal ban on hemp THC products until December, giving Minnesota’s hemp businesses more time to adjust. Manufacturing & Workforce: A new report on tariffs’ Midwest impact highlights higher household costs and manufacturing job losses, with Minnesota included among the states studied.