AGP Executive Report

Drought Relief for Livestock: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster and North Dakota’s Water Commission activated a $2 million cost-share program to help ranchers build new water wells, connect to rural systems, extend pipelines, and add pasture taps, with up to 65% reimbursement (max $10,000 per project, up to three projects). Mosquito Control in Minot: Minot City Council approved a mosquito plan focused on surveillance and ground fogging, budgeting about $100,000 annually (plus $30,000 for a second fogging round) as West Nile risk stays high. Carbon Capture Push at a ND Coal Plant: Minnkota Power Cooperative is adding a partner to restart its Project Tundra carbon capture effort near Center, with the state recommending $205 million in loans for the partnership. Wetlands Policy Backtrack: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service paused a plan to change Upper Midwest wetlands conservation easement rules after hunter and Republican pushback. Prairie Land & Wildlife Access: ND Game and Fish highlighted hunting access through PLOTS and set deer bow season dates, while federal actions affecting grasslands and prairie wetlands remain in play. Food Safety & Health Watch: Coverage also flags rising mosquito-borne West Nile cases and ongoing outbreaks of severe foodborne illnesses, underscoring public health pressure across the region.

Drought Relief for Livestock: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster and North Dakota activated a $2 million cost-share program to help ranchers build new water supplies, including wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions, and pasture taps, with reimbursement up to 65% (max $10,000 per project, up to three projects). Health Impacts of Dry, Dusty Conditions: As drought worsens, cattle herds are seeing more respiratory illness reports tied to dust pneumonia, with veterinarians warning that heavy dust and smoke can inflame lungs and open the door to secondary infections. Wetlands Protection Backpedal: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service paused a plan that would have loosened wetland conservation rules in the Prairie Potholes, after pushback from hunters and conservation groups worried about drain-tile changes near protected wetlands. Wildlife Access & Habitat: North Dakota’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program continues to support walk-in access on about 900,000 acres, funded by hunting license sales and aimed at keeping habitat and access working together. Garden How-To: NDSU Extension shared why cucumber flowers may drop without fruit—often a pollination problem—and suggested hand-pollinating or boosting pollinator-friendly plantings.

Ethanol Policy Watch: A North Dakota-led panel says higher ethanol blends could cut fuel costs for consumers if Congress lifts a summer restriction and allows year-round E15 sales, with the House already passing the bill and the Senate path still uncertain. Waterfowl Habitat Fight: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is backing off a proposed rule that would have allowed drain tiles near Prairie Potholes wetlands after hunters and conservation groups pushed hard, including concerns about protecting “duck factory” breeding grounds. Local Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota Game and Fish set 2026 deer bow season dates (Sept. 4 to Jan. 3) and updated small game, waterfowl, and furbearer regulations, including changes to goose shooting hours and new trapping rules. Prairie Wetlands & Drought Data: North Dakota is activating and expanding drought documentation efforts, including a Hay Hotline, as dry conditions pressure producers. Energy Infrastructure Politics: The Trump administration admitted canceling billions in federal grants tied to projects in Democratic states, though some Minnesota Power transmission funding was later reinstated. North Dakota Climate/Power Debate: A Fargo lawmaker is calling for a one-year pause on new data center approvals, citing water use, cleanup costs, and long-term electricity demand. Geothermal Exploration: Sanborn completed a high-precision airborne magnetic survey in Nevada supporting geothermal exploration, using data meant to reduce drilling risk.

Federal Grant Politics: The Trump administration admitted canceling over $7.5 billion in grants last October based on whether projects were in Democratic states, including a $50 million Minnesota Power grant tied to a transmission line linking to central North Dakota—later reinstated after court filings. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota Game and Fish set the 2026 deer bow season to open Sept. 4 at noon, with nonresidents limited to private land at first; the agency also released 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, including new waterfowl dates and changes for geese and river otter. Prairie Potholes Protection: After hunter and conservation backlash, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service backed off a proposed rule that would have allowed drain tiles near protected Prairie Potholes wetlands, a move critics said could hurt duck breeding habitat. Water Security: North Dakota officials say the state avoided recent cyberattacks that targeted water systems in parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, while Fargo-area utilities reported no impact. Drought & Soil Health: North Dakota activated its Hay Hotline as drought grips parts of the state, and a Menoken Farm field day in late September will focus on regenerative practices and soil health. Energy & Data Centers: A North Dakota senator is pushing a one-year pause on new data center approvals and a ban on NDAs with developers, citing water, cleanup, and electricity concerns.

