AGP Executive Report

Energy & Grid Reliability: Wholesale electricity prices in the U.S. Midwest spiked above $500/MWh Tuesday as heat strained fossil plants and wind output lagged, with the biggest jumps near the Nebraska/Iowa border; the Southwest Power Pool warned conditions could persist and the U.S. Energy Department authorized emergency measures to prevent blackouts. Ag Policy & Data Rights: Nebraska Corn Growers Association celebrated LB 525, making Nebraska the first state to explicitly recognize farmer ownership of agricultural data and barring companies from selling it without written consent. Wheat & Risk Management: Nebraska Extension outlined options after freeze-damaged wheat, urging producers to coordinate with crop insurance and weigh grazing vs. hay/silage while watching for nitrate poisoning risks. Beef Industry Labor: Cargill’s Fort Morgan, Colo. beef plant remains idle after a Teamsters lockout tied to contract talks, underscoring ongoing pressure in meatpacking labor negotiations. Public Safety & Health Services: CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney received the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award, one of only two Nebraska hospitals honored. State Politics (Ag Leadership): Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz named Richardson County farmer Ben Steffen as her lieutenant governor running mate. Law Enforcement: Lincoln police reported arrests tied to a drug distribution network involving steroids and prescription drugs, with federal and postal partners assisting.

Energy & Grid Resilience: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including Nebraska, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool tap backup generation at data centers and other sites. Ag & Exports: Gov. Jim Pillen’s Asia trade mission to Japan and the Philippines is already targeting more Nebraska beef, pork, wheat, and low-carbon energy deals, with talks also focused on ethanol fuel demand. State Politics (Ag Leadership): Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz named Richardson County farmer and ag leader Ben Steffen as her running mate for lieutenant governor. Power Storage (Local Infrastructure): Lincoln’s 30-MW microgrid is getting a 3-MW/12-MWh zinc battery boost, adding about 10% capacity as it moves toward commercial operations. Agriculture Policy (Wetlands): USDA is putting $3 million into wetland mitigation banking projects, creating credits farmers can buy to meet regulatory needs. Health Care: CHI Health Good Samaritan’s emergency center earned the ENA Lantern Award, one of only two Nebraska hospitals recognized this year. Public Safety: Lincoln-Lancaster Narcotics Task Force arrested two men tied to a drug distribution network using the U.S. Postal Service, seizing raw materials, paraphernalia, and cash. Business: Rush Enterprises reported Q2 results, declared a three-for-two stock split, and announced a post-split dividend. Workforce/Community: Nebraska FFA Foundation launched its Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. campaign to fund official FFA jackets for students.

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool (which covers Nebraska) dispatch backup generation to prevent heat-driven blackouts, as SPP flagged reliability risks tied to high demand and low wind/solar output. Extreme Heat & Agriculture: USDA reports pasture and range conditions sliding in major cattle states, with Nebraska pasture rated 68% poor/very poor, raising the odds of more feed costs or herd liquidation. Energy Markets: GasBuddy data shows E15 prices in Madison County hitting $3.19 at one station (county average $3.37), while heat continues to pressure fuel and power planning. Food Assistance Policy: Nebraska’s pantry leaders warn TEFAP could require citizenship checks, potentially complicating access to emergency food for low-income residents. STEM & Research Funding: NSF awarded $10M to Nebraska EPSCoR for statewide STEM growth, including the NSPIRE project to expand STEM career pathways and partnerships. Trade & Manufacturing: Gov. Jim Pillen is leading a Japan/Philippines trade mission featuring farmers, ranchers, and ethanol and advanced manufacturing leaders. Local Tech/Health: UNL-linked startup Grasshopper Health is advancing a wearable gait-monitoring device toward clinical trials with Omaha partner support.

Grid Emergency: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized the Southwest Power Pool to tap backup generation to prevent blackouts across 17 states, including Nebraska, through Aug. 3 as extreme heat strains supply and demand. Crop Stress: USDA/Pro Farmer reporting shows corn conditions sliding sharply after triple-digit heat, with Nebraska down to 42.26 (good/excellent) and a notable weekly decline. Ag Leasing Costs: Nebraska’s 2026 pasture rental rates rose 2%-8% year over year, topping out in the North district (Sandhills) at $82.10 per cow-calf pair per month. Cattle Trade: USDA is lifting the Mexican cattle import ban in phases via Arizona and New Mexico ports, aiming to restart supplies after the screwworm-related halt pushed beef prices to record highs. Nebraska Tech Law Fight: NetChoice appealed a Nebraska ruling tied to the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, challenging parts of the law that require monitoring tools for minors. Local Safety Crackdown: Custer County Sheriff’s Office will join NDOT’s speed enforcement campaign July 27–Aug. 9, citing speed as a major factor in fatal crashes.

