AGP Executive Report

AI & Higher Ed: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved four AI-focused degree programs, including a DSU doctoral AI degree and SDSU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI Engineering options starting this fall—aimed at careers in autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and intelligent infrastructure. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap idle generation to prevent heat-wave blackouts across parts of 17 states. Critical Minerals & Supply Chains: Reuters reports Trump’s push to cut Chinese critical-mineral reliance by Jan. 1, 2027 is colliding with a shortage of ready U.S. mining and processing capacity. Agribusiness: Smithfield says Sioux Falls is the ideal location for a new $1.3B fresh pork packaging facility, citing proximity to hog producers and South Dakota feed sources. Drought & Livestock: SDSU Extension is urging livestock producers to test water for salt after drought and high salt levels have made some sources unsafe. Roads & Construction: Rapid City roadwork ramps up with multiple lane closures and detours through October. Public Health & Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of organic lentil soup in 27 states over spoilage risk. Weather Watch: Severe storms are possible today in western South Dakota, with damaging winds and heavy rain the main threats.

AI & Higher Ed: South Dakota’s Board of Regents greenlit four new AI degree programs—DSU adds a doctoral AI degree, while SDSU launches bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering tracks—aimed at workforce and research growth starting this fall. Severe Weather & Power: Straight-line winds topping 90 mph hit the Sioux Empire, with officials reporting widespread tree and fence damage and no tornado; meanwhile, a broader heat wave is pushing power demand and prompting emergency grid steps across a multi-state region. Agriculture Resilience: SDSU Extension is offering free livestock water testing as drought and naturally salty soils raise salt levels that can harm growth and reproduction. Construction & Infrastructure: Major work is underway at Wounded Knee District School on Pine Ridge, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, plus Sioux Falls road closures and repairs begin this week. Energy Markets: National gas averages rose to $4.09 amid higher crude prices, while extreme heat continues to threaten records and strain grids. Food Safety: Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup is recalled in 27 states, including South Dakota, over a pull-tab manufacturing issue; the FDA classifies it as Class II. Local Business: Baskin-Robbins is returning to Sioux Falls with construction underway for a new shop later this year. Mining Watch: Dakota Gold Corp. reported 2026 drilling at the Richmond Hill project, feeding a pre-feasibility study slated for late 2026. Community Grants: Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up awarded $25,500 to local groups, including Lake County 4-H.

Row-Crop Pressure: Farm Bureau projects major row-crop farmers will lose about $32B in 2027 after $31B in 2026, citing high inflation, low prices, and volatile input costs—an issue that hits South Dakota’s corn, soybeans, and wheat acreage hard. Extreme Heat & Power: A broad heat wave is stressing the central U.S., with South Dakota forecasts pushing record territory and raising energy demand; Sioux Falls-area storms also knocked out power for thousands. Food Supply Watch: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (pull-tab seal defect) across 27 states including South Dakota, and the FDA classified it as a spoilage-risk recall—check lot 60D0924, best-before April 2027. Local Roads & Construction: Sioux Falls road closures and repairs are scheduled for late July, with detours and lane impacts around South Grange Avenue and other corridors. Agriculture Community: Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up awarded $25,500 in grants, including $1,000 to Lake County 4-H for new rabbit cages. Policy & Property: A legal analysis warns utilities could use eminent domain to support data-center power buildouts, raising concerns for landowners. Century Farm Applications: South Dakota Farm Bureau is inviting families to apply for Century Farm recognition, with a deadline of Aug. 1.

Food Safety: Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) is recalled in 27 states, including South Dakota, after a manufacturing defect involving the can’s pull tab raised spoilage risk; affected lots include lot 60D0924 with a “better if used before” of April 2027. Local Construction & Traffic: Sioux Falls road work ramps up with closures starting Monday, July 27 (South Grange Ave between 11th and 12th) and additional lane impacts around East 16th Street and other downtown areas, with detours and repairs expected to take about 1–2 weeks. Energy & Weather: A major heat wave is stressing power grids across the central U.S.; Rapid City could hit record highs near 105°F, and utilities are urging customers to cut usage to avoid grid strain. Higher Education & Tech Workforce: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs—Dakota State adds a doctoral AI degree, while South Dakota State expands AI engineering at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Agriculture: Heat and limited rainfall are raising concerns for soybean yields as many fields move through flowering and bloom stages. Mining: Dakota Gold Corp. says its 2026 Richmond Hill drilling campaign is complete, feeding a pre-feasibility study expected in Q4 2026. Civic/Policy: The South Dakota attorney general released a draft explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would allow exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products.

