AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Iowa is mostly spared for now, but smoke from Canada’s wildfires could worsen over the weekend as a cold front moves in; Des Moines air is “moderate” (PM2.5 59) with PM2.5 expected to stay moderate. Drought Watch: Iowa’s drought picture is shifting—about one-third of the state is in moderate drought, with dryness reappearing in the northwest and June ending as the 96th driest on record. Local Water & Flood Impacts: Jasper County farmers urged to report Skunk River flood damage to the FSA as they sort out insurance and upstream concerns. Livestock & Waste Oversight: Monona County officials are set to open a dispute over an industrial waste site built near Castana to hold DAFcake from hog manure. Community Climate Action: Cedar Rapids is joining Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, funding youth-led climate projects. Iowa Economy Signals: The Rural Mainstreet Index fell in July, showing continued pressure on farm equipment sales. Public Health Alert: CDC/FDA linked a major Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in several Midwest states.

Flood Recovery for Iowa Farms: Jasper County farmers hit by Skunk River flooding were urged to report crop and farmland damage to the Farm Service Agency during a Monday roundtable, as officials try to track impacts and address questions about insurance and upstream effects. Weather Outlook: Iowa’s state climatologist says El Niño could bring a warmer, drier stretch soon, with drought concerns returning in parts of western and northern Iowa. Youth Climate Action: Cedar Rapids was selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, which will fund resident-led climate projects for ages 15–24. Food Safety Crisis: The CDC and FDA linked a major Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, with advisories for several Midwest states and nearly 7,000 illnesses reported nationwide. Farm Economy Pressure: Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet Index fell sharply in July, pointing to weak farm equipment sales even as farmland values stayed relatively steady. Clean Water & Air Oversight: Iowa DNR released details for the upcoming Environmental Protection Commission meeting, including enforcement updates and permit reviews. Mosquito Season Context: A look at why Louisiana ranks high for mosquitoes—warm, humid conditions and year-round breeding—adds useful context for summer public health planning.

Iowa Water Quality Activism: A Drake University couple unveiled “It’s in the Water,” a public quilt made with contained algae and recycled plastic that’s designed to filter nitrates and phosphorus—open at Wilson’s Orchard in Cumming through mid-September. Energy & Wildlife Safety: Alliant Energy filed a rezoning request for a proposed 720-MW gas plant near Cedar Rapids, while another Iowa report highlights how animals—especially squirrels and birds—can trigger outages and fires, pushing utilities to add pole wraps, fencing, and nest removal. Clean Water Policy: Iowa’s streamside buffer pilot is expanding to all 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines Watershed, aiming to cut nutrient runoff and erosion. State Environment Watch: The Iowa DNR posted recent enforcement actions, and the Environmental Protection Commission meets July 21 with solid waste and hazardous conditions agenda items. Agriculture & Land: A new Iowa farmland market outlook suggests a bigger sales surge may hit late summer into early fall.

Iowa DNR Enforcement: The agency issued new consent orders, including a Dallas County case requiring an end to illegal discharges and permit compliance, plus manure-application and penalty terms tied to Louisa County’s Cat-Nip Ridge Manure Application. Public Oversight: The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission will hold its monthly business meeting July 21 in Des Moines, with agenda items covering derelict building grants and multiple solid-waste and used-oil rule updates. Water Quality Push: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expanded the streamside buffer pilot across all 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines Watershed to cut nutrient runoff and erosion. Livestock & Pollution Pressure: A new report says Iowa has about 13% more large CAFOs than six years ago, with manure totals tied to ongoing nitrate problems in waterways. Health & PFAS: A Mount Sinai study links prenatal and early-life PFAS exposure to higher childhood intestinal inflammation, raising concerns about long-term gut health. Local Climate/Resilience: Des Moines County’s emergency management received funding for a mobile solar-powered electrical trailer to keep communications and critical equipment running during disasters. Data Center Debate: In Clinton, residents pushed for stronger water, noise, and air standards as a $10B data center proposal moves forward. Upcoming Infrastructure: The U.S. Army broke ground on a major ammunition expansion at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, targeting fall 2029 operations.

Regenerative Farming Rule: USDA finalized a “Regenerative Feedstock Rule” letting Iowa farmers quantify carbon-intensity gains from cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management—potentially boosting value for corn ethanol and soybean biodiesel while improving water and soil outcomes. Rural Water Access: USDA awarded Iowa State-led work to help private well users understand drinking water quality and take action, building on a 2022 rural well survey that found many households hadn’t tested recently. Livestock & Pollution Pressure: An Environmental Working Group mapping effort found Iowa has 15,309 animal feeding operations—thousands more than what the state tracks—raising fresh concerns about manure and nitrate pollution. Biomanufacturing Investment: Iowa and Nebraska institutions won a $15M NSF Engines award for RuralSTAMINA, aiming to turn biomass into high-value products like vaccines, coatings, and specialty chemicals. Public Health & Pests: Albert Lea began weekly mosquito spraying