AGP Executive Report

AgTech & Research Funding: NSF’s AgTech Engine says North Dakota is building a national agricultural innovation hub with a second-phase push tied to a potential $160M over 10 years, linking NDSU research, startups, and workforce development. Swine Research Expansion: NDSU opened an expanded 600-head swine facility in Fargo, adding a classroom and focusing on nutrition, production efficiency, and animal welfare, with $3M+ from corn and soybean groups. Education Tech Upgrade: North Dakota DPI’s BRIDGE Project starts moving districts from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus in July, aiming for faster, more consistent student data sharing. Data Centers & Public Input: A local debate highlights how ND can attract data centers while demanding transparency and addressing electricity and cooling impacts. Optical AI Connectivity: Aureon, Nokia, and t3 Broadband deployed an AI-optimized optical network linking a major ND data center development to the Chicago metro, scaling toward 400Tbps. Public Health Tech Policy: A judge blocked SNAP soda restrictions, potentially affecting 13.5M recipients, while a separate report flags major Medicaid funding cuts that could hit ND and other states hard. Food & Safety: West Fargo-based Power Plate Meals recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf due to a labeling allergen error. Biology Breakthrough: Researchers explained why H5N1 bird flu behaves differently in dairy cows, offering clues for future cross-species spread. Energy & Carbon Markets: Cerilon GTL ND advanced technology licensing for its Williams County gas-to-liquids project, and Gevo expanded access to its carbon removal business via a new digital platform. Environment & Regulation: Seventeen states sued California over its single-use plastics law, with ND among the plaintiffs. Election Tech & Rules: Pew reports more than half of states restrict betting on elections as prediction markets grow.

K-12 Tech Upgrade: North Dakota schools are switching from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus as part of the BRIDGE Project, aiming for smoother grades/attendance tools and faster data sharing with the state. AI Energy Crunch: A new look at how much power AI data centers consume puts the spotlight on grid limits—and ties it to fresh interest in using crypto mining cash to fund low-carbon power for AI facilities. Ag Research Expansion: NDSU opened an expanded 600-head swine research facility in Fargo, backed by major commodity groups, to boost industry-relevant nutrition and welfare studies plus hands-on training. STEM Pipeline: Minot State University is launching a new engineering program with $500K in support, matching a North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Grant and enrolling students for fall. Local Governance Tech/Planning: Grand Forks is setting up its first combined meeting to review PILOT incentives for a UND-linked golf course redevelopment, with public input before bids move forward. Fieldwork for Farmers: NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center field day is set for July 8, featuring crop trials and weed/disease management updates. Road/Infrastructure: Officials will discuss Grand Forks’ Columbia Road overpass options in Bismarck, with cost estimates and alternative plans still in play.

North Dakota Tech & Education: Minot State University earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its elementary reading instruction prep, highlighting research-based training in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Agriculture Research: NDSU opened an enhanced swine research facility after a four-year, foundation-led push for a 600-head expansion barn plus a 50-seat classroom addition, aiming to modernize livestock research and boost industry-relevant studies. Engineering Pipeline: Minot State University is launching a new engineering bachelor’s program with a $500K MAGIC Fund-backed package, including a forgivable city loan to match state support; the program already has a dozen students lined up for fall. Public Tech & Data Centers: North Dakota Digital Government Summit coverage points to cybersecurity and emerging tech priorities, with state, local, and tribal IT teams sharing solutions. Local Infrastructure: Stutsman County approved up to $21,300 for gravel and culverts on an access road northwest of Medina, contingent on a township agreement. STEM Outreach: NDSU Extension set summer dates for a Junior Crop Scout School, giving ages 12–18 hands-on agronomy learning across multiple ND locations. State History Tech Experience: The State Historical Society of North Dakota will open a free “North Dakota 250 Road Trip” exhibit July 1 at the Heritage Center & State Museum, with interactive ways to plan trips and add stories. National Tech/Policy Watch: A new study finds abortion bans in nine states are causing doctors to delay or withhold standard pregnancy care due to legal uncertainty—raising risks and deepening inequities. Food Safety: A labeling error triggered a recall of nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf products distributed in ND, SD, and MN due to an undeclared soy allergen. Aviation/Defense: Coverage notes the Air Force’s ongoing modernization and drone-defense interest, including efforts to protect nuclear-strike bases from anti-jammer threats.