Extreme Heat & Power Demand: A persistent heat wave is gripping the central U.S., with Rapid City, SD forecast near record highs around 105°F and energy demand rising as wind generation weakens. Crop Stress in the Dakotas: Soybeans are in a critical flowering/bloom stage, and growers are watching for both heat recovery at night and whether rainfall arrives to prevent yield penalties. Local Energy Preparedness: Power providers across the region are urging customers to cut usage early to avoid grid strain during triple-digit temperatures. AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI degrees—Dakota State’s doctoral AI program and South Dakota State’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering track—aimed at workforce needs in areas like precision agriculture and manufacturing. Mining Update: Dakota Gold Corp. says its 2026 Richmond Hill drilling campaign is complete, feeding a pre-feasibility study expected in Q4 2026. Agriculture Funding: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, with South Dakota listed as a priority state. Food Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of organic lentil soup in multiple states including South Dakota due to a pull-tab defect that can lead to spoilage. Sioux Falls Business: Baskin-Robbins is returning to Sioux Falls after 37 years, with construction underway for a new shop on South Minnesota Avenue. Civic/Policy Watch: The South Dakota AG released a draft ballot explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would create exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products.

AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new artificial intelligence degree programs—an AI doctorate at Dakota State and AI engineering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate tracks at South Dakota State—expanding AI training across the state’s public university system. University Research Infrastructure: SDSU also cleared a preliminary facility statement for a new on-campus computing center, a step aimed at boosting research capacity as AI and data-heavy fields grow. Agriculture Funding & Risk: The U.S. House advanced a roughly $95 billion budget framework that includes $12 billion in new farm aid, but Senate leaders—including South Dakota’s John Thune—signal major hurdles ahead. Water & Health Watch: A Columbia University study links lithium in household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, with findings showing drinking water as a major contributor to urinary lithium levels in Western Tribal communities. Energy & Grid Pressure: Power providers in the region are preparing for possible triple-digit heat, urging customers to conserve early to protect the grid. Conservation Dollars: USDA’s NRCS is making $3 million available for wetland mitigation banking projects, with South Dakota listed among priority states. Local Business Impact: Downtown Sioux Falls road work tied to railroad crossing upgrades is expected to wrap mid-August, with businesses reporting sales slowdowns during closures. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of organic lentil soup nationwide due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage, including distribution in South Dakota.

AI Education Expansion: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved four new AI programs for fall, including a Dakota State doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence and SDSU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in AI Engineering—building a full pipeline from undergrad to research. University Tech Funding: The Regents also asked lawmakers for nearly $60.5M for building and maintenance, plus $20M one-time and $4.5M ongoing to build and maintain a systemwide AI technology platform. Energy & Power Costs: Trump expanded a Ratepayer Protection Pledge aimed at keeping AI data-center grid upgrade costs off utility bills, with 200+ signatories including major utilities and data-center firms. Local Housing Development: Vermillion City Council approved a TIF district for a planned 56-unit multi-family project at Elm and Alumni streets, with an independent review required under new state law. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup—Light Sodium due to a lid defect that can compromise the seal, with no obvious external damage. Consumer Costs Watch: AAA reported the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, citing crude volatility. Sports & Community: Rapid City Post 320 swept its Legion series, and Watertown advanced to the State American Legion Tournament with a 2-0 win over Pierre.