Water & Drought: North Dakota water systems are reported secure so far after Iranian-linked cyberattacks hit municipal supplies in nearby states, while the state also activated its Hay Hotline as drought grips parts of the region. Wildlife & Hunting: ND Game and Fish rolled out 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, plus new waterfowl stamp requirements and updated PLOTS access maps online. Carbon Capture: Project Tundra is moving forward with a new lead—Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage—aiming to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 a year near Milton R. Young Station. Agriculture & Soil Health: A Menoken Farm field day on Sept. 30 will focus on regenerative practices and soil health principles. Energy Costs: A new 50-state analysis links climate and net-zero policies to higher electricity rates, with blue states disproportionately represented among the most expensive. Local Nature Notes: Cooper’s hawks are raising young in a Cheyenne neighborhood, and a separate piece looks at how tree growth can signal stress or health.

Carbon Capture Update: Project Tundra is moving ahead with a new lead—Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage will now develop, own and operate the Milton R. Young Station retrofit, aiming to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 annually. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: North Dakota Game and Fish set 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations, including changes to goose shooting hours, a new American marten season, and a revised river otter harvest window. Water Security: North Dakota officials say local water systems have stayed secure after Iranian-linked cyberattacks hit municipal utilities in nearby Minnesota and South Dakota. Habitat Access & Maps: PLOTS maps for 2026 are now online, covering about 925,000 acres, with weekly updates as tracts change. Sportsmen’s Conservation Tech: Hunters must carry a state-issued waterfowl habitat restoration electronic stamp, plus a federal duck stamp for those 16 and older. Community Agriculture Event: A Menoken Farm field day on Sept. 30 will focus on regenerative practices and soil health principles.

Childcare Crisis: Nearly 1,900 North Dakota families are on a waitlist for state childcare assistance, after a projected Child Care Assistance Program shortfall led to reduced help for working families; lawmakers are now drafting a special-session proposal that would add $9 million to move low-income families off the list. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: North Dakota Game and Fish set 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations, including resident waterfowl opener Sept. 26 and new rules for geese shooting hours, plus changes to marten and river otter seasons. Water Security: North Dakota officials say the state’s water systems have not been compromised by recent cyberattacks targeting utilities in nearby states, while Fargo-area leaders say their supply remains safe. Prairie Wetlands & Habitat: A federal review is revisiting how drain tile setbacks are calculated on lands tied to prairie pothole wetland easements—an issue that could affect duck production far beyond the Dakotas. Conservation Funding: NRCS is accepting North Dakota applications for conservation programs for FY2027, with a Sept. 18 deadline. Carbon Capture Update: Project Tundra’s carbon-capture retrofit near Milton R. Young Station is moving forward under a new lead developer, Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage, aiming to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 annually.

North Dakota Game & Fish: The agency set 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, including a Sept. 26 resident waterfowl opener, new goose shooting-hour limits, first-time American marten trapping statewide (mirroring fisher rules), and a shorter three-week river otter harvest window (Nov. 23–Dec. 13). Sportsmen Access: PLOTS maps for 2026 are now online, covering about 925,000 acres, with weekly updates as tracts change. Waterfowl Stamps: Hunters must carry a state-issued waterfowl habitat restoration electronic stamp, and federal electronic duck stamps are valid for the whole season (with a mailed physical stamp later). Grand Forks Growth: Cirrus opened a multi-million-dollar, 30,000-square-foot expansion at its Grand Forks facility to meet rising demand and support new composite manufacturing for the TRAC10. Carbon Capture: Project Tundra’s carbon-capture work is moving under Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage as lead developer/owner/operator, aiming to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 annually. Drought & Soil Health: The state’s Hay Hotline is active for producers to document drought impacts, and a Sept. 30 Menoken Farm field day will focus on regenerative practices and soil health. Public Safety Tech: A North Dakota BCI task force warned that AI is “supercharging” child sexual exploitation and identity abuse.

Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added Lake Ashtabula (Barnes County) and Sykeston Dam (Wells County) to its harmful algal bloom advisories, bringing the state’s total to 10 waterbodies under advisory or warning, with guidance to avoid suspect water and rinse after contact. Carbon Capture Update: Project Tundra is moving forward with a new lead—Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage—now set to develop, own and operate the Milton R. Young Station carbon-capture facility near Center, aiming to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 annually. Waterfowl Hunting Rules: The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says all waterfowl hunters must carry a state-issued electronic habitat restoration stamp, and it also outlined 2026 waterfowl stamp requirements plus PLOTS map availability for hunters. Wildlife & Habitat Access: The agency released 2026 PLOTS maps online (about 925,000 acres), with weekly updates as tracts change. Local Conservation Education: Rugby’s agriculture program earned a national honor from the National Association of Agricultural Educators, recognizing five years of growth and community support. Industry & Jobs: Cirrus expanded its Grand Forks manufacturing facility, adding more than 30,000 square feet and new production capacity tied to growing demand. Public Safety Tech: A North Dakota BCI task force commander warned that AI is “supercharging” child sexual exploitation, with a record high number of tips last year.

Harmful Algae Watch: North Dakota DEQ added Lake Ashtabula and Sykeston Dam to its harmful algal bloom advisories, bringing the state to 10 waterbodies under advisory or warning—DEQ urges people and pets to avoid suspect water and rinse after contact. Waterfowl Rules: The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says all waterfowl hunters must carry a state-issued electronic habitat restoration stamp, and hunters 16+ also need the federal duck stamp starting Sept. 1. Conservation Access: PLOTS maps for 2026 are now online, covering about 925,000 acres and updated weekly as tracts change. Carbon Capture Update: Project Tundra’s carbon-capture work at Milton R. Young Station is moving forward with Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage now leading the venture, aiming to capture up to five million tons of CO2 annually. Habitat & Drought Support: NRCS is accepting North Dakota applications for conservation programs (deadline Sept. 18), and the state’s Hay Hotline is active as dry conditions push producers to report and share forage options. Sportsman Outreach: The Game and Fish also posted 2026 PLOTS access details as hunting season approaches with new waterfowl opener rules.

Harmful Algae Watch: North Dakota DEQ added Lake Ashtabula (Barnes County) and Sykeston Dam (Wells County) to its harmful algal bloom advisory list, bringing the total to 10 waterbodies under advisory or warning; officials urge people to avoid suspect water and rinse off quickly if contact happens. Water Quality Funding: The state is accepting applications for a Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative that will fund local projects and provide rebates to property owners to fix failing septic systems; applications are due Sept. 30. Drought Response: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring activated the North Dakota Hay Hotline, matching hay, pasture, and hayland listings as dry conditions persist, and asked producers to submit drought reports to help trigger assistance. Conservation on the Ground: NRCS in North Dakota is taking applications for conservation programs with a Sept. 18 deadline for FY2027 funding, including easements, stewardship, and water-quality incentives. Energy & Grid Politics: The Trump administration canceled three Biden-era transmission line projects, including a North Dakota-linked corridor, citing cost and reliability concerns while critics warn it could slow grid improvements. Wildlife Access: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across the refuge system, highlighting public access as a conservation tool.

Wildlife Access: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced 111 new hunting and fishing opportunities across the U.S. refuge system, including 32 in the Midwest, expanding public access on millions of acres. Prairie Wetlands & Ducks: A federal review of a wetlands rule tied to drain-tiling could ripple through the Prairie Pothole “duck factory,” putting duck habitat and hunting traditions at risk far beyond North Dakota. Energy Grid Politics: The DOE canceled three multistate transmission corridors, including the Tribal Energy Access Corridor spanning North Dakota, after local pushback and renewed federal focus on cost and reliability. Affordability Debate: New reports argue “blue-state” renewable mandates are driving higher power bills, while other coverage highlights how grant slowdowns could delay grid upgrades. North Dakota Drought Response: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring activated the Hay Hotline and urged ranchers to report drought impacts, as dry conditions persist. Water Quality Watch: DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Ilo, adding to North Dakota’s growing list of HAB alerts. Local Energy Expansion: Gevo plans to expand its Richardton ethanol operation and move toward sustainable jet fuel production, aiming to boost farm-linked economic activity. Mosquitoes & West Nile: Even as mosquito counts drop in parts of the region, West Nile virus activity is reported at its highest level in decades. Prairie Pothole Easements: Environmental and sportsmen groups urged federal officials to uphold conservation easements that protect prairie wetlands and duck habitat.

