AGP Executive Report

Farm Science: Iowa State experts say a warmer, wetter fall could delay fertilizer applications, making soil temperature—not the calendar—the key guide to protecting next year’s crop and limiting nitrate pollution. Industrial Investment: A proposed $15 billion Iowa steel complex would use electric-arc technology and could bring 1,700 jobs, but its Minnesota-based developer’s plans face questions about whether the project will proceed. Agricultural Research: At a 25-year drainage forum involving Iowa State, researchers highlighted how sensors, drones and machine learning are improving field research—while the challenge of balancing crop yields with water quality remains.

Data Centers: Monticello’s planning commission voted 4-1 to advance a proposal for a data center campus of up to 3 million square feet, despite unanswered questions about its operator, power demand and protections for nearby homes. Health Research: A Des Moines University professor received a $553,000 NIH grant to study why sleep apnea raises cardiovascular and kidney risks for women after menopause. Cybersecurity: Kirkwood hosted a youth summit where high school students tackled simulated cyberattacks; researchers are also urging a coordinated defense against farm cyberthreats. Privacy and Connectivity: Iowa State’s flock of wildlife cameras is drawing questions about privacy, alerts and audits. Rural Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink to help bridge technology gaps. Rural Health Tech: Iowa’s $209 million federal rural-health award will support telehealth, modernized health-information systems and advanced equipment. Google’s Iowa Plans: Google is moving ahead with a proposed Palo data center and plans a public meeting to discuss it.

Campus Technology: Iowa State’s 36 Flock license-plate cameras generated alerts tied to protection orders, warrants and stolen vehicles last month. ISU says searches require a legitimate criminal case, while its transparency portal offers a window into the system’s use. Agricultural Research: ISU professor Jonathan Wendel and an international team confirmed the Yucatán Peninsula as the origin of domesticated upland cotton, a finding that could help researchers draw useful traits from wild varieties. Data Center Plans: Google is moving ahead with a proposed data center in Palo, with a public meeting planned as the project draws attention to the local impact of expanding digital infrastructure. Rural Connectivity: Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink broadband to help close technology gaps in rural communities. Cancer Care: Iowa health professionals say early breast cancer screening can improve outcomes and may reduce the need for more extensive treatment.

Data Center Plans: Google is moving ahead with a proposed data center in Palo and plans a public meeting, as Iowa communities weigh local control and the energy demands of these projects. Rural Connectivity: Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink to close broadband gaps, bringing more reliable internet access to rural youth. Health Research: A study of nurse practitioner training found that 14.8% of newly licensed Iowa NPs in 2024 graduated from for-profit programs, up from 2.4% across the four-state study in 2010. Rural Health: Iowa has begun directing more than $209 million in federal funding toward rural health improvements.

Farm Finance: U.S. farm debt has reached a record $605 billion, but USDA officials say the total may miss growing loans from suppliers, equipment makers and other nontraditional lenders. The agency is researching better ways to track what farmers owe. Agtech: Ames-based Sabanto has added John M. Raines to its board after raising a new funding round. The autonomous-tractor company plans to use the capital to expand production, teams and software for retrofitting farmers’ existing equipment. Iowa Research: University of Iowa scientists contributed to a mouse study identifying a brain circuit that may drive repetitive, OCD-like behavior—an early step toward understanding the disorder. Data Centers: Google is moving ahead with plans for a data center in Palo and will hold a public meeting; meanwhile, Iowa candidates and local governments are debating who should decide where such facilities are built. Rural Connectivity: Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink broadband to help bridge technology gaps in rural communities.

Agtech: Ames-based Sabanto, which retrofits tractors for autonomous operation, added John Raines to its board after raising new funding to expand manufacturing, engineering and deployments. Data Centers: Google is moving ahead with plans for a data center in Palo and will hold a public meeting, as Iowa communities weigh how to manage major technology projects. Research: Ames National Laboratory received $1.5 million for mining technology, while Iowa State Extension will showcase conservation practices and cover-crop research at a November field day. Rural Connectivity: Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink broadband to help bridge technology gaps in rural communities.