Higher Ed & AI Funding: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5M for university building projects, maintenance, a Rapid City national defense center, and AI upgrades—$20M one-time to build an AI system plus $4.5M ongoing to maintain it. New AI Degrees: SDSU and DSU are rolling out fresh AI pathways, including an AI doctoral degree at DSU and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering degrees at SDSU, starting fall 2026. Workforce & Trades Pipeline: Sioux Falls’ Home Builders Care Foundation is hosting luxury home tours to fund scholarships and trades workforce development. Road & Construction Impacts: Sioux Falls road work is in full midsummer swing, with multiple projects affecting traffic and timelines. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium due to a pull-tab defect that can break the seal; the affected lot is 60D0924. Agriculture Watch: Heat is pushing wheat development and harvest forward, with conditions still stressing parts of the Plains. Energy & Data Centers: Congress and the White House are moving to stop large data centers from shifting grid upgrade costs onto ratepayers, expanding a federal pledge to utilities and data-center developers. Local Business: Baskin-Robbins is returning to Sioux Falls with a new location and drive-thru. Community & Housing: Rapid City remote yard waste/recycling sites will temporarily close for construction and events, and Rapid City school officials approved a $214.8M FY2027 budget with raises and facility work.

Transportation Planning: SDDOT will host public open houses for the Ethan and Dimock Master Transportation Plans, with informal one-on-one sessions and written comments accepted through Aug. 17. Broadband Expansion: Bluepeak is teaming with Harmonic to speed fiber rollout, using Harmonic’s cOS platform plus Pearl remote OLTs and SeaStar optical nodes to extend multi-gigabit service into lower-density MDUs. Ag & Livestock: South Dakota Farm Bureau’s NextGen Beef Tour runs Aug. 21-22 near Mitchell, pairing networking and operation tours for young producers. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 180,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium due to a pull-tab defect that could raise spoilage risk, including distribution in South Dakota. Public Health: West Nile virus cases are rising faster than usual, with CDC reporting 48 human cases across 23 states and four deaths so far. Community Health: Rosebud Sioux Tribe is moving ahead with a $4.6 million outpatient behavioral health facility to expand culturally grounded mental health and substance use services. Road & Taxes: Yankton County officials are getting help explaining a new road and bridge levy, while Pennington County approved a new half-cent gross receipts and use tax aimed at reducing owner-occupied property taxes. Energy/Weather Watch: A drought map update shows mixed Plains conditions, and forecasters warn of dangerous heat pushing into the region.

Road & Infrastructure: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction is nearing a key traffic shift, with inside lanes expected to open from Elizabeth Street south by July 24, and more public updates starting Wednesday. Local Government & Tax Policy: Pennington County approved a new half-percent gross receipts and use tax aimed at cutting owner-occupied property taxes, but Rapid City officials warn businesses may pass some costs to consumers and will need POS updates. Agriculture Policy: South Dakota Farmers Union leaders say the next Farm Bill fight hinges on whether SNAP is included, while producers also push for faster action on input costs and a Senate Agriculture Committee review. Food & Consumer Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup due to easy-open pull-tab defects that could raise spoilage risk, including distribution in South Dakota. Meat Industry Economics: A study commissioned by the Meat Institute says mandatory country-of-origin labels for beef and pork could add roughly 9 cents and 8 cents per pound, respectively, even as tracking tech may soften impacts. Energy & Broadband: Bluepeak is accelerating fiber expansion across multiple states, using Harmonic’s virtualized core and optical gear to extend service into lower-density MDUs. Renewables: Xcel Energy completed Sherco Solar Phase 3 in Minnesota, boosting capacity to 710 MW and setting up a potential Phase 4 expansion. Public Health & Community: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe broke ground on a $4.6M behavioral health center designed to combine clinical services with traditional healing. Retail Growth: Natural Grocers opened its second South Dakota store in Rapid City, drawing long lines and pledging support for Feeding South Dakota. Workforce & Education: DSU FBLA students earned national recognition at the Collegiate National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. Traffic Safety Planning: Sturgis adopted a “Safe Streets” plan targeting zero traffic deaths by 2040, using crash data to prioritize high-risk intersections and rally-season hazards.