North Dakota Tech & Education: NDSU is expanding its swine research footprint with a new state-of-the-art facility in Fargo, adding space for 600 hogs plus a 50-seat classroom to boost hands-on training and research. Agriculture Innovation: The Carrington Research Extension Center set its July field day lineup, including weed control, dry bean breeding, lupin commercialization, and a spray drone demo—plus a soils session on plasma-activated water. Public Tech & Policy: North Dakota’s teacher licensing fight is back in the spotlight as a lawsuit argues state rules restrict what private schools can teach and who can teach it. Health & Science: A new study explains why H5N1 in dairy cattle often shows up as severe mastitis instead of lung disease, offering a faster way to spot the next surprise in bird flu spread. Local STEM Outreach: Kids ages 7–12 in Mandan dug for fossils in a hands-on paleontology program led by a North Dakota paleontologist. National Tech Context: The U.S. is still widely unprepared for one-way attack drones, with analysts pointing to a missing layer of affordable counter-drone tech. North Dakota 250th Tech Showcase: Trump is slated to join Freedom 250 for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication in Medora, where organizers say visitors will experience Roosevelt’s story paired with “cutting-edge technology.”

North Dakota Digital Government Summit: State, local and tribal IT teams met to trade cybersecurity and emerging-tech approaches, with data-center concerns showing up in public comment. AI in the courts: A new study says North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation in court filings with AI-generated errors, raising fresh questions about how AI tools are being used in legal work. NDSU expands livestock research: North Dakota State University unveiled a new swine facility to train students and boost hands-on research in a controlled setting. Agronomy learning in the field: NDSU Extension set summer youth crop scout school dates, and the Carrington Research Extension Center announced its agronomy field day lineup, including weed control, breeding and precision ag demos. Theodore Roosevelt library tech push: Ahead of the July 4 opening, reporting highlights an AI-powered “Teddy” experience planned for visitors at the Medora site. Public health and pathogens: Separate coverage points to new science on how H5N1 infects dairy cattle and why it can show up as severe udder disease. Energy and biofuels: Marathon’s Spiritwood biodiesel effort turns soybean oil into renewable diesel, tying North Dakota agriculture to cleaner fuel production.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Tech: President Donald Trump is set to cut the ribbon at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on July 1 ahead of the July 4 grand opening, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighting the site’s “cutting-edge technology” and an AI-driven “AI Teddy” experience built from Roosevelt’s own writings. NDSU Swine Research Expansion: North Dakota State University is adding a new state-of-the-art swine facility, funded through a multi-year campaign, to house 600 hogs and support hands-on student training plus expanded research. Ag Training & Field Days: NDSU Extension announced summer dates for a Junior Crop Scout School, and the Carrington Research Extension Center set its July field day agenda, including weed control, breeding updates, and a spray drone demo. Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle: New research explains why H5N1 in cows often shows up as severe mastitis instead of typical respiratory illness, offering a faster way to spot the next surprise spread. Forward-Facing Sonar Debate: Anglers in the region are split on forward-facing sonar—some praise better targeting, while others worry it changes the sport and impacts fish populations. North Dakota Digital Governance: The North Dakota Digital Government Summit is bringing state and local IT teams together around cybersecurity and emerging tech, with data center questions showing up in public comment. Energy Innovation: Mantle Energy raised $5 million seed funding to generate geothermal-grade heat in oilfields using controlled combustion, aiming to keep carbon underground.