Drought Response: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the state Hay Hotline, urging ranchers to list hay, pasture, and hayland for rent and to report local drought impacts through Condition Monitoring Observer Reports so officials can update the U.S. Drought Monitor and trigger assistance. Water Quality Alerts: The state Department of Environmental Quality added Lake Ilo to harmful algal bloom advisories, bringing the total number of North Dakota waterbodies under active HAB advisories or warnings to eight. Mosquito & Disease Watch: Even as mosquito counts drop in parts of the region, West Nile virus activity is rising, with North Dakota reporting its first human West Nile case of 2026 and officials warning that drought can concentrate mosquitoes and birds around shrinking water sources. Wildlife & Habitat: A North Dakota duck-hunting community is waiting on final U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey numbers, while the state also set fall turkey season licenses at 3,700. Energy & Land Use: A new NDSU guide lays out what North Dakotans should ask about AI data centers—water use, electrical costs, and noise—amid growing debate over whether the projects help or harm rural communities. Agriculture Conservation: A long-running wetland conservation easement dispute is back in focus as a North Dakota farmer challenges rules that limit draining wetlands needed for crop production.

Drought Relief for Ranchers: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the Hay Hotline, urging producers to report hay, pasture, and hayland availability and to submit drought impact updates so local conditions can feed into the U.S. Drought Monitor. Mosquitoes & West Nile Risk: Reports say mosquito counts have dropped sharply in parts of the Plains and Midwest, but West Nile virus cases are hitting a 22-year high—drought can shrink habitat while still raising disease risk. Water Quality Funding: The ND Department of Environmental Quality is accepting proposals for FY27 Section 319 nonpoint source pollution grants aimed at restoring and protecting state water resources. Cattle Health Watch: NDSU vets warn that anthrax risk can rise when weather swings create conditions that expose cattle to spores in soil. Energy & Pipelines: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is urging a federal appeals court to keep Enbridge’s Line 5 operating, arguing state action would cut energy supply and raise prices. Local Soil Health Program: A new “one page” Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing strong landowner interest, tying conservation to habitat and outdoor access. AI Data Centers, ND Impacts: An NDSU researcher released a guide on what AI data centers could mean for North Dakota’s power, water use, and noise—pushing for informed policy decisions. Community & Safety: New Town held National Night Out with first responders and a driving simulator tied to Vision Zero.

Drought Response: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated a Hay Hotline, urging ranchers to share hay, pasture, and hayland availability as abnormally dry conditions persist. Producers can submit listings through an online map or call 701-328-5110, and they’re also encouraged to report local drought impacts for the U.S. Drought Monitor. Water Quality Funding: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is accepting FY2027 proposals for Section 319 nonpoint source pollution grants, aimed at restoring and protecting water resources. Separately, DEQ is also taking applications for the Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative, offering rebates to fix failing septic systems. AI Data Centers Watch: An NDSU researcher released a guide for North Dakotans on AI data centers, focusing on likely effects on water use, electricity costs, and noise—plus what questions policymakers should ask before approving projects. Energy & Policy Pressure: A new report highlights how analog missile warning radars still rely on older tech, as Space Systems Command funds a major digitization push. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: A 1988 USDA release of European flea beetles to control leafy spurge in North Dakota helped kick off a long-running biological control success story.

Drought Response: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated a Hay Hotline, urging producers to report hay, pasture, and hayland availability and to submit weekly drought impact updates for the U.S. Drought Monitor. Livestock Health: NDSU vets warn cattle producers to watch for anthrax as conditions shift, since spores can persist in soil and outbreaks can follow weather swings. Water Quality Funding: The ND Department of Environmental Quality is accepting applications for septic renovation rebates aimed at cutting nonpoint pollution, with harmful algal bloom advisories now affecting eight waterbodies statewide. Agriculture Markets: Farmland values are holding firm despite tighter margins, keeping cash rent negotiations for 2027 relatively steady. Habitat & Soil: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing strong early interest, with a simple one-page application and a focus on linking agriculture, habitat, and outdoor access. Community Outdoors: ND Game and Fish is gearing up for its 19th Annual Youth Outdoor Festival at the State Fairgrounds. Astronomy & Wildlife Notes: A partial solar eclipse is set for Aug. 12 across parts of the U.S., and a long-tagged paddlefish has been recaptured after 22 years.