Rural STEM: Iowa 4-H clubs are using Starlink to help close rural technology gaps, while the statewide program gives young people hands-on opportunities in robotics, science and other fields. Data Centers: Google is moving ahead with plans for a data center in Palo and will hold a public meeting to discuss the project. Rural Health Tech: Iowa’s $209 million federal health award will help fund modern technology, specialty care and workforce recruitment for rural communities. Research: Ames National Laboratory has received $1.5 million for mining technology research.

Data Centers: Google is moving ahead with plans for a campus of up to six data center buildings near Palo, mailing residents details and scheduling an Oct. 22 public meeting. The site could draw power from the nearby Duane Arnold Energy Center. Rural Connectivity: An expanded Starlink partnership with 4-H aims to bring reliable broadband to rural communities, helping Iowa students take part in robotics and other STEM programs. Rural Health Technology: Iowa says it has committed all $209 million in first-year federal rural health funding, supporting modernized technology and infrastructure, expanded clinical services and workforce recruitment. Agricultural Research: The USDA’s $180 million investment in the National Plant Germplasm System will bolster seed collections used by researchers and breeders to develop crops with greater resilience to pests, disease and climate change. Renewable Materials: Lycra says its commercial-scale fiber made partly from U.S.-grown corn, largely sourced in Iowa, can cut its carbon footprint by up to 45% while retaining the stretch of conventional fiber.

AI and Energy: AI data centers can use 40–100 kilowatts per server rack, far more than conventional facilities, driving demand for natural gas and solar and adding pressure to power grids. Des Moines’ AI Ambitions: A new ranking puts Des Moines 11th among mid-sized U.S. cities for AI optimism, citing above-average tech employment and growing interest in AI at work. Router Security: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued TP-Link, alleging the company violated consumer-protection law and allowed China access to Iowans’ routers; the claims have not been proven in court. Research and Agriculture: A University of Iowa partnership received NIH funding to continue eye-disease treatment research. At Iowa State, researchers found multiple pathogens in 53% of swine disease cases, while a new manure-management resource aims to help producers reduce disease risks.

AI in Eastern Iowa: Cedar Rapids’ IA•AI group marks its first year, building a local network for businesses to explore AI’s uses and challenges. Cybersecurity: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing ADI, alleging it concealed that surveillance cameras it sold were made by Chinese companies flagged by the U.S. government as security risks. Water Watch: Iowa ended its water year with a 2.82-inch precipitation surplus, the third straight year above normal; it was also the state’s fifth-warmest water year on record. Research: Ames National Laboratory received $1.5 million for mining technology work. Health Research: Avera Research Institute’s mobile unit will visit Spirit Lake on Oct. 13 to share information about its studies and meet research participants.

Assistive Tech: Blind and visually impaired veterans in Des Moines received AI glasses that can read text, identify objects and help with navigation, along with hands-on training. Climate Resilience: Burlington Public Library is among nine Iowa libraries selected for a pilot to help communities prepare for climate-related challenges, building on local hazard plans. Energy Storage: A rural Iowa county reversed course on a battery-storage ban, opening the door to a proposed project that could add grid capacity and local tax revenue. Cybersecurity: Iowa joined three other states in suing TP-Link, alleging the router maker misled customers about security and its ties to China. Agriculture Research: USDA’s new $180 million seed initiative will support research on U.S. seed stores and crop-breeding information, with potential benefits for Iowa farmers. Research Funding: Ames National Laboratory received $1.5 million for mining technology, while a University of Iowa study points to new uses for rare-earth metals.

Agricultural Research: USDA announced a $180 million initiative in Prairie City to sequence its collection of more than 600,000 seeds, aiming to help crop breeders identify useful traits and strengthen food security. The agency also plans to investigate competition in the seed industry. Rare-Disease Research: Tiffin biotech company ORF Biologics launched a program and biorepository to make voluntarily donated biological samples and research information available to researchers studying rare conditions. Cybersecurity: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird filed lawsuits against router maker TP-Link and surveillance distributor ADI, alleging deceptive security claims and undisclosed ties to Chinese companies. Research Funding: The University of Iowa partnership received NIH funding to continue research into eye-disease treatments, while Ames National Lab received $1.5 million for mining technology.

