AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin signed a non-binding scandium supply MOU with NioCorp tied to Nebraska’s Elk Creek project, while it continues long-term talks to source germanium for military sensors—another sign defense buyers are moving from broad policy to specific metal volumes. Nebraska Energy Policy: A new Nebraska bill (LB1172) would require electric suppliers to keep 75% of their generation portfolio dispatchable and certify compliance to the Power Review Board. Livestock & Producer Support: Nebraska’s Grazing Exchange is strengthening forage access and producer connections, and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is teaming with the Rural Response Hotline for free farm and ranch clinics statewide starting Monday. Food Safety: Federal alerts flagged possible Salmonella contamination tied to recalled jalapeños, including Missouri-distributed chicken products that also reached Nebraska. Public Health Oversight: The Panhandle Public Health District adopted rules to take over local public swimming pool inspections after a state law shift. Local Infrastructure: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities announced multiple street closures for water main and improvement work. Weather Watch: Eastern Nebraska faces a marginal severe storm risk with damaging winds and hail possible, shifting north on Sunday. Business/Markets: Berkshire Hathaway accelerated stock buybacks and began reducing its cash pile after stronger-than-expected profit.

Ag Policy & Rural Economy: Sen. Pete Ricketts told KCNI/KBBN that Nebraska row-crop producers are squeezed by lower prices and high inputs, while cattle remain comparatively strong even as the national herd hits a 75-year low; he also flagged estate-tax changes and new farmer support in the Working Families Tax Cut, plus the push to expand export markets. Public Health & Local Oversight: Panhandle Public Health District adopted a regulation and resolution to take over public swimming pool inspections after LB759 shifted authority from the state to local governments. Food Safety: Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported Mexican jalapeños, with 345 illnesses reported across 27 states and recalls reaching restaurants including Chipotle and QDOBA. Energy & Transportation Costs: The national regular gas average fell to $4.06 as crude eased; Nebraska diesel and regular prices also showed county-level drops in GasBuddy reports. Defense Infrastructure in Nebraska: Construction began on Sentinel missile communication corridors in Kimball, Nebraska, with fiber-optic utility work starting as part of the program’s field buildout. State Housing Regulation: LB888 (modular and manufactured housing enforcement) passed on final reading with changes to civil penalties and annual caps. Farm Legal Help: Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture and the Rural Response Hotline launch free farm and ranch clinics statewide starting Aug. 10, pairing producers with ag law and finance counselors. Road Work: Lincoln announced multiple street closures for O Street improvements, water main replacement, and traffic-signal work.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Nebraska now on the list as cases near 6,400 confirmed (and likely higher). Recall Alert: Walmart shoppers in Nebraska are also being told to check for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter, recalled in 19 states after Florida testing found salmonella in a specific lot. Public Health Pressure: A separate salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, adding to a busy week of FDA investigations and consumer warnings. Nebraska Policy & Utilities: The Nebraska Public Service Commission is weighing how AI depends on robust broadband, while lawmakers keep moving bills that touch everything from road rules and privacy to water and sewer system transfers. Ag & Livestock: Corn disease is showing up early (tar spot, southern rust, and more), and the Nebraska Grazing Exchange is helping producers match livestock with forage sites statewide. Energy/Infrastructure: Crusoe named a new director for energy development as it pushes gigawatt-scale power for AI data centers. Local Business: Omaha’s residential painting market is shifting toward quality-focused contractors, not just lowest bids.

Broadband & Data Centers: Nebraska’s Public Service Commission says fiber is the “future-proof” choice for the state’s growing data center demand, citing scale, development support, and better resilience than wireless or satellite. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, while the FDA continues tracking cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce now reported in 15 states, including Nebraska. Ag Markets & Policy: The Nebraska PSC is investigating The Andersons after a producer complaint over unpaid grain deliveries, with potential license consequences. Livestock & Producers: The Nebraska Grazing Exchange is expanding access to forage by matching livestock producers with landowners through a free online listing and messaging tool. Energy & Tech: EPRI launched SAFERai.power to help electric utilities assess AI risks before deploying it in critical grid operations. Water & Recreation: Drought is forcing closures and limiting boat ramp access at several northwestern Nebraska lakes. Business & Community: Grand Island Senior High’s $1M planetarium renovation is nearing completion, upgrading it from analog to digital.