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap idle power sources to prevent heat-wave blackouts across 17 states, including Nebraska, as outages and weaker wind generation tighten reserves. Ag Health Costs: A Harvest Public Media report spotlights Nebraska farmers facing soaring expenses—diesel, fertilizer, and now health insurance premiums more than doubling in 2026. Research & Tech Funding: UNL-led work is part of the DOE’s Genesis Mission to boost AI-driven science and 6G-era discovery, while an Iowa State–led RuralSTAMINA biomanufacturing engine won $15M from NSF Engines for Iowa and Nebraska partners. Data Centers & Incentives: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is pushing back on data center incentives, arguing the state doesn’t need to subsidize large projects, even as regulators elsewhere tighten water rules for data-hungry facilities. Local Business Growth: Les Schwab is expanding in western Nebraska with a Scottsbluff store opening Aug. 12, adding jobs and services. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclospora investigation tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce, with Nebraska reporting no confirmed links so far. Trade Mission: Pillen leads a Nebraska delegation to Japan and the Philippines targeting agriculture, ethanol, and advanced manufacturing exports.

Nebraska Trade & Ag Exports: Gov. Jim Pillen is leading a trade mission to Japan and the Philippines, aiming to boost Nebraska beef, pork, wheat and ethanol exports, with Japan’s planned E10 gasoline rollout a key demand driver. Traffic Safety Enforcement: Lancaster County is launching “Speed Catches Up With You” selective enforcement Monday through Aug. 8, while North Platte joins a July 27–Aug. 9 high-visibility speed campaign with extra officers. Food Safety & Supply Chain: The FDA/CDC expanded a cyclospora investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico, now involving 41 states and at least 1,947 cases; Nebraska officials say they haven’t found links to the outbreak. Agriculture & Livestock Markets: USDA is lifting a yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports in phases starting Aug. 24, a move meant to ease supply pressure on the beef industry. Energy & Data Centers: Trump’s expanded “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” is being promoted as a way to prevent AI-driven data center growth from raising electricity costs—utilities and developers are backing it. Local Infrastructure: Lincoln announced July 27–Aug. 8 street closures for paving and repairs. Public Health Awareness: A new Nebraska Snapshot finds only 47% of Nebraskans say they’ve heard a lot about AI, with big gaps by age and income.

Foreign Threat Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen and Sen. Eliot Bostar ceremonially signed LB 1096, a new Nebraska law aimed at shielding agriculture, energy and utility grids, public records, and communications from hostile foreign threats and biological risks. Food Safety & Ag Supply Chain: The FDA and CDC widened the cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce, now linked to cases in four more states; Nebraska officials say they haven’t found links to the outbreak. Beef Market Watch: USDA is lifting a yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports in phases starting Aug. 24, a move meant to ease supply pressure on the $100B U.S. beef industry—though price relief may take months. Energy Policy: President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” with utilities and data center developers, pushing for safeguards so AI-driven demand doesn’t raise household and business electricity costs. Nebraska Transportation: NDOT will accept hay harvesting permit applications online starting July 30, with permits limited to five miles of roadside hay and a wildfire recovery donation option. Local Industry Spotlight: Ainsworth native Carter Nelson’s potential offensive role for Nebraska football is drawing attention as he heads into his third season.

Food Safety & Supply Chain: The U.S. is widening its cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with cases now reported across 41 states and linked to Taco Bell exposure; Taylor Farms has recalled lettuce shipped to 27 states, and Nebraska health officials say they haven’t found a link to the current outbreak. Agriculture & Livestock Markets: USDA is lifting a yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports after the New World screwworm controls, restarting in phases starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with two later New Mexico ports—an effort aimed at easing pressure on the U.S. beef supply, though price relief won’t be instant. Nebraska Weather & Home Costs: A new report highlights Nebraska’s outsized insurance losses from hail and wind, using Cozad’s 2024 “softball-size hail” storm as a local example of how repeated severe weather drives higher claim costs. Energy & Data Centers: President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” at the EPA, aiming to keep AI-driven data center growth from raising electricity bills—an issue that’s already drawing skepticism and debate. State Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous pests or pathogens, targeting threats to Nebraska’s agriculture and economy. Local Infrastructure: Lincoln announced street closures starting the week of July 27 for paving and pavement repairs.