Steel Investment: Mesabi Metallics is pitching an $18 billion Minnesota-Iowa steel venture, including a proposed $15 billion Iowa complex expected to create more than 8,000 construction jobs; state lawmakers have authorized up to $1.4 billion in incentives. Cybersecurity: Iowa’s attorney general joined three other states in suing TP-Link, alleging the router maker misled consumers about its supply chain and security. Health Research: A study involving University of Iowa researchers linked low levels of a placental health marker late in pregnancy with higher odds of an ADHD diagnosis in children; the findings show an association, not proof of cause. Data Center Oversight: Lee County is developing rules for data centers after public concerns prompted a one-year construction moratorium. Water Quality: Iowa recorded 182 beach advisories this season, the highest total since tracking began in 2014.

Cancer Care Access: Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Maggie Hassan unveiled the SCREENS Act to make cancer screening recommendations easier to understand and navigate, using a national data/tech framework. Seed Research & Food Security: USDA launched a $180M Seed Sovereignty initiative to sequence U.S. seed collections and partner with DOJ to investigate competition in the seed industry—aiming to protect genetic resources and speed new crop breakthroughs. Rare-Earth Tech in Iowa: Ames National Laboratory won $1.5M from the DOE for MICRO-vision, using sound waves, magnetic pulses, and computer vision to better separate rare-earth minerals from rock. AI Power Demand Hits Iowa: Google secured a massive long-term power deal with Constellation Energy for 3.6GW in PJM, including 890MW of upgraded nuclear capacity—another sign the AI buildout is turning into a power-plant race. Local STEM in Schools: North Fayette Valley teacher Tracy Nuss brought real-world experience back to the classroom through the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program, including work at a fish hatchery and water/soil testing. Health & Development: A University of Iowa-led study links lower placental growth factor in late pregnancy with higher later ADHD risk. Education & Student Support: Cedar Rapids’ Jefferson High School opened a new Freshman Academy, citing a 50% drop in chronic absenteeism as students transition into high school.

University of Iowa health research: UI startup S5G Therapeutics won NIH funding to keep developing a preventative eye-disease treatment for Fuchs dystrophy, aiming to delay blindness and reduce the need for transplants. AI + education: Iowa Testing Programs at the UI is expanding its educational measurement research, including new work on AI applications in testing. Local schools + tech upgrades: Des Moines’ Studebaker Elementary broke ground on six new classrooms under the statewide SAVE program, adding modern features for students. Healthcare accreditation: Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center earned AACVPR certification for its cardiac rehab program, highlighting outcomes-based care standards. Agriculture + pest management: BASF’s SCN guidance urges Iowa growers to go beyond egg counts and consider field-specific soil factors and resistance trends. Energy + nuclear demand: Google is reportedly nearing a $1B-plus nuclear power deal with Constellation to support AI-driven data center growth, including power tied to Iowa’s Duane Arnold restart. STEM + campus life: Iowa State encourages students to use professor office hours—especially for civil engineering—while a UI piece spotlights how therapy dogs and community support can improve campus well-being.

Iowa Conservation Tech: Iowa State launched an online Iowa Conservation Professionals Map that helps farmers and landowners quickly find local soil, water, and habitat experts for assessments, practice design, and funding connections. Public Health Genomics: A national newborn screening study is starting enrollment in Oregon to test whether genome sequencing can responsibly expand routine screening from dozens of conditions to hundreds. Cybersecurity for Power: Iowa State engineering professor Manimaran Govindarasu is co-editing an IEEE special issue on using AI security tools to defend the power grid from AI-driven attacks. Agriculture Research Funding: The Pig Livability Project secured $1.64M to reduce pig mortality, led by Iowa State with Kansas State, plus extra project funding for practical solutions. Education & STEM: Bergman Academy in Des Moines is training educators to integrate computer science across subjects. State Policy & Health: A Des Moines University study warns that higher taxes on vaping could unintentionally increase secondhand smoke exposure from cigarettes in homes. Local Energy Reliability: Muscatine Power and Water approved a 2027-2029 strategic plan and projects including a major SCADA upgrade and condenser tube replacements.