Food Safety Watch: CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has grown to 15 states, with Nebraska now on the list; nationwide totals hit 10,468 lab-confirmed cases and 517 hospitalizations, while health officials keep urging caution. Restaurant Supply Chain: Salmonella linked to recalled jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños after the FDA/CDC linked the peppers to a common Mexico grower and U.S. distributor. Nebraska Agriculture & Regulation: The Nebraska Public Service Commission filed a complaint against The Andersons over alleged delayed grain payments, with regulators asking for explanations and possible penalties. Farm Policy: Nebraska Farm Bureau and Sen. Deb Fischer weighed in after the Senate Farm Bill stalled in committee, with SNAP cost-share disputes cited. Public Health Local: Weigand Beach Area near Lewis & Clark Lake posted high E. coli readings above federal thresholds, raising swimming risk. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports Nebraska fuel prices easing in late July/early August, with multiple county “lowest” prices tracked statewide. Local Business/Workforce: USDA announced listening sessions aimed at “putting farmers first,” including a Dakotafest stop in Mitchell.

Food Safety Watch: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba removing the ingredient after notification; Nebraska is among the confirmed states. Public Health Update: Nebraska DHHS says 92 cyclosporiasis cases are linked to the ongoing multi-state outbreak, with CDC/FDA continuing to investigate a connection to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Ag Policy: Nebraska Farm Bureau and other voices are reacting as the Senate Agriculture Committee blocks the rebuilt farm bill from moving forward, with SNAP funding and E15 year-round sales both stuck in committee. Energy & Infrastructure: Nebraska Public Power District broke ground on the Princeton Road Station expansion, a 684-MW dual-fuel project aimed at reliability as data-center power demand grows. Regulatory/Grain Markets: The Nebraska Public Service Commission filed a complaint against Ohio-based The Andersons over alleged long payment delays to a grain producer, with potential license action on the table. Critical Minerals: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure U.S.-sourced scandium and germanium supplies, including from a Nebraska mine expected to start production in 2028.

Transmission & Local Roads: Antelope County commissioners heard landowner concerns over NPPD’s proposed 345kV transmission line, with disputes over Route A vs. an alternative Route B and worries about farm and irrigation impacts; no action was taken, with more discussion set for Aug. 11. Critical Minerals for Defense: Lockheed Martin signed a non-binding MOU with NioCorp for up to 15 tons per year of scandium oxide over a decade, tied to NioCorp’s Nebraska Elk Creek project—aimed at reducing reliance on China for a key defense input. Food Safety Shockwaves: The Cyclospora iceberg lettuce outbreak tied to Taylor Farms now spans 15 states, including Nebraska, with thousands of cases reported; separately, Salmonella Javiana linked to imported jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, prompting Chipotle and Qdoba to remove jalapeños. Public Health Recalls: Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Nebraska, was recalled over possible salmonella contamination. Grid Reliability Storage: Logan County approved a special use permit for a 200-megawatt battery energy storage facility near Fleming, with construction starting as early as May 2027. Nebraska Manufacturing Spotlight: Nominations opened for the 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition, feeding into National Manufacturing Month events. Housing & Reentry: Lincoln’s Bridges to Hope is nearing completion of “Hope Village,” a tiny-home community for people transitioning out of incarceration. Ag Policy: Sen. Deb Fischer says bipartisan momentum is building for year-round E15 in the Senate farm bill, as USDA also rolls out producer listening sessions including at the Nebraska State Fair. Cybercrime: A federal judge sentenced the creator of Ransom Cartel to 16 years for running ransomware-as-a-service that hit companies including in Nebraska.

Food Safety: The lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has now reached 15 states, with Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina added as health officials keep tracing the source to iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms. USDA Data & Agriculture: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced listening sessions for producers, including stops at the Nebraska State Fair and Farm Progress Show, as USDA shapes its Data Modernization Plan. Ag Policy & Fuel: Sen. Deb Fischer says bipartisan momentum could put year-round E15 into the Senate farm bill, aiming to advance the fuel policy to the president. Aviation & Infrastructure: Nebraska’s 155th Air Refueling Wing is in the spotlight as the congressional delegation asks the Air Force to consider the unit for KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, citing runway upgrades at Lincoln Airport. Disaster Response: FEMA named Jay Van Der Werff permanent Regional Administrator for Region 7, overseeing response across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska after approving Rock Valley’s $22M flood buyout package. Manufacturing & Community: Nominations opened for “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” 2026, spotlighting the state’s manufacturers ahead of voting in September. Health Care Ops: Molina Healthcare of Nebraska briefly paused its Sept. 1 DME Navigator rollout, pushing stakeholders to keep watching for a new timeline. Public Health & Safety: Black Hills Energy reminded customers to call 811 before digging as utility locate season ramps up.