Ratepayer Protection Push: President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the EPA, aiming to keep AI-driven data center growth from raising electricity bills for households and businesses, with utility and developer leaders backing the plan. Foreign Threats to Ag: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous pathogens or pests, framing it as protection for Nebraska’s agriculture and critical infrastructure. Nebraska Trade Mission: Pillen kicks off a trade mission to Japan and the Philippines with farmers, ethanol leaders, and advanced manufacturing innovators. AI Awareness Gap (Nebraska): A new Nebraska Snapshot finds only 47% of Nebraskans say they’ve read or heard a lot about AI, with bigger gaps by age, education, and income. NDOT Hay Permits: NDOT will accept public hay harvesting permit applications online starting July 30, with permits limited to five miles and a Sept. 15 expiration. E-Ride Safety: AAA Nebraska and Iowa launched its “E-Ride Ready” campaign as e-bike and e-scooter injuries rise. Food Safety Watch: FDA/CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with Nebraska reporting no confirmed links so far. Agriculture Economics: Nebraska Farm Bureau says low crop prices plus high input costs are driving major losses for corn and soybeans. Local Food Relief: Lincoln businesses built “canned creations” at a Food Bank of Lincoln event, turning donations into thousands of meals. Security & Infrastructure: Nebraska also moved to strengthen protections for agriculture and critical infrastructure from foreign entities.

Foreign Threat Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous ag pathogens and pests, aiming to safeguard Nebraska’s food supply and critical infrastructure. Agriculture Under Pressure: Nebraska farmers are bracing for deep losses as low crop prices and high input costs squeeze margins, with corn and soy losses projected in the billions. Drought Watch: Monsoon moisture and an anticipated El Niño could bring some relief to Western Corn Belt drought, though timing remains uncertain. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC widened its cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, adding more states to the outbreak map. Heat Risk: A strengthening heat dome threatens record-challenging temperatures across the Plains and Corn Belt, raising the odds of rapidly developing drought. Energy & Data Centers: Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” to keep AI data-center power costs off households, but critics call it non-binding. Local Ag Education: Hall County Fair’s “Little Feet on the Farm” brings kids into a hands-on field-to-fork experience. Industry Events: Husker Harvest Days adds more livestock training and beef stockmanship sessions alongside new working-farm demos.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Gov. Jim Pillen joined a White House roundtable and signing event expanding Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aimed at stopping households from absorbing electricity and grid upgrade costs tied to AI data center growth; the pledge now includes nearly 200 utilities, co-ops, developers, and governors, with Nebraska among the signers. Ag Policy & Rural Economy: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn rolled out a rural Nebraska platform and promised visits in all 93 counties, tying farm stress and healthcare access to a push for a new Farm Bill. Food Safety & Processing Scrutiny: A deep dive into the Taylor Farms cyclosporiasis outbreak questions whether hazard assessments were properly done years ago, as the recall response expands. Weather for the Corn Belt: Scientists say groundwater and irrigation interactions can boost the frequency and lifespan of powerful Corn Belt thunderstorm complexes—useful for forecasting and farming risk planning. Legal/Trade Secrets: The Eighth Circuit backed summary judgment against a trade secret plaintiff, saying broad claims weren’t specific enough. Local Business: Worthington’s NoCo Nutrition opened with customizable nutrition drinks and snacks. Events for Nebraska Producers: UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory hosts an Aug. 19 open house, and the Aug. 11 South Central Ag Lab field day offers hands-on grower sessions.

Data Center Cost Fight: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is among 23 Republican governors backing Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aimed at stopping AI data-center energy and infrastructure costs from landing on household electric bills—while the White House says the expanded coalition now covers about 80% of U.S. power delivered. Ag Finance Support: Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline are offering free one-on-one financial consultations for Panhandle farmers and ranchers Aug. 10–12, with confidential help on debt, budgets, and cash-flow decisions. Livestock Risk Pressure: Rising Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) costs are pushing some cattle producers to scale back price protection, leaving more operations exposed to downside swings. Drought Feed Options: Nebraska Extension is urging producers to consider grazing standing corn in drought-stressed areas, with nitrate and herbicide label checks front and center. Transport Deal: BasicBlock (Lincoln) is expanding beyond factoring after acquiring TrueNorth, adding an AI dispatcher and free loadboard platform for independent carriers. School Nutrition: Nebraska Department of Education announced income eligibility guidelines and meal application availability for free/reduced-price meals. Local Industry Events: UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory hosts an Aug. 19 open house, and Nebraska’s SCAL field day runs Aug. 11 with interactive research talks.

