AGP Executive Report

AI Data Centers: Applied Digital says it hit “Ready for Service” for the next 75 MW phase at Polaris Forge 1 in North Dakota, bringing 250 MW of critical IT load online and supporting a fully leased 400 MW AI campus. Stablecoin Banking: Fiserv has put its digital-asset platform into production with Bank of North Dakota’s Roughrider Coin on Solana, with 90+ ND banks and credit unions accessing it through existing Fiserv banking rails. Fuel Cost Relief for Agriculture: Gov. Kelly Armstrong expanded North Dakota’s diesel emergency, allowing eligible agriculture users to use cheaper red-dyed diesel on highways for hauling grain and livestock during the harvest stretch. Harvest Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued frost and freeze alerts for the Red River Valley, including Fargo-Moorhead and parts of northern ND, urging protection for plants and outdoor plumbing. Food & Budget Pressure: A report flags SNAP administrative cost changes that are raising the bill for counties, with one example showing a North Carolina agricultural county facing a $397,000 annual increase. Policy & Livestock Debate: An I-BAND letter criticizes North Dakota’s push toward electronic ID for Bangs vaccinations, arguing it goes beyond outbreak oversight and raises tracking concerns.

State Energy & Agriculture Relief: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order to ease diesel-driven costs by letting ag and forestry haulers exceed weight limits by up to 10% on state/local roads (not interstates) and by temporarily loosening hours-of-service rules for fuel transport. Public Health & Legal Accountability: North Dakota’s attorney general coalition push continues as multiple states seek court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Workforce & Immigration: USCIS reported 66 H-2B worker approvals for North Dakota manufacturing worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate. Transportation & Tourism Infrastructure: The new $10 million Oriska Rest Area opened on I-94 with expanded amenities, including truck parking, a dog park, and accessibility features. Education & Leadership: NDSU inaugurated its 16th president, Marshall Stewart, with a first State of the University address. Local Recognition: Gov. Kelly Armstrong presented Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Awards to Bismarck wrestling twins Troy and Terry Steiner for decades of in-state success and coaching impact.

Fuel Relief for Farmers: Minnesota DFL Sen. Rob Kupec is urging Gov. Tim Walz to let farmers use lower-taxed red-dyed diesel on highways, pointing to North Dakota’s emergency-style approach that saves about 32 cents per gallon. Energy Infrastructure: The North Dakota Industrial Commission praised WBI Energy’s final investment decision for the Bakken East natural gas pipeline, calling it a boost for reliability and future oilfield gas development. Electric Co-ops & Data Centers: A new piece highlights how North Dakota’s electric cooperatives are weighing data center growth using a members-first model, including how in-lieu-of property tax tied to electric sales can benefit local taxing districts. Healthcare Costs: AARP North Dakota formally intervened in a Montana-Dakota Utilities rate case, arguing an 18.9% residential hike would hit older customers hardest. Payments & Consumer Watch: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA “Obamacare refund” checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including North Dakota. Ag & Weather: North Dakota’s fall outlook points to warmer-than-normal temperatures tied to a Super El Niño, while recent moisture has helped ease drought and wildfire concerns. Local Industry Talent: North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation scholarships went to students including Golden Valley’s Wanner and Halliday’s Wasem, supporting agribusiness and animal science paths.

Health & Policy: Trump’s administration has started mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Dakota, tied to claims of overcharged federal exchange “user fees” (no premium assistance recipients qualify). Energy & Agriculture: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a diesel emergency and temporarily expanded use of cheaper red-dyed diesel on public roads for agricultural operations as freight and diesel costs stay elevated. Healthcare Industry: HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced plans to merge into one nonprofit system, with North Dakota clinics expected to transition under the HealthPartners name. Housing & Local Development: The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency hosted a Community Housing Needs Forum in Dickinson-area, bringing together developers, lenders, and city leaders to tackle housing shortages. Workforce & Business Climate: Prairie Business named Fisher Industries and Steffes among the region’s 50 Best Places to Work for 2026. Education & Immigration: North Dakota employers in Educational Services filed 178 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 98.3% approval rate. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Eddy County’s lowest regular price at $4.02/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, while Traill County hit $3.99/gal.