Forward-Facing Sonar Debate: Anglers are split on new forward-facing sonar, with some praising pinpoint lure-and-fish targeting while others worry it changes the sport and impacts fish populations. Biodiesel From Soybeans: Marathon Petroleum’s Green Bison complex in Spiritwood is turning soybean oil into renewable diesel, highlighting a North Dakota link between agriculture and cleaner fuels. NDSU Swine Expansion: North Dakota State University is adding a new state-of-the-art swine facility for 600 hogs plus classroom space, aiming to boost hands-on training and swine research. Ag Research & Drones: The Carrington Research Extension Center field day is set for July 14 with weed control, breeding updates, and a spray drone demonstration, while separate coverage points to North Dakota’s growing drone innovation and FAA radar access. Digital Government & Cybersecurity: The North Dakota Digital Government Summit brought together IT teams to focus on cybersecurity, emerging tech, and better communication across agencies. H5N1 in Dairy Cattle: New research explains why H5N1 can show up as severe mastitis in cows, offering a faster way to spot the next unusual spread. Workforce Innovation Funding: Minot State University is advancing a new innovation engineering program with MAGIC Fund support and a matching plan tied to a higher education challenge grant. Public Health Legal Fight: Health experts criticize a hantavirus quarantine order as unconstitutional and lacking scientific grounding.

Wildfire & Health: The 2026 wildfire season is already burning far more acreage than the 10-year average, driving air-quality alerts across a dozen-plus states as PM2.5 smoke pushes unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and, in worst-hit areas, everyone. Education Policy: A lawsuit over North Dakota teacher licensing is spotlighting how state rules may limit what private schools can teach, with Capstone Classical Academy arguing the licensing regime restricts curriculum choices. AI & Courts: A new national study flags North Dakota and South Dakota as leading sources of AI-generated legal filing errors, raising questions about how courts are handling AI “slop.” Digital Government: North Dakota’s Digital Government Summit in Bismarck focused on cybersecurity and emerging tech, with leaders stressing that many “tech” problems are really communication problems between agencies. Drones & Aviation: North Dakota is positioning itself as a drone innovation testbed, including FAA radar access for unmanned operations, while GA-ASI temporarily moved MQ-9 flight operations to Fargo during runway work. Geology & Materials: Low-level flights in northeast North Dakota are mapping gravity and magnetism to help identify underground mineral deposits for future exploration. STEM in the Community: Kids in Mandan dug for fossils after learning from a North Dakota paleontologist, a reminder that hands-on science is still thriving locally.

Agriculture & Health Policy: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits over harms from products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims—North Dakota is already in the mix, with similar bills pending elsewhere. Public Health Research: A new study explains why H5N1 bird flu can infect dairy cattle in a surprising way (severe udder infections instead of lung disease), and offers a faster way to spot the next twist. North Dakota Tech & Governance: The North Dakota Digital Government Summit drew about 160 people to focus on cybersecurity, emerging tech, and better cross-agency communication—plus a separate county meeting where residents pressed for more data center impact details. Drones & Aviation: North Dakota is positioning itself as a drone innovation hub, including use of FAA radar access to support unmanned operations, while GA-ASI temporarily moved MQ-9 flight operations to Fargo during runway work at Grand Forks. STEM & Education: Dickinson State University earned an A+ for reading instruction teacher prep, and low-level flights are mapping northeast ND mineral potential for future exploration. Defense: The FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act cleared the Senate Armed Services Committee with major readiness and servicemember provisions, including TRICARE behavioral health expansion language tied to North Dakota. Community Tech & Culture: Forward-facing fishing sonar is sparking debate among anglers about whether high-tech gear changes the sport. Local Spotlight: Fargo hosted the homecoming celebrations for WWII radar operator Irvin Ellingson, identified using advanced DNA technology.

Digital Government: North Dakota’s Digital Government Summit brought ~160 IT leaders together in Bismarck to trade cybersecurity and “emerging tech” fixes, with NDIT CIO Corey Mock stressing that many problems are really communication problems between agencies. Local Governance: Lyon County commissioners heard public concerns about a proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus data center, with residents asking for more research on health, wildlife, agriculture, and water impacts. Data Centers & Connectivity: North Dakota is positioning for data center growth, and one major link is getting built: Nokia, Aureon, and t3 Broadband deployed an optical corridor from a North Dakota data center site to the Chicago metro, starting at 100 Tbps with a path to 400 Tbps. Aviation Tech: GA-ASI temporarily moved MQ-9 flight operations to Fargo’s Hector International Airport while Grand Forks Air Force Base runway work is underway. Mining & Sensors: Low-level flights are mapping northeast North Dakota’s underground minerals using gravity and magnetism measurements, aiming to guide future exploration. Public Safety Tech: A Florida man’s wrongful arrest highlights risks from facial recognition tech, after police allegedly relied on a false match. Health & Policy: A national report estimates 1.13 million abortions in 2025 and finds telehealth share rising to 28%, raising questions about how restrictions work post-Dobbs. Science & Medicine Awareness: The American Kidney Fund is pushing APOL1 awareness, warning that inherited gene variants can sharply raise kidney disease risk. Environment & Accountability: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws as the Supreme Court weighs whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn claims tied to products like glyphosate. STEM & Workforce: NDSU and other partners are running hands-on ag and research events, while UND expands online programs to meet workforce needs.

