AGP Executive Report

Transportation & Construction: Sioux Falls is set for multiple road impacts, including a Sept. 28 closure of the Minnesota Avenue (Exit 3) northbound off-ramp on I-229 for about two weeks, plus other lane and sidewalk work starting Sept. 21 and Sept. 24. Agriculture & Energy Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing farmers as officials weigh diesel export limits, with concerns that higher fuel costs could feed into food prices. STEM & Manufacturing Education: South Dakota Mines students turned engineering into entertainment at Rapid City’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, building siege engines and launching pumpkins hundreds of feet. Local Film & Creative Industry: “Thread Bound,” shot in South Dakota, premiered in theaters statewide with meet-and-greets across the state. Research & Science: Scientists at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills say they may have detected dark matter, though they’re still scrutinizing results. Community Development: Grand Forks leaders toured Sioux Falls mixed-use and affordable housing projects, looking for ideas to redevelop Grand Forks’ former water treatment plant. Public Safety & Policy: The FCC and FEMA plan a nationwide Emergency Alert System test Nov. 17, requiring broadcasters to file reporting forms. Consumer Finance: South Dakota is among states receiving money from a multistate settlement tied to predatory auto lending by Credit Acceptance.

Agriculture & Trade Politics: A South Dakota House candidate is spotlighting beef import pressure, arguing Trump’s plan to allow cheaper foreign beef could hurt ranchers and force GOP lawmakers to answer for it. Energy & Safety: A South Dakota-relevant warning story: a farm sprayer boom contacting overhead power lines sent thousands of volts through equipment and a worker, underscoring the need for safer field operations around power infrastructure. Research & Innovation: Scientists at Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills say dark matter signals at the Lux Zeplin experiment may be emerging, with researchers now digging through months of data to rule out other explanations. Local Development: Grand Forks leaders toured Sioux Falls riverside mixed-use projects, looking for ideas to redevelop the former water treatment plant and expand affordable housing options. Infrastructure: Sioux Falls announced multiple road and sidewalk closures starting Sept. 21, including Minnesota Avenue lane work and 10th Street lane impacts. Aviation & Industry: South Dakota Mines honored community champions, including a long-time civil engineering and entrepreneurship supporter tied to regional innovation and commercialization. Food & Farming Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing harvest budgets in the Dakotas and beyond, raising fears of higher food costs ahead.

Election Countdown: Early in-person voting is underway in South Dakota and other states as the midterms near, with ballot-mailing already rolling in 20 states and voters focused on cost pressures. Energy Costs: National gas prices rose to about $4.44 a gallon as crude stayed near $100, while record diesel prices are squeezing farmers and raising fears for food costs. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls announced multiple road and sidewalk projects starting Sept. 21 and 24, including lane closures on Minnesota Avenue, 10th Street, and Veterans Parkway. South Dakota Mines & STEM Partnerships: South Dakota Mines honored International Students Inc. and alumnus Jim Quinn as Community Champions, highlighting industry ties and commercialization support. Science Watch: Researchers at the Sanford Underground Research Facility say they may have detected dark matter signals at the Lux Zeplin experiment, with more months of data review ahead. Housing & Development Learning Trips: Grand Forks officials toured Sioux Falls riverside mixed-use projects and Brookings’ affordable housing development, looking for ideas for redeveloping local sites. Farm Policy Push: South Dakota Farmers Union leaders met with lawmakers in Washington to press for an updated Farm Bill covering fuel, input costs, food safety, disasters, and conservation. Agriculture Risk & Margins: The National Farmers Union is pitching a “2-for-1” soil enhancement and price-support concept (IMSET) to improve risk coverage when crop prices fall.