Healthcare Consolidation: HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a definitive merger plan, creating a larger nonprofit system spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, with Minnesota AG Keith Ellison launching a formal state review. Ag Fuel Relief: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a diesel emergency and expanded use of cheaper red-dyed diesel for licensed agricultural vehicles on public roads through Nov. 30, aiming to cut harvest costs. Oil Patch Watch: U.S. crude production topped 13.9 million barrels per day for the third straight week, with inventories rising and Canadian crude shipments falling. Data Centers in the Spotlight: A proposed Cass County data center near Mapleton would use up to 540 megawatts at peak demand, nearly double a Fargo-area project, as residents weigh power and review concerns. Local Business Growth: Armor Equipment plans to expand its Arnold facility after purchasing a Minnesota business, adding bays and more technician hiring. Stockmen & Education: The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation awarded 12 scholarships at the NDSA convention, including multiple Jamestown-area recipients. Community & Food Systems: NDSU Extension in Stutsman County hosts a “North Dakota Crunch Off” for Farm to School Month, pushing local food participation.

Diesel Relief for Farmers: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a fuel emergency and expanded use of lower-tax red-dyed diesel on public highways for licensed ag vehicles, aiming to cut harvest hauling costs by about 19 cents per gallon through Nov. 30. Oil & Fuel Watch: New reporting tracks U.S. crude production holding above 13.9M barrels/day and rising inventories, while GasBuddy price checks show pockets of cheaper gas and diesel across North Dakota counties. Data Centers in the Spotlight: A Cass County data center proposal would use up to 540 megawatts at peak—nearly double a Fargo-area project—while residents and officials elsewhere keep debating power, water, and community impacts. Ag Water Fight: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council are taking a Wahpeton-area water sale to court over a proposed 12,500-head dairy, arguing they weren’t allowed to fully challenge the approval. Health & Workforce: HHS awarded $1.3M+ to ND universities for rural health policy, Head Start, and FDA research; separately, UND and other schools keep pushing training and skilled trades pathways. Veterans Services: VA granted nearly $700,000 to expand veteran suicide prevention and mental health access statewide.

Wetlands & farmland rules: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul wetland easement enforcement in North Dakota, letting farmers redraw old maps and manage excess field water without penalty as long as duck habitat stays protected. Data centers & local control: North Dakota officials are trying to catch up with a fast-moving data center boom tied to AI, with counties using moratoriums and new ordinances as communities ask what costs and benefits look like. Grain shipping costs: Railroads’ fuel surcharges have more than doubled, and farmers may feel it through lower crop prices as harvest nears. Consumer protection: North Dakota AG Alan Wilson urged eligible consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Agriculture & water dispute: A Wahpeton-area group and the Dakota Resource Council sued over a state-approved water sale for a large dairy, arguing it threatens the city’s only aquifer. Retail & jobs: Chuck E. Cheese announced its Adventure World indoor playground concept is coming to West Fargo. Sports & community: NDSU and Wyoming will launch an annual “Battle of the Basins” trophy game. Rural life: A family petting zoo in North Dakota is marking 35 years, traveling to events including Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low points across North Dakota—premium hit $4.74/gal in Dickey County and $4.74/gal in Ransom County (week ending Sept. 19), while diesel lows included $5.74/gal in Morton County. Water & Agriculture: A Wahpeton-area landowner group and Dakota Resource Council sued the ND Department of Water Resources over a 500,000-gallon-per-day water sale tied to a large dairy project, arguing it threatens the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer. Wetlands Rules for ND Farmland: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul wetland easement enforcement, letting farmers redraw pre-1976 maps and manage excess field water under a “no net loss” standard. Biofuels & Crops: EPA renewable volume obligations are boosting bio-based diesel demand, lifting soybean oil value and supporting new soy crush plans that include North Dakota. Local Construction: Valley City’s Eighth Ave. SW mill and overlay starts Sept. 30, with lane closures and expected completion by Oct. 7. Housing & Real Estate: Out-of-state owners control a large share of Campbell County rentals, with Gillette’s biggest complexes largely held by companies filed outside Wyoming. Business/Community: Chuck E. Cheese’s Adventure World expansion includes West Fargo, North Dakota, among 2026 openings. Sports (Local Economy Angle): NDSU and Wyoming launched “Battle of the Basins,” a traveling trophy sponsored by the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

