AGP Executive Report

AI Regulation: Nebraska joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT misled families about child safety and violated consumer-protection laws. Iowa is also seeking to pause advanced AI testing until outside monitors verify safeguards. Critical Minerals: Work near Elk Creek has uncovered niobium, scandium, titanium and rare earths, materials now largely imported. Officials say the mine could strengthen U.S. supply chains and bring jobs to the area. Biofuels: The Energy Department announced programs during a York facility tour to support domestic fuel and chemical production, and updated the process for producers seeking emissions values under the 45Z clean-fuel tax credit. Manufacturing: Lindsay plans to invest $90 million to modernize its Nebraska facility. Cattle Markets: R-CALF USA is calling for federal scrutiny as plant closures—including Tyson’s Lexington facility—leave producers with fewer nearby buyers and higher transport costs. Agriculture Innovation: Four finalists in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge have each received $10,000 and will compete for a $100,000 top prize. Workforce and Housing: A new Mid-Plains toolkit gives communities strategies and funding resources to address housing shortages and workforce needs, including demand for agricultural and trucking workers.

Farm Markets: Renewed Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans lifted futures, but harvest pressure and a surprise USDA yield estimate continue to unsettle grain markets. Fuel & Policy: High diesel costs are squeezing farmers during harvest. Sen. Deb Fischer helped advance a Farm Bill package that includes year-round E15 sales and support for precision agriculture. Conservation: An $18.8 million federal-state program will help Nebraska landowners manage more than 90,000 acres of grassland, including through brush control and prescribed burning. Industry Investment: CLAAS opened a new research and development center in Omaha, while Opus started construction on a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility there. Livestock: Sutton Livestock Barn’s anniversary auction drew about 50 buyers and moved roughly 550 animals, underscoring the barn’s role as a regional marketplace for producers.

Biofuels: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy acquired the GreenAmerica ethanol plant in Ord, lifting its combined capacity to about 230 million gallons a year. SIRE plans to keep the workforce and continue buying local grain. Harvest Costs: Diesel prices remain a burden for farmers and truckers. Analysts say the proposed Russian shipments would cover little more than a day of U.S. demand, offering scant price relief. Corn Markets: USDA raised Nebraska’s projected corn yield by 11 bushels per acre to 188, despite worsening crop conditions, stirring questions about the estimate as futures slide. Farm Programs: Nebraska FSA and UNL will host an Oct. 15 webinar on 2026–27 ARC and PLC safety-net options and enrollment deadlines. Industrial Investment: CLAAS opened a research and development center in Omaha, while Opus began construction of a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility there.

Aviation: Duncan Aviation has ordered 40 Gogo Galileo HDX systems, its largest single maintenance-and-repair order this year, citing expected customer demand. Omaha Industry: CLAAS has opened a research and development center focused on North American innovation, while Opus has begun construction of a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility. Farm Costs: Nebraska’s temporary relief for agricultural haulers allows qualifying trucks to carry loads up to 25% over weight limits on state roads and lets producers seek refunds on state diesel taxes for highway fuel used to transport farm goods. High diesel prices are adding pressure during harvest, and unsettled weather could push fieldwork into November. Energy Workforce: A University of Nebraska-Lincoln event brought 120 students together with energy leaders to discuss industry challenges and career opportunities.

Biofuels: Rep. Adrian Smith and lawmakers from both parties urged the administration to preserve 2026–27 renewable fuel requirements, warning delays could hurt Nebraska farmers and producers. Transportation: I-129 bridge-joint repairs near South Sioux City are set to begin Oct. 19, with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction. Lincoln County is also weighing replacement of aging canal bridges to protect farm access, especially during harvest. Agriculture: A wetter weather pattern could slow Nebraska harvest into November, while high diesel costs add pressure on farmers. Business Investment: Omaha-based Pinnacle Bancorp plans to acquire Texas lender SouthStar Bank, expanding its reach while keeping SouthStar’s local management. Omaha is also gaining a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility and a CLAAS research and development center. Workforce and Technology: Nebraska has launched worker-training grants for key industries, while Google is moving ahead with plans for a data center in Palo.