Critical Minerals Supply Chain: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure U.S. supplies of scandium and germanium from domestic mines as Washington pushes defense contractors to cut reliance on China. Ag Policy Watch: Nebraska producers are bracing for Senate action on a new five-year Farm Bill, with groups saying it’s key for market certainty amid high input costs and low prices. Education-to-Workforce: Nebraska’s NEST 529 can now pay for credential and career training programs (including welding, HVAC, CDL, IT, and construction), expanding options beyond a traditional four-year degree. Crop Insurance Deadline: Forage Production Revenue Protection enrollment closes Sept. 30 for Nebraska counties, with a free Aug. 11 webinar for producers and agents. Local Industry & Permitting: Nebraska City council approved the preliminary plat for Goodlife Ag’s planned 250,000-square-foot salmon-growing facility, advancing a $280 million project. Public Safety Tech Debate: Ord, Nebraska became the first city in the state to vote to remove Flock license-plate cameras, though the devices were still operating as of Tuesday. Food Manufacturing & Jobs: A national look at food manufacturing shows record employment in 2025, even as the sector’s share of the workforce keeps slipping over time. AI Oversight: Nebraska is among a coalition of GOP attorneys general demanding OpenAI preserve records after an AI security breach tied to Hugging Face.

Food Manufacturing Jobs: A new analysis finds U.S. food manufacturing hit a record 1.77 million workers in 2025, even as the sector’s share of the workforce keeps slipping versus decades past—highlighting how Nebraska’s ag supply chain still feeds big processing and distribution networks. Food Safety: FDA issued a recall for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Nebraska, due to possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. AI Security & State Oversight: Nebraska’s AG Brenna Bird is leading a 15-state push for OpenAI transparency after an alleged AI hack that reportedly reached Hugging Face for days, with states demanding OpenAI preserve records and improve safeguards. Construction Safety: An apprentice was flown to the Nebraska Medical Center after being pinned by an exterior construction elevator at Google’s data center in Council Bluffs, underscoring ongoing jobsite access and safety issues in the region. Agriculture & Markets: Corn and soybean futures slid on Tuesday as oil eased and traders weighed crop-condition updates, with USDA data showing Nebraska among states where conditions fell. Drought Feed Options: Nebraska Extension is urging producers to consider grazing standing corn where pasture and hay are tight, while warning to check herbicide limits and manage nitrate risk. Grants for Dairy Innovation: The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance opened $1.7 million in Dairy Business Builder grants across Nebraska and neighboring states, with applications due Sept. 30. Local Public Health: Douglas County updated cyclospora counts to 71 confirmed cases, tying likely cases to a multistate outbreak linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce. Ag Tech Spotlight: Two Nebraska startups—Nave Analytics and Seismi—were named semifinalists for the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.

Food Safety & Recalls: Walmart is pulling Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states after Salmonella showed up in routine testing; Nebraska is on the list, and the FDA says only lot LB028ACP04 is affected. Ag & Supply Chain: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s trade push highlights growing Asian demand for lower-carbon ethanol, with Japan’s E20 plans and carbon capture interest pointing to new export opportunities for U.S. producers. Harvest Efficiency: Chief Agri is pitching grain-storage and handling upgrades through its Chief Ethanol operations in Hastings and Lexington to cut harvest bottlenecks and keep ethanol plants supplied. Manufacturing Watch: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth-neutral for the sixth straight month, but inflation and a tightening labor picture are still clouding the outlook. Public Health: Michigan reported two deaths tied to the Cyclospora outbreak, underscoring how testing can miss cases and why hydration and medical guidance matter. Tech & Policy: 15 state attorneys general demanded OpenAI preserve materials tied to the Hugging Face hack, escalating pressure on AI safety and accountability. Local Infrastructure: Omaha’s Standing Bear Lake handicap-accessible fishing pier remains closed after 18 months of ice-damage repairs, with structural work planned over water.

Rail & Logistics Investment: InfraRed Capital Partners bought a majority stake in intermodal operator Rail Modal Group, aiming to scale inland terminals that consolidate export freight for U.S. shippers. Crop Watch: USDA/Pro Farmer data shows corn slipping again in the western Corn Belt, with Nebraska among the biggest weekly decliners. AI & Telecom Policy: Sen. Deb Fischer’s hearing highlighted how AI is changing network traffic patterns, with Cisco testimony pointing to major increases in inference demand. Nebraska Consumer Protection: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Nebraska, after Salmonella was found in a specific lot. State Finance: Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg returned $13.7M in unclaimed property so far in 2026, urging residents to check NebraskaLostCash.gov. Ag Labor Compliance: New H-2A adverse effect wage rates were released, with Nebraska among states affected by a later effective date. Food & Drug Enforcement: Nebraska-linked AG coalitions pushed for transparency after OpenAI’s Hugging Face hack claims, while separate multistate actions advanced major drug price-fixing settlements. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Packer Fastener opened a new Omaha location to cut lead times for contractors. Pork Trade: Nebraska Pork Producers say USMCA review could reshape pork exports, especially to Canada and Mexico. Local Public Health: Lincoln expanded its Lead Safe Lincoln program to more neighborhoods, offering eligible lead service line replacements at no cost.