Construction & Workforce: Butler Machinery opened its first Cat Compact and Butler Cat Rentals location in Bismarck, aiming to make compact equipment sales and rentals easier for contractors, landscapers, farmers and rural property owners. Flood Planning: The North Dakota DOT will hold a public-input meeting Oct. 1 in Grand Forks on the Northern Red River Flood Study, with comments accepted online until Oct. 15. Higher Ed & STEM: UND’s STEM Complex is moving ahead; a beam signing is set for Oct. 2 as crews continue structural steel, concrete decks, and utility connections. Energy & Agriculture Costs: Railroads raised grain shipping costs, and farmers may feel it through lower crop prices as diesel costs and fuel surcharges ripple through the supply chain. Ag & Community Pressure: A farming crisis story highlights rising stress for farmers and ranchers amid drought and high fuel costs, with resources including stress assistance networks. Local Business & Food: A Fargo restaurant spotlights North Dakota beef from a local ranch, tying consumer demand for homegrown quality to direct-to-consumer opportunities. Border Operations: Manitoba’s permanent daylight saving time change could affect North Dakota border towns’ travel and delivery schedules. Education Spotlight: Grand Forks Public Schools inducted six into its Teachers Hall of Fame.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade gas hitting $4.99 in Oliver County and diesel dipping to $6.18 in Hettinger County for the week ending Sept. 19, while North Dakota averages for midgrade and diesel both rose week-over-week. Ag & Rural Stress: A farming crisis is pushing more strain onto producers, with rural men in farming facing much higher suicide risk; resources like mediation and stress assistance are highlighted. Livestock Policy: Sen. John Hoeven lays out Farm Bill 2.0 moves for prairie dog limits, and updates to Livestock Indemnity Program and drought-related ELAP transportation coverage. Wetlands & Property Rights: Farmers and landowners in Valley City press federal officials over wetland easement frustrations and regulatory creep tied to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. School Bus Costs: High diesel prices are forcing North Dakota districts and others to consolidate routes and cut trips to keep buses running. Work Visas: USCIS reports 1,466 H-2B worker approvals tied to North Dakota worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30. Energy Infrastructure: Fargo-Moorhead Diversion officials say a Highway 81 road failure won’t stop project operations as repairs continue.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports regular gas hitting $4.09/gal in McLean County for the week ending Sept. 19, with North Dakota’s statewide average up to $4.18/gal; diesel is also firm, with Benson County’s low at $6.09/gal and North Dakota’s diesel average at $6.13/gal. Energy Policy & Refining: Sen. Kevin Cramer again pushed the case for more U.S. refining capacity, arguing production without enough refining leaves prices exposed to global disruptions. Flood Control & Infrastructure: Fargo-Moorhead Diversion officials say a Highway 81 road failure won’t stop project operations, with repairs aimed to reopen before winter. Livestock & Farm Bill: Sen. John Hoeven outlined Farm Bill 2.0 moves for livestock producers, including updates to the Livestock Indemnity Program and drought-related ELAP transportation coverage. USDA Staffing Pressure: A viewpoint warns USDA is cutting on-the-ground staff in North Dakota, leaving farmers facing longer waits and program delays. Road Safety Enforcement: ND’s “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign issued 5,409 citations statewide, including 4,917 speeding tickets. Local Power Costs: Jamestown City Council weighs a $120,000 Otter Tail Power franchise fee as it finalizes its budget.

USDA staffing squeeze: A new report says USDA is cutting on-the-ground farm-country staff in North Dakota, leaving longer waits and more program delays for farmers and ranchers. Fuel watch: GasBuddy price checks show diesel and gasoline staying volatile, with multiple counties reporting week-ending Sept. 19 lows (including diesel at $6.09 in Benson County and regular at $4.09 in Dickey and Morton counties). Public safety enforcement: North Dakota’s “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign ran July 1–Aug. 9 and generated 5,409 citations, with speeding/aggressive driving tied to 29% of last year’s fatal crashes. Local power costs: Jamestown City Council is weighing a $120,000 franchise fee for Otter Tail Power to offset pole and utility charges. Workforce & immigration: North Dakota employers in the “Other Services (except Public Administration)” category filed 3 H-1B petitions in 2025, all approved. Nonprofit funding mix: Fargo-area nonprofits reported extremely high government-grant share of revenue in 2024, while other cities saw different mixes. Aviation & ag policy: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted aviation education and legislative action tied to North Dakota priorities.