Fuel Costs: Nebraska diesel averaged $6.05 a gallon in the week ending Oct. 3, while the state trucking association warned operators not to use tax-free dyed diesel until the rules are clear. The temporary measure may offer little relief to fleets or farmers facing steep fuel bills. Agriculture: Ranchers cite rising diesel, fertilizer, lumber and steel costs, while packing-plant closures are backing up cattle and pressuring producers. Rural Health: Nebraska has awarded more than $177 million in the first year of its five-year Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting local care and rural economies. Manufacturing and Workforce: Two Gering firms—Modular Housing and Grand Milling Company—are finalists in the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska contest. The state has also launched worker-training grants for key industries, and CLAAS has opened a research and development center in West Omaha.

Manufacturing: Two Gering firms — Modular Housing and Grand Milling Company — made the final eight in Nebraska’s “Coolest Thing Made” contest, which spotlights an industry supporting more than 100,000 state jobs. The winner will be announced Oct. 29. Farm Costs: Nebraska ranchers say high diesel, fertilizer, lumber and steel costs, alongside policy uncertainty, are squeezing operations. Diesel prices are also fueling bipartisan pushback against a proposed Russian supply deal, with Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon warning it may not lower costs for farmers and truckers. Beef Industry: Gov. Jim Pillen unveiled a cattle-herd plan at a North Platte beef plant as feeder operators contend with lower prices amid packing-plant closures. Investment and Jobs: Nebraska launched worker-training grants aimed at key industries; UNK also highlighted programs designed to meet workforce needs. CLAAS opened a research and development center in West Omaha, while Google is moving ahead with plans for a data center in Palo.

Fuel Costs: Nebraska’s average regular gasoline price slipped to $4.28 a gallon and diesel to $6.05 for the week ending Oct. 3, though diesel remains a major cost for farmers, truckers and businesses. The proposed Russian diesel deal drew pushback from Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, who joined a bill effort to block Russian oil purchases. Biofuels: Rep. Adrian Smith and a bipartisan group urged federal officials to preserve 2026–27 biofuel requirements, warning delays could hurt farm markets and rural manufacturing jobs. Nebraska Investment: Mattel’s 100,000-square-foot indoor water park is under construction in Bellevue, with a 2027 opening planned. Other industry developments include more than $1 billion in Nebraska investment planned by BD, CLAAS’s new Omaha research center and state worker-training grants for key industries.

Fuel & Biofuels: Nebraska diesel averaged $5.97 a gallon as farmers headed into harvest. Rep. Don Bacon criticized a plan to import Russian diesel, while Rep. Adrian Smith and 36 colleagues urged the EPA to preserve biofuel requirements for 2026 and 2027, warning delays could hurt farmers and rural manufacturers. Manufacturing & Research: BD’s $19 billion U.S. investment includes more than $1 billion planned for Nebraska, and CLAAS has opened an Omaha research and development center. Workforce: Nebraska launched grants to help employers train workers for key industries. Agriculture & Trade: Nebraska agricultural exports to the EU are up 17% this year after the bloc removed tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and opened market access for farm products; meanwhile, cattle feeders face price pressure amid packing plant closures.

Fuel Costs: Nebraska diesel averaged $6.05 a gallon and regular gas $4.28 in the week ending Oct. 3. A national gas-price dip offered little comfort to farmers and truckers facing elevated costs; temporary tax relief for dyed diesel and a proposed Russian diesel deal aim to ease pressure. Workforce: Nebraska has launched training grants to help employers in key industries upskill workers. Agriculture: USDA’s October crop forecast sent corn futures to an eight-week low, while feeders say cattle prices have fallen amid packing-plant closures. Nebraska’s ONE RED program also offers eligible farmers grants of up to $23,000. Industry Investment: CLAAS opened an Omaha research and development center, and Baldwin Supply opened its first Nebraska branch, adding new activity in agricultural technology and industrial supply.

Fuel Costs: President Donald Trump says Russia will supply millions of tons of diesel, a bid to bring down prices for farmers, ranchers and truckers that reverses years of restrictions on Russian energy. Grain Markets: USDA’s October report sharply raised its U.S. corn yield and production forecasts, sending futures lower and raising questions about yields in Nebraska and Iowa. Workforce: Nebraska’s $4.6 million Good Life, Great Skills grant will help employers train workers in advanced manufacturing, the bioeconomy, industrial technology and critical minerals. Cattle Industry: Sen. Pete Ricketts unveiled a plan to rebuild the U.S. herd and boost processor competition at North Platte’s Sustainable Beef, which says it is processing 1,500 cattle a day. Rural Health: USDA announced a $75 million loan for McCook’s Community Hospital to fund an expansion, including a cancer center and clinic. Business Investment: CLAAS opened an Omaha research and development center, while industrial supplier Baldwin Supply launched its first Nebraska branch in Omaha. Local Development: Deshler earned state recertification for economic-development work supporting childcare and workforce housing.