Workforce & Housing Outlook: Demographers say today’s kids could be the first young-worker generation since the 1970s to do better than their parents, as labor shortages tighten and housing supply improves—though immigration and AI remain big wild cards. Public Health Pressure: A string of outbreaks is testing the U.S. public health system, with experts pointing to funding cuts and vaccine misinformation as key drivers behind surging diseases like measles. Nebraska Research Momentum: UNL researchers are building on a long infectious-disease legacy as the university marks a century-plus of discovery aimed at preparing for future pandemics. Quantum Materials Funding: NSF is sending $108M to six MRSEC centers, including UNL, to advance quantum metamaterials and medical-imaging materials. Nebraska Economy Watch: At the Legislature, Jacobson’s budget rundown highlights how Nebraska’s General Fund revenue growth and forecasting gaps are driving deficits. Ag & Weather: A Nebraska-based analyst says August conditions will be critical for corn grain fill and soybean pod-setting, even with strong global corn supplies. Disaster & Safety: Wildfires around Spokane forced 60,000 evacuations and destroyed hundreds of homes, with officials warning residents are “not out of danger.” Local Industry & Growth: UNO’s NSRI workshop expands into social science to tackle national security resilience challenges.

Federal Research Funding: NSF is pushing $108M into six university materials centers, including UNL, to back next-gen quantum metamaterials and medical imaging tech—an unusual bet on frontier hardware even as broader NSF funding faces proposed cuts. Agriculture Markets: A Nebraska-based analyst says most corn is in decent shape after pollination, but August weather will decide grain fill; soybeans may be more sensitive with tight stocks and recent Chinese buying supporting prices. Drought Response: Nebraska’s drought aid keeps expanding as USDA designates more counties for emergency loans, including Lancaster and Saline plus nearby areas—helping producers manage cash-flow stress. Transportation & Safety: Lincoln-area construction on Highway 77 near Warhorse Casino has triggered serious crashes, prompting extra patrols and a clear message: slow down, put phones away, and build in extra travel time. Local Business & Community: Nebraska’s Freedom Haulers initiative is streamlining veteran access to trucking careers, while Green Bison Soy Processing is planning an expansion. Public Safety Incidents: Weekend coverage also flagged an accidental Scheels shooting in Lincoln and a fatal grain bin incident near Ashton.

Nebraska Infrastructure & Safety: Lancaster County is adding patrols on Highway 77 near the Warhorse Casino after road work and crashes, with NDOT saying the project runs through fall 2027. Trade & Supply Chains: The federal Trade Fraud Task Force topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting customs violations like mislabeling and transshipment. Ag & Drought Relief: USDA expanded Nebraska drought disaster designations, adding Lancaster and Saline (plus nearby counties) so farmers can access emergency Farm Service Agency loans. State Business Climate: Nebraska again ranks high in U.S. News’ best-states list, cited for infrastructure, fiscal stability, and its public power and transportation strengths. Local Food Economy: Lincoln’s Mayor’s Local Food Challenge is pushing organizations to buy within a 250-mile radius, building steady demand for regional producers. Health Tech (UNL): UNL engineers unveiled a wearable “sticker” that tracks walking patterns to help flag disease earlier.

Defense & Trade: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy is pressing Western allies to speed up Patriot deliveries as Russia ramps missile and drone attacks, while Nebraska Rep. Dan Bacon criticizes any U.S. retreat from licensing Patriot production. Customs & Supply Chains: DOJ and DHS say the Trade Fraud Task Force has topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting transshipment, mislabeling, and false declarations. Public Health & Food Security: A new report says SNAP cuts are hitting Black Americans hardest, and another story links outbreak surges to funding cuts and vaccine resistance. Nebraska Business & Infrastructure: Lincoln Airport is entering a growth phase with new routes and major runway reconstruction, and the Lincoln Chamber is gearing up for the 2026 Federal Legislative Summit. Ag & Energy: USDA drought disaster designations expand in Nebraska, and the DOE issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk across 17 states including Nebraska. Tech & Health Innovation: UNL engineer developed a wearable sticker that tracks walking patterns to detect disease earlier.