Fuel Watch: Diesel hit $5.89/gal at one station in Ransom County (week ending Sept. 19), while Morton County’s lowest regular gas was $4.09/gal; statewide averages moved up (regular $4.18, diesel about $6.13). Ag Inputs Pressure: North Dakota producers are feeling record-high diesel costs as they juggle hauling and fieldwork, with limited flexibility to absorb higher fuel bills. Forage Planning: NDSU urges late-season alfalfa management—“no cut September”—to protect winter survival and stand persistence after dry conditions and hay shortages. Energy & Oil: A new operator, Phoenix Energy, is ramping up fast in the Bakken, expanding from its first wells to a multi-rig program targeting rapid production growth. Leadership in Milling: Cathy Dub settled into her new CEO/president role at the North Dakota Mill and Elevator, emphasizing team culture and the mill’s mission. Workforce Policy: Gov. Armstrong is consolidating workforce-related programs under a new structure and naming Katie Ralston Howe as the state’s first workforce commissioner. Education & Training: Napoleon ag educator Brian Schneider was named 2027 North Dakota Teacher of the Year, highlighting CTE’s role in agriculture and FFA. Trade & Grain: Taiwanese flour millers toured North Dakota’s wheat quality and handling system, underscoring continued demand for U.S. hard wheat.

Mortgage & housing affordability: Mortgage rates climbed above 7% for the first time in two years, squeezing North Dakota buyers even as the state’s Housing Finance Agency pushes first-time programs and down-payment help. Ag input pressure: Diesel prices are near record levels, and farmers say there’s little flexibility during peak hauling and field work—just pay the bill or adjust loads. Workforce policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong moved to unify North Dakota’s workforce programs under a new cabinet-level workforce commissioner, naming Katie Ralston Howe to coordinate the patchwork. Education & training: Napoleon ag education teacher Brian Schneider was named North Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, highlighting the state’s push to build strong career and technical education pipelines. Crops & markets: Northern Plains soybean basis strengthened as delayed harvest and drought-reduced supplies tightened bids, with crush plants competing into early 2027. Energy & transportation costs: Gas and diesel price reports across counties show wide local variation, reinforcing how fuel volatility is hitting trucking and farm logistics. Local business growth: A new Capital City Car Wash is planned for North Bismarck after a land purchase, signaling continued retail/service expansion. Consumer protection: North Dakota AG actions continue in the background as settlements and oversight efforts target predatory lending and other consumer harms.

Workforce Crunch: Job Service ND says 38 of 53 counties have job shortages, with healthcare the biggest gap—by 2034 the state expects about 3,700 more healthcare practitioners and 2,600 support workers. Ag Labor & H-2A: North Dakota farms are leaning harder on H-2A visas as demand rises; requests climbed from 2,444 workers in FY2021 to 4,966 in FY2025. Electric Rates: AARP North Dakota has intervened in Montana-Dakota Utilities’ rate case, arguing a proposed 14.5% hike would hit residential customers hardest, with an interim increase already approved. Consumer & Health Policy: ND AG Drew Wrigley says kratom rules for the new under-21 restrictions will take about six months; until then, sales are banned under the new law. Energy Costs & Diesel Politics: Sen. John Hoeven says Trump advisers are analyzing a potential short-term diesel export ban during harvest season as prices pressure farm and trucking costs. Public Safety: Jamestown’s police staffing plan recommends adding 6 patrol officers and 1 records clerk over two fiscal years. Education & Training: Minot State University plans to expand health science programs, including a new simulation center. Local Economy: Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library names Robbie Lauf interim CEO after Edward O’Keefe’s departure.

Leadership & Tourism: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora named Robbie Lauf interim CEO, effective Sept. 19, as it launches a national search for a permanent chief executive after Edward F. O’Keefe’s Sept. 18 departure. Energy & Agriculture Costs: Bloomberg reports Trump advisers are analyzing a possible short-term U.S. diesel export ban, with Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) saying the study could inform action during harvest season as diesel prices pressure farm and freight budgets. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy price checks for the week ending Sept. 19 show scattered low points across ND counties (regular as low as $3.95 in Richland; diesel as low as $5.89 in Walsh; premium as low as $4.09 in Walsh; E85 as low as $2.39 in Richland). Water & Risk: The U.S. Drought Monitor moved Cass and Clay counties fully into extreme drought (D3), while 87.5% of ND is in drought statewide. Workforce & Education: NDSU reported its first overall enrollment drop in three years (down 2.9% to 11,609), and Napoleon ag educator Brian Schneider was named ND Teacher of the Year. Construction Pipeline: A Demo Day at SWCTE in Dickinson brought local contractors and heavy equipment to students, aiming to spark interest in the trades. Nonprofit Finance: New IRS Form 990 revenue rankings highlighted top earners in several ND cities (including Fargo’s Offutt Family Foundation and Kindred’s Kindred Youth Baseball). Consumer Protection: ND AG Drew Wrigley said his office concluded its F5 Project consumer protection investigation, filing an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance after allegations of self-dealing and misuse of funds.