Agriculture Funding: A U.S. Senate Appropriations panel is weighing USDA’s $11.1 billion emergency farm aid request, including $10 billion for temporary economic assistance and $1.1 billion for 2026 catastrophic freeze losses, with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds also urging access to year-round E15. Water Infrastructure: Senators advanced a $10 million feasibility study for expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, a project spanning South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Tribal Gaming: The National Indian Gaming Commission reports record $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue for FY2025, up 5.3%, with the Rapid City region roughly flat to slightly down. Solar Development: A new $165 million, 99-megawatt Grant Solar project near Canistota is moving forward, even as some neighbors raise concerns about land and property impacts. Local Construction & Roads: Sioux Falls will close the main entrance to Spencer Park July 23-25 for Cliff Avenue paving. Veterinary Supply Chain: The FDA launched a pilot to encourage more domestic animal drug manufacturing by prioritizing applications when both finished products and active ingredients are made in the U.S. Energy & Power Demand: A heat wave and grid strain are prompting rolling blackout warnings across multiple states, including South Dakota. Ag Education: FNBO is donating nearly $40,000 to FFA programs across South Dakota and neighboring states. State Fair Livestock: The South Dakota State Fair Foundation kicked off “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” to raise $240,000 for 450 new swine pens. Leadership Change: Tom Young retired as executive director of the South Dakota Oilseeds Council; Jennifer Scharpe takes over. Data Centers: Yankton County approved a 6-month data center and bitcoin mining moratorium while it drafts rules.

Tribal Health & Construction: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is moving ahead with a $4.6 million outpatient behavioral health treatment facility, funded by major grants and designed to expand culturally grounded care next to its detox center and near IHS emergency services. Ag Tech & Pest Control: The EPA approved Vertento for use on sunflowers to manage resistant red sunflower seed weevils under a South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources emergency exemption. Water Infrastructure: Western Dakota Regional Water System feasibility work is one step closer after a Senate committee advanced the act to fund the study, with officials saying it could take years once it starts. Local Tax Policy: Pennington County in Rapid City unanimously approved new gross receipts and use taxes starting Jan. 1, 2027, framing it as a shift from property taxes toward sales-related revenue. Energy & Renewables: Sherco Solar Phase 3 is complete in Minnesota, boosting output to 710 MW and signaling continued regional clean-energy investment tied to the retiring coal plant. Power Reliability: Grid warnings are rising, with rolling blackout alerts tied to heat demand and growing data-center load. Agriculture Risk: USDA restored the prevented planting buy-up option for producers, adding another layer of protection for farmers facing planting delays. Housing & Development: Zillow says hundreds of thousands of small empty lots listed for sale could reduce the U.S. housing shortage by about 6% if building becomes feasible. Economic Growth Watch: Rapid City reported record building permits—$273.3 million in the first half of 2026—showing continued commercial and industrial momentum. Tribal Gaming: Tribal gaming hit a record $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue for FY2025, underscoring steady growth across states. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of lentil soup in multiple states, including South Dakota, due to a can defect that could lead to spoilage.

Sturgis Traffic Plan: SDDOT is rolling out temporary traffic signals at eight high-traffic intersections and cutting speeds Aug. 6–16 during the Aug. 7–16 rally, including a drop on I-90 between Rapid City and Sturgis, plus dynamic message boards and a pause in U.S. 385 work Aug. 5–18. Local Transportation Engineering: Rapid City is considering its first roundabouts to improve flow and safety, with the most advanced proposal at St. Patrick St. and Elm Ave. Livestock & Ranching: South Dakota Stockgrowers are meeting in Rapid City to tackle drought-driven feed costs and ranchers’ concerns about RFID cattle tag data storage and access. Ag Policy Watch: The U.S. House is pushing a long-shot agriculture funding bid tied to Iran war and budget offsets, with South Dakota Sen. John Thune saying key questions remain. Beef Board Nominations: USDA is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, with applications due July 24. Capitol Restoration: South Dakota’s Capitol rotunda and dome restoration is underway with $13 million already approved and a potential full renovation price tag of at least $150 million. Tech for Integrations: Prismatic announced native large data sync capabilities aimed at helping B2B firms move big customer datasets through their existing integration platform. Local Food Network: SDSU Extension released a directory mapping South Dakota’s local food organizations to help connect producers, consumers, and communities. Workforce & Education: FFA advisors from Gettysburg, Wall and Langford were named National Teacher Ambassadors for 2026–27.