Housing & Urban Development: Grand Forks leaders toured Sioux Falls riverside mixed-use projects and came away focused on redeveloping Grand Forks’ former water treatment plant, aiming to restart planning with new ideas. Affordable Homebuilding: Brookings showed off Branch Creek, a 23-acre affordable housing development expected to deliver 130 homes by 2027-2029, with early pricing tied to South Dakota’s first-time buyer program. Agriculture & Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing South Dakota and regional farmers during harvest, raising fears of higher food prices as fuel and input costs surge. Farm Policy Push: South Dakota Farmers Union members headed to Washington to press for a Farm Bill updated for today’s fuel, input, disaster, conservation, and food-safety realities. Science & Energy: Sanford Underground Research Facility scientists say they may have detected dark matter signals at the Lux Zeplin experiment in a South Dakota gold mine, pending deeper review. Health Policy: Trump announced Medicaid “most favored nation” drug pricing access in all 50 states, with the White House citing major Medicaid savings. Local Governance: A divided South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 5-4 to recommend a pardon in a 2001 sex offense case, with Governor Rhoden holding final authority. Aviation/Defense: The Air Force says it will extend the service lives of B-1B and B-2 bombers as B-21 Raider deliveries ramp up, with Ellsworth Air Force Base slated for 2027 arrivals.

Medicaid Drug Costs: President Trump announced a voluntary “most-favored-nation” Medicaid pricing model (GENEROUS) that would extend lower drug prices to all 50 states, with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden joining the rollout; the White House says it could cut Medicaid drug spending by more than $64B over 10 years, though which drugs qualify wasn’t fully detailed. Farm Bill Push: South Dakota Farmers Union leaders and producers traveled to Washington to press for a Farm Bill updated for today’s input costs, fuel, disaster and conservation needs, and food safety—arguing the last bill is outdated. Diesel Squeeze on Harvest: Record U.S. diesel prices are hitting South Dakota farmers hard, with one producer expecting up to $1,500 per day to fuel a combine, raising fears of higher food costs. CAFO Fight in the Dakotas: Residents in Edmunds and Tripp counties are weighing in on proposed large CAFOs, including a 25,000-cow dairy near Mina Lake and a 13,500-sow facility near Winner, with concerns tied to zoning, water, roads and air quality. Airport Development Funding: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved updates to its funding policy to better support airport terminal projects, including a higher state match for most public airport grants. World Food Program Leadership: UN named South Dakota native Luke Lindberg, a USDA agriculture official, as the next executive director of the World Food Programme amid hunger and funding pressure. Local Governance & Clemency: A divided South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 5-4 to recommend a pardon for a man convicted in 2001, with the final call now with Gov. Larry Rhoden.

Auto Finance Consumer Relief: South Dakota will receive nearly $105,000 from a multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation, tied to allegations of predatory auto loans that led to defaults and repossessions; the state says settlement funds will support future consumer protection efforts. Energy & Water for Western SD: Rep. Dusty Johnson says his bill to require federal studies on delivering more water to western South Dakota cleared the House Natural Resources Committee, while he also highlighted biofuels and year-round E15 as lower-cost options for drivers and support for rural producers. Wetlands Funding: The EPA awarded nearly $3 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the region, including South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources receiving about $303,305 to strengthen wetland protection and flood resilience. Construction & Infrastructure: The SDDOT plans to reopen the northbound Cliff Avenue (I-229 exit 4) off-ramp in Sioux Falls on Sept. 24 (weather dependent), with right turns only until late fall paving work. Agriculture Cost Pressure: A Reuters report spotlights record diesel prices squeezing South Dakota farmers during harvest, with fuel costs rising sharply versus last year. Community Forestry Grants: South Dakota DANR opened applications for the 2026 Community Forestry Grant program; communities, tribes, and nonprofits can apply with a match by Oct. 2. Healthcare Workforce Expansion: SDSU celebrated the opening of the Metro Center in Sioux Falls, adding a visible home for nursing and pharmacy training and simulation space.