Fuel and Freight: Nebraska’s average regular gas price was $4.28 a gallon and diesel $6.05 for the week ending Oct. 3. President Trump’s order temporarily allows tax-free dyed diesel on highways, but the Nebraska Trucking Association is urging caution; a Nebraska Farmers Union leader called the relief modest. Cattle Industry: The administration’s tariff cuts could bring 661 million pounds of foreign beef into the U.S. Nebraska ranchers are pushing back; the state’s cattle industry was valued at $11.43 billion in 2025. Agriculture: Rain is slowing Corn Belt harvest and weighing on markets. Husker researchers are also exploring ways to reduce groundwater risks from nitrogen. Business Investment: CLAAS has opened a research and development center in West Omaha. Separately, Becton Dickinson’s planned $19 billion U.S. manufacturing investment includes more than $1 billion for Nebraska.

Livestock & Feed: Central Valley Ag is investing in RJ Feed Milling in Howells, expanding feed production to support Nebraska livestock and create demand for local grain. Farm Innovation: Nebraska Extension highlighted high-oleic soybeans as a possible cattle-feed option, with dairy research pointing to gains in milk yield and fat content. Energy Costs: A federal waiver lets tax-exempt red-dyed diesel be used on highways, offering farmers and truckers modest relief as fuel costs remain high. Made in Nebraska: Eight products advanced in the state’s manufacturing contest, including Valmont transmission structures, Lindsay’s TAU-XR and animal-health products from Grand Island’s Nova-Tech. Medical Manufacturing: BD’s $19 billion U.S. investment plan includes more than $1 billion for Nebraska as it expands domestic production. Engineering Workforce: Nebraska employers in professional and technical services filed 275 H-1B petitions in 2025, up 8.7% from the year before; HDR Engineering accounted for 102.

Research and Infrastructure: UNL and the USGS released Nebraska’s first statewide surficial geology map, a resource for water management, hazard planning and locating construction materials. Manufacturing Investment: Becton Dickinson plans more than $1 billion in Nebraska as part of a $19 billion U.S. investment; eight products also advanced in the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska contest. Farm Support: Nebraska’s ONE RED program offers eligible farmers up to $23,000, while temporary federal relief allowing dyed diesel on roads aims to ease harvest fuel costs. Working Grasslands: Nearly $19 million in federal funding will help Nebraska landowners control cedar encroachment, protect forage and reduce wildfire risk. Makers and Small Businesses: Nebraska Innovation Studio’s October showcase puts members’ crafts and products on display and up for sale.

Fuel Costs: President Trump’s order temporarily allows tax-free dyed diesel on highways through year-end, aiming to ease costs for Nebraska farmers and truckers; analysts warn the relief may be limited. Manufacturing: BD plans to invest more than $1 billion in its Nebraska operations as part of a $19 billion U.S. expansion, though it has not said how the state’s share will be divided between its Broken Bow and Columbus sites. Workforce and Housing: A new Mid-Plains toolkit gives communities resources to address workforce shortages and housing needs; the region may need 949 additional livable homes by 2035. Agriculture: Nebraska producers have until Oct. 16 to apply for CSP and EQIP conservation funding. A separate USDA-backed initiative is bringing nearly $19 million to protect working grasslands and wildlife habitat. Transportation Safety: Records show federal funding for upgrades to a rural Cass County railroad crossing was available since 2023, but planned safety work remained unsigned after a fatal September crash.

Farm Technology: Farmers Business Network and Google are developing an AI tool that would tailor advice to each farm’s crops, soil, equipment, finances and local markets, linking recommendations to actions such as selling grain or buying inputs. Fuel Costs: President Trump’s order temporarily opens tax-exempt red-dyed diesel to highway use through year-end, aiming to ease harvest and trucking costs. But it defers federal tax payments rather than eliminating them, and fuel-industry groups warn that rules and eligibility remain unclear. Industrial Development: Bellevue is weighing a zoning change that could let POET and other companies connect to existing CO₂ infrastructure, supporting carbon capture tied to ethanol production. Consumer Technology: Nebraska joined Florida, Iowa and Montana in suing router maker TP-Link, alleging it misled buyers about its Chinese ties and product security. Ranching: Nebraska Sandhills ranchers are still dealing with the aftermath of the record Morrill Fire, which destroyed grazing land and forced some operations to move cattle and find feed.