ND Agriculture & Energy Innovation: The North Dakota Grain Growers Association will run its annual E-Tour June 22–26, bringing U.S. EPA officials to farms, agribusinesses, research sites, and energy operations across north-central and western North Dakota, including NDSU’s North Central Research Extension Center and Great Plains Synfuels. Rural Health Tech: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program is exploring a connected records system and AI risk-flagging to help clinicians access patient history statewide, with privacy and security as key hurdles. AI in Schools: Richardton-Taylor School Board approved technology purchases and curriculum updates, including adopting a phonics supplement (UFLI) to strengthen early literacy. Agronomy Research in Action: NDSU’s Dickinson Research Extension Center is set for a July 9 agronomy field day with tours and topics ranging from seeding rates and cover crops to lentils and weed management. Water & Drainage Pressure: A state-backed irrigation and drainage study warns western North Dakota’s aging drainage systems could strain farming, while also pointing to potential for expanding irrigated acres statewide. Prairie Dog Management: A letter urges the U.S. Forest Service to avoid prairie dog plan changes on national grasslands that could harm black-footed ferret recovery. Community Tech & Business: A new “Built on Grit” hall of fame opened in Medora to spotlight North Dakota small businesses, including tech- and innovation-focused trailblazers.

Agriculture Tech & Policy: USDA is rolling out a pilot to modernize acreage reporting, using interactive geo-special maps to speed producer filings and county-office work across North Dakota and 10 other states. Energy & AI Power Crunch: A new argument for North Dakota’s role in AI power says the electricity won’t be ready for the AI boom, pointing to a company that locked in low-cost power and grid connections in Norway, Finland, and North Dakota. EV Readiness & State Policy: A state policy scorecard highlights how fragmented federal support and shifting rules are reshaping EV readiness, with tailpipe pollution goals now facing uncertainty. Local Tech in Schools: Richardton-Taylor School Board approved technology purchases and updates to its tobacco-free policy while planning literacy improvements and staffing for the 2026-27 year. Data Centers & Zoning: Mercer County’s upcoming hearing on a data center ordinance draft shows how local zoning and industrial-use standards will shape what gets built and how. Health & Community Infrastructure: A statewide health collaborative begins funding small pilot projects, starting with mapping family support services and gaps. STEM & Research in Action: NDSU sets Dickinson Research Extension Center field day dates for July 9 with agronomy and horticulture sessions. Business & Innovation Spotlight: Medora’s new “Built on Grit” ND Business Hall of Fame opens, featuring 17 small businesses across categories tied to innovation and technology. Cyber & Public Safety: UND law professor warns that AI crime-tracking apps can mislabel incidents, raising legal and accountability questions as tech moves faster than rules. Energy Markets: Vivakor announced a recurring Bakken crude oil transaction expected to generate about $115M in annualized gross revenue.