Auto Finance Accountability: South Dakota and other states are tied to a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory car loans, including cash and debt relief plus new consumer-protection requirements aimed at stopping risky lending and dealer “packing” of unwanted add-ons. Energy & Transportation Costs: Analysts warn gas and diesel prices could jump again as disruptions ripple from Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline damage and ongoing oil infrastructure strikes—diesel is already hitting record levels, a direct hit to trucking and retail. Broadband Expansion: Midco rolled out Beyond Gig 3.0 and Wi‑Fi 7, adding a new 4 Gig x 1 Gig tier in eligible markets to boost speeds for streaming, gaming, and remote work. Local Retail Growth: Fareway broke ground on a new 21,000-square-foot Fareway Meat & Grocery store in Brandon, targeting completion in fall 2027 and adding jobs plus a full-service meat department. Agriculture Policy Watch: The Senate Ag Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 to conference, keeping dairy-focused provisions in play that matter to rural processors and producers. Public Safety: Sioux Falls reported a record DUI enforcement push tied partly to grant funding, with officials saying the trend shows no signs of slowing. Civic & Community: Yankton County approved a 0.25% sales tax starting July 1 to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, while Rapid City’s Humane Society is opening “Kitty City,” a new cat-focused shelter facility. Tech & Education: Students at South Dakota Mines are preparing a trebuchet for Pumpkin Chunkin’, showing hands-on engineering skills.

Consumer Finance Crackdown: Multistate attorneys general, including South Dakota’s AG team, announced a $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation, aimed at ending abusive practices and delivering cash and debt relief to tens of thousands of borrowers. Local Business & Manufacturing: Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. and food manufacturer CJ Schwan’s signed a five-year sponsorship through 2030, with a new facility in the works at Foundation Park. Ag Policy Watch: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the 2026 farm bill on a party-line vote, with debate focused on how states share costs for federal nutrition benefits. South Dakota Agriculture Capacity: SDSU is reopening the Cottonwood Field Station and the Transient Animal Facility at the end of September, boosting range management and hands-on livestock research. Energy & Community Impact: A Rosebud Sioux Reservation rooftop solar project helped 10 income-qualified homes cut the tribe housing authority’s electric bills by $8,122 in the first full year. Economic Development: Brookings Regional Growth Alliance shared a progress report with city council, including work on workforce connections and a hotel redevelopment study. Pork Industry Input: The National Pork Board launched six producer advisory committees to steer domestic marketing, nutrition science, and other priorities. Regulatory & Permitting Climate: A new Red Tape 50 ranking puts South Dakota in the top tier for speed and ease of building and operating a business.

USDA & Meat Processing: USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden backed a push to expand state meat inspection capacity, and USDA announced a Stand-Up Program offering up to $50M to help states start or expand meat inspection programs—aimed at boosting local processing and market access for ranchers and smaller processors. Farm Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 along party lines after Democrats objected to nutrition provisions, moving the farm bill one step closer to full Senate action. Specialty Crops & Extension: SDSU Extension will host Annie’s Project for specialty crop producers, a six-week virtual risk-management program for fruit, flower, and vegetable growers. Energy & Infrastructure: Sioux Falls opened a new $14.7M Light, Power & Traffic facility to consolidate power, traffic signals, signs, and fiber operations under one roof. Agriculture Health: Anthrax was confirmed in a South Dakota cow-calf herd in Meade County, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps. Local Governance & Schools: Rapid City school leaders urged voters to look past misconceptions as they prepare for a $107M bond effort focused on HVAC, safety, and new construction. Rural Logistics: A USPS transportation overhaul is adding extra transit time for many rural ZIP codes, raising concerns about service equity and on-time delivery. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices stayed elevated statewide, with Minnehaha County’s lowest reported diesel at $4.88 in the week ending Sept. 5.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, tied to alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Farm Bill Push: South Dakota Farmers Union members are in Washington for a DC fly-in, pressing lawmakers as the Senate Ag Committee moves toward a long-overdue farm bill vote. AI Regulation Pressure: Congress faces mounting urgency on AI rules after major AI leaders called for slower development, while lawmakers weigh proposals amid election-year recess pressures. Agriculture & Food Systems: A new Women’s Ag Network launches in South Dakota to connect, educate, and grow women’s leadership across farming and conservation. Food Access Planning: South Dakota releases its first statewide Food Landscape Assessment and will host “The Future of Food” gatherings to tackle affordability and access. Swine Research Leadership: SDSU names Crystal Levesque the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production, expanding research focus and honoring a long-time swine leader. Flood Resilience: The Army Corps and Union County partner on a Lower Big Sioux River flood risk management study after 2024 flooding, with public input planned. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for drought-impacted South Dakota counties, offering low-interest working capital support. Energy Grid Debate: Federated Rural Electric members discuss a proposed 765-kV transmission line that could affect landowners and require early comment filings. Local Business Strain: A Mitchell-area barbecue supply storefront faces a cash crunch as it tries to stay open after a short-term lease window. Community Arts: A new Watertown theater group, 605 Theater Company, launches with plans for year-round workshops and a December “A Christmas Carol.”