Heat Watch: A dangerous heat dome is set to push “feels like” temperatures above 100°F across much of the Plains and central/western U.S., with extreme heat warnings in parts of California and Arizona. Omaha Public Safety: Omaha unveiled plans for a $181M joint police-fire headquarters on a 3.2-acre site, pending a November vote; design work would continue with construction targeted for early 2028. Roads & Budgets: Omaha’s 2027 proposal keeps the pavement repair pace but cuts Pavement Maintenance Program funding by about $3M, raising questions for pothole and street-surface upkeep. Ag Tech: Nebraska farmers are adopting CropVoice, a system that uses engineered plants and light monitoring to flag disease like white mold before it’s visible. Right to Repair: NFIB is urging lawmakers to expand right-to-repair after an FTC settlement involving John Deere, calling it a win for farmers and independent repair shops. Opportunity Zones: Gov. Jim Pillen named tax-incentive-eligible “opportunity zones” across Nebraska, including 10 in Omaha, aiming to spur investment and affordable housing. DOJ/Ag Supply Chain: Omaha-based Scoular agreed to pay over $10M to resolve a foreign bribery case tied to Mexico import approvals. Weather Policy: Rep. Mike Flood and Rep. Eric Sorenson launched a bipartisan Weather Enterprise Caucus to boost forecasting and resilience investment. Local Infrastructure: NDOT chip-seal work is scheduled on US-183 near Holdrege and on US-136/N-46 near Oxford, weather permitting. Fertilizer Scrutiny: Nebraska and other corn growers are pushing the Senate Judiciary Committee to speed up a probe into fertilizer industry competition and pricing. Food Safety/Recall: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclosporiasis continues to ripple through retailers and regulators.

Local Public Safety: Norfolk Police will join NDOT and the U.S. DOT in a speeding crackdown from July 27–Aug. 9, focusing overtime patrols on the spots where speeding leads to serious crashes. Ag Policy & Competition: Nebraska corn growers are urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to speed up a probe into the fertilizer industry after record-high prices, pointing to merger-related uncertainty and asking producers to submit helpful info. Food Industry Watch: A claim about Taylor Farms field workers allegedly lacking bathroom breaks is still under investigation, while the company says farm workers have access to restrooms, water, and breaks. Workforce & Wages: Omaha City Council narrowly passed a minimum wage ordinance after a debate over local authority under Nebraska law. Transportation & Infrastructure: NDOT plans a short chip-seal project starting Aug. 3 on US-136 and N-46 near Oxford, with traffic control via pilot car and flaggers. Energy Storage: A 12-MWh BESS project in Nebraska is nearing completion. Economic Development: NSF awarded 12 new Regional Innovation Engines nationwide, including efforts tied to energy grid security and critical mineral mining. Business Expansion: Cheba Hut is opening its first Nebraska location in Lincoln on July 30.

AI Policy & Politics: Anthropic plans a $20 million donation to Public First Action, a group pushing AI regulation, as the AI sector ramps up political influence in Washington. Telecom Reliability: West Omaha Quantum Fiber customers report 2+ weeks without service, with the Nebraska Public Service Commission urging providers to offer local contact numbers. Ag Policy & Operations: USDA’s Farm Service Agency rolls out a modernized acreage reporting pilot in Seward County under “One Farmer, One File,” while Nebraska Extension urges scouting after beet armyworm shows up in sugar beets. Farm Bill Momentum: Sen. Deb Fischer highlights Farm Bill text advancing precision-ag and rural connectivity priorities, including new tools for equipment financing and broadband expansion. Energy Storage Buildout: WATTMORE says it completed construction of a 3 MW/12 MWh utility-scale BESS project for Lincoln Electric System, moving toward commissioning. Food Safety Shock: The Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclosporiasis expands to 27 states, with outbreak counts still climbing. Local Infrastructure: North Platte approves the final phase of the Iron Horse Trail project, clearing the way for end-of-year construction wrap-up.

Data Centers Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending access to Nebraska’s ImagiNE Nebraska Act tax incentives for data centers, pairing the move with a new task force focused on protecting land, water, and electricity. Public Safety & Local Budgeting: Omaha’s proposed $1.7 billion 2027 budget spotlights public safety, including a 6.4% wage increase for sworn officers, plans to add nine firefighters, and two November bond requests tied to a new police/fire headquarters and the Tranquility sports complex. Ag Conservation: USDA accepted 359,695 acres in Nebraska for the 2026 Conservation Reserve Program, with the state leading the nation in accepted CRP acreage. Rail & Infrastructure: NDOT is seeking public input for a rail crossing safety improvement plan covering 140 grade crossings between Omaha and Lincoln, with a resident survey open until Aug. 20. Workforce & Health Regulation: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission released a first draft of industry fees, including a $5,000 application fee and major seed-to-sale tracking costs. Energy Reliability: The Southwest Power Pool warned 14 central states, including Nebraska, could face rolling blackouts during a heat-driven demand surge. Courts & Compliance: An ERISA Industry Committee amicus brief urged the 2nd Circuit to uphold dismissal of a PepsiCo tobacco-surcharge challenge tied to wellness program rules. Local Growth: Stonebrook Nebraska broke ground in Kearney on flex bay buildings, aiming to serve trades and customer-facing small businesses.