USDA Ag Tech: USDA is piloting a new, map-based system to streamline North Dakota acreage reporting, aiming to cut time for farmers and county staff ahead of the July 15 deadline. Military Tech & Local Impact: A B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards AFB killed eight during a radar modernization test mission; separately, lawmakers are pressing the Air Force for answers on plans to retire the E-11A BACN communications jets. North Dakota Nuclear & Water: A state regulator told an interim committee the Missouri River is the best available water source if North Dakota builds a nuclear reactor, while noting regional coordination challenges. ND Education & AI: UND is rolling out an “AI across the curriculum” push via its AI instructional manager, focusing on faculty support, student AI literacy, and managing fast-changing tools. Broadband for AI Demand: LOGIX says it’s expanding long-haul fiber capacity as AI and cloud growth drive higher bandwidth needs, with related projects tied to North Dakota connectivity. Rural Research: NDSU Research Extension Center Field Days run July 6–Aug. 7, bringing hands-on ag research to local producers. Health Collaboration: A statewide multi-partner health group is funding early pilot projects, starting with mapping family support services and gaps across North Dakota.

Defense & Infrastructure: The 2027 NDAA is headed to the Senate floor, with provisions for Grand Forks Air Force Base including an assessment of nuclear facility restoration needs and funding for a new Space Force operations facility plus pavement and maintenance work. AI & Public Safety: A UND law professor says a Park Rapids man’s case shows how AI crime apps can move faster than the law, wrongly labeling a radio-based incident as a sex crime. Nuclear Water Planning: North Dakota’s water regulator says the Missouri River is the best surface-water source if a nuclear reactor is built, and notes coordination with neighboring states. Rural Health Tech & Staffing: Year one of ND’s five-year Rural Health Transformation plan is rolling out equipment grants first, while workforce retention remains the biggest long-term challenge. Cyber & Scams: A North Dakota-linked QR-code “court payment” scam highlights how online fraud acts like a hidden tax on the digital economy. Energy & Agriculture Policy: A policy deep-dive explains how agricultural decisions get shaped behind the scenes before votes, including assumptions, data vulnerabilities, and farm safety net tradeoffs. Community & Citizenship: Fargo-area residents celebrated new U.S. citizens, including a medical technologist and a National Guard member planning to attend NDSU.

AI in Higher Ed: UND is rolling out an “AI across the curriculum” push through its AI Instructional Manager role, aiming to build AI literacy while addressing concerns about critical thinking and mental health. Broadband for AI: LOGIX says it deployed a multi-terabit wavelength route in Texas as AI and cloud demand drive faster network expansion; the piece also points to North Dakota’s growing connectivity plans tied to AI infrastructure. Rural Health Tech & Care: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program is in year one, with early focus on clinical equipment grants for critical access and tribal hospitals and a bigger long-term bet on workforce retention. Ag Policy & Liability: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to failure-to-warn claims, with North Dakota already among states that passed similar measures. Ethics & Trust: A North Dakota Ethics Commission survey finds many residents lack confidence that state officials act ethically, with low trust shared across business owners, employees, and the broader public. Global Trade Recognition: The North Dakota Trade Office honored three companies for international growth, including Kindred-based ICE Crystal Engineering for exporter of the year. Cyber Safety: A commentary highlights how online scams act like a “hidden tax,” warning people not to pay court-style QR code threats. Weather & Health: New research maps where pollen allergies hit hardest in 2026, with Oklahoma worst and Texas near the top.

Rural Health Tech & Workforce: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation plan is in year one of a five-year, ~$1B federal push, with early focus on clinical equipment grants (including $40M for critical access and tribal hospitals) and a clear warning that staffing and retention will be the hardest part. AgTech on the Ground: 701x is expanding its rancher-focused connected cattle tools in North Dakota, moving from early adopters to broader herd use as GPS-enabled ear tags and health/location alerts prove their value. Soil-Saving Practices: NDSU soil experts say wind erosion is a warning sign and argue that no-till and reduced tillage are key to keeping topsoil in place for future generations. Cyber Safety: A new commentary highlights how online scams act like a “hidden tax” on the digital economy, urging extra caution with QR-code payment threats and other fraud tactics. Local Governance & Waste: Grand Forks residents raised concerns about a proposed yard waste site and townhome definition changes, focusing on litter, pests, odors, and traffic impacts. Trade Recognition: Three North Dakota companies were honored for international trade performance at the North Dakota Trade Office’s Global Business Connections Conference. Water & Environment Funding: The EPA awarded $684,000 to North Dakota agriculture and environmental agencies, including pesticide regulation support and a feasibility study for upgrades to Maxbass’s water system.