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged overcharges from Biden-era Obamacare “user fees.” Food System Planning: South Dakota released its first-ever Food Landscape Assessment, launching community conversations on food affordability, access, and nutrition security. Healthcare Employer Spotlight: Avera Health landed on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers 2026 list, ranking third in South Dakota. Bridges & Rural Infrastructure: The South Dakota Transportation Commission approved about $3.5M for 40 local bridge projects, including design and preliminary engineering. Public Records Update: Yankton School District is revising its public records policy due to increased “data miner” requests, shifting more handling to the business manager. Flood-Control Study: The U.S. Army Corps and local partners will study upgrades to protect the lower Big Sioux River area, including McCook Lake. Agriculture Watch: Allendale’s survey projects slightly lower U.S. corn and soybean yields, with South Dakota corn projected below USDA’s estimate. Fertilizer Pricing Probe: USDA is collecting farmer input as the FTC investigates possible unfair fertilizer pricing. Livestock & Biosecurity: A fresh bird flu wave is hitting commercial turkey farms across the Dakotas and Minnesota. Energy & Rates: South Dakota Mines hosts a major fall career fair with 230+ employers, while local fuel-price reports show diesel and gas moving week to week. Science & Industry Talent: LZ dark matter results are again drawing attention to Sanford Underground Research Facility’s role in cutting-edge physics.

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged Biden-era premium “user fee” overcharges, including South Dakota. Engineering & Growth: Interstate Engineering marked 50 years since starting in Jamestown and has expanded across the Dakotas and beyond; the firm also named David Doxtad CEO and advanced Andy Brandel to COO. Agriculture Finance: Sureties are seeking priority over BMO in Hansen-Mueller grain proceeds disputes, with claims tied to unpaid producers across multiple states including South Dakota. Food Security: Feeding South Dakota is marking Hunger Action Month, citing rising food insecurity and announcing September donation matching plus a volunteer-a-thon in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Energy Costs for Farmers: A new look at fuel surcharges shows rail and freight add-ons are quietly eroding farmer profits, with South Dakota routes cited among steep year-over-year jumps. Workforce & Industry Pipeline: South Dakota Mines hosts a fall career fair with 230+ employers recruiting for science, engineering and tech roles. Local Governance: Mitchell is weighing a new city position for business recruitment and housing development as part of its 2027 budget discussions. Transportation & Infrastructure: Yankton approved a $62M 2027 budget and tabled an alcohol license request over building and fire-code concerns. Science & Tech: LZ researchers at Sanford Underground Research Facility report a rare interaction that could hint at dark matter, while stressing it’s not yet a confirmed discovery. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports South Dakota regular gas averaging about $3.95 for the week ending Sept. 5, with E85 prices also tracked statewide.

Hunger Relief: Feeding South Dakota says food insecurity is rising, with 130,340 people in the state affected (including 1 in 5 children), and it’s teaming up with First Interstate Bank for September donation matching plus a volunteer-a-thon in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. City Finance: Yankton approved a 2027 budget ordinance topping $62M, down from $93M in 2025 and $72M in 2026, with the wastewater treatment project driving past spending. AI Policy: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox urged Congress to set a national “frontier AI” framework with safety reporting, independent evaluations, and protections for whistleblowers. Agriculture & Research: SDSU expanded its swine education and research facility by 50% with a $1.8M addition, boosting wean-to-finish capacity for more trials. Workforce Pipeline: South Dakota Mines hosts a Fall Career Fair Sept. 15 with 230+ employers recruiting for science, engineering and tech roles. Animal Health: H5N1 avian flu was confirmed in commercial poultry across South Dakota and neighboring states, including an Edmunds County breeding operation. Outdoor Economy: Tourism leaders warn federal funding cuts could hurt Black Hills parks and visitor infrastructure, threatening a tourism industry worth billions. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show E85, diesel and regular prices shifting across counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with several counties seeing single-station “lowest” deals. Public Lands & Water: Federal proposals could narrow Clean Water Act protections and affect Swampbuster mapping, raising alarms for prairie potholes and waterfowl habitat.