Ranching & Water: The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is holding its annual Rapid City convention, with ranchers flagging RFID data storage worries and drought-driven feed costs. Housing & Growth: Canistota’s revitalization story keeps rolling, with new housing development turning a small agriculture town into a regional hub. Agriculture Watch: USDA-style crop condition updates show corn ratings slipping slightly while soybeans improve, reflecting hot, dry pressure in parts of the West. Energy & Industry: POET’s Big Stone City thermal storage project is moving from headlines to contracts, aiming to sell firm heat via long-term agreements. Public Safety: Rapid City-area EMS coverage is under threat, with Pennington County warned the Rapid City Fire Department may stop rural service after 2026 unless funding is found. Local Business: Dollar Tree plans to close 75 “substandard” locations by end of 2026, including multiple Sioux Falls stores. Politics & Legal: A federal judge temporarily blocked South Dakota from enforcing an abortion advertising ban against a nonprofit and attorney, citing likely First Amendment issues. Transportation: Sturgis rally traffic controls are set for Aug. 7-16, with temporary signals and speed reductions on key routes. Notable Loss: Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford has died at 90, with SDSU highlighting his education legacy.

Agribusiness & Food Ingredients: Puris’ Harrold, S.D. pea-processing operation is expanding the field pea pipeline, turning yellow field peas into plant-based protein used across food products. Nuclear & Energy R&D: Western Nuclear is seeing momentum again, with progress across microreactor designs reaching criticality and major DOE support for long-lead components tied to large reactor supply chains. Workforce & Local Hiring: Exceptional Community Hospital in Rapid City is finishing construction and held a two-day job fair, aiming to bring in about 40–50 workers. Drought & Livestock Safety: SDSU Extension is urging ranchers to use free, on-site livestock water testing as drought dries up sources and can leave even clear water dangerously salty. Water Quality Funding: South Dakota’s working buffer program is growing after an $8 million legislative boost, adding more stream and lake shoreline projects to cut erosion and pollution. Healthcare Philanthropy: South Dakota mourns T. Denny Sanford, whose banking fortune fueled more than $4 billion in giving, including major support for Sanford Health and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Consumer Trends in Retail: Functional snacking is reshaping grab-and-go choices, with more protein-forward, ingredient-focused products gaining traction in convenience stores. Community & Culture: A Rapid City sports complex proposal moves forward as residents question funding, while Avon’s library board raised about $4,000 for its “community Santa” through a bake sale.

South Dakota Agriculture & Water Safety: SDSU Extension is offering free on-site livestock water testing for ranchers as drought and heat leave dugouts and creeks with potentially toxic salt buildup—even clear water can be dangerous. Western SD Drought Watch: Hydrologists say the Black Hills is in severe-to-extreme drought, with expectations of a longer dry stretch; they also push back on claims that Pactola is at its absolute worst. Ranching Culture: A Sully County family keeps its sheep tradition alive despite tougher economics, relying on generational know-how and land access. Healthcare & Philanthropy: South Dakota mourns the death of T. Denny Sanford, whose banking fortune fueled more than $4 billion in giving, including major Sanford Health and children’s initiatives. Water Quality Funding: South Dakota’s working stream buffer program has expanded to 130 projects covering 379 miles after an $8 million legislative boost. Energy & Infrastructure: Utilities and data-center developers face rising friction over eminent domain for power lines and site access, as many residents oppose new AI-related builds. Local Business & Community: Sioux Falls’ Totally Rad Taco Slam raised support for food-and-beverage workers through the Help the House Foundation. Sports Facilities: Rapid City’s next-generation sports complex proposal moves forward as residents weigh funding and land donations. Fuel Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reports show premium and diesel prices hovering around the mid-$4 range statewide in the week ending July 11, with notable low-price pockets in several counties.