Energy & Land Use: A new Center for Rural Affairs fact sheet maps how Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota counties are tightening rules for utility-scale wind and solar siting, noting big year-over-year growth in published solar and wind ordinances from 2025 to 2026. Agriculture & Animal Health: USDA data show seven new H5N1 detections since Sept. 1, concentrated in commercial turkey operations across the Dakotas and nearby states, with federal culling rules driving bird counts. Food & Local Business: Rosebud Building Products on the Rosebud Reservation earned South Dakota’s 2026 Hardware All Star honor from HBSDealer, highlighting growth plus community investment. Water & Drainage Research: The 25th Annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum returns with a field tour and full-day conference focused on modern drainage and water management for producers and contractors. Public Works & Transportation: SDDOT is seeking public input on an I-29 Exit 15 interchange reconstruction in Elk Point, with an open house set for Sept. 30. Entrepreneurship: South Dakota entrepreneurs and students can apply for the 2027 Governor’s Giant Vision Competition, offering mentorship and cash prizes. Higher Ed & Workforce: SDSU reports strong fall enrollment with the highest in-state student count in 11 years, supporting the state’s talent pipeline. Housing & Community Development: Watertown’s Benedictine Sisters plan to transform their monastery land into The Village at Harmony Hill, a multi-generational housing and services project. Energy Infrastructure (Defense): The Air Force activated a B-21 Integration Detachment at Ellsworth AFB to coordinate the bomber’s arrival and integration work. Local Governance Watch: South Dakota AG Jackley says DCI reviewed Edmunds County Commissioner-elect Julie Burgod’s petition discrepancies and owner-occupied tax status, sending findings to the Department of Revenue.

Health Care & Consumer Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges collected during the Biden administration. Transportation Infrastructure: SDDOT will host a public open house Sept. 30 in Elk Point on an Interstate 29 (Exit 15) interchange reconstruction, including ramp changes, grading/surfacing, and ADA work—residents and commuters can meet design staff and submit input. Entrepreneurship: South Dakota entrepreneurs and student innovators can apply for the 2027 Governor’s Giant Vision Competition, with an open division for businesses up to three years old (prizes up to $20,000) and a student division (awards up to $5,000). Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports midgrade and regular price points across South Dakota counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with Minnehaha County midgrade hitting a low of $3.99 and statewide regular averaging about $3.95. Defense & Aviation: The Air Force is accelerating a roughly $2 billion transformation at Ellsworth AFB to support the first operational B-21 Raider base, with a new B-21 Integration Detachment activated for mission integration and sustainment. Local Business Recognition: Rosebud Building Products on the Rosebud Reservation earned South Dakota’s 2026 Hardware All Star honor from HBSDealer for growth and community-focused service.

Health Care Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds tied to Obamacare “overcharges” from federal exchange user fees. Defense & Aerospace: The U.S. Air Force is accelerating a nearly $2 billion Ellsworth Air Force Base upgrade to support the first operational B-21 Raider bomber base, with a dedicated integration detachment activated Sept. 9. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Codington County at $3.39 (week ending Sept. 5), while diesel hit $5.26 in Miner County; statewide averages remain lower than spring peaks but still volatile. STEM & Workforce: South Dakota Mines welcomed nearly 2,500 students and a transfer class of about 80, citing continued demand for science, engineering and technology. Agriculture & Food Systems: A regenerative agriculture story highlights farmers blending soil health with spiritual motivations, while USDA-related coverage points to shifting expectations for crops like sorghum. Local Community: Rapid City’s Fairytale 5K raised support for Storybook Island, aiming to keep admission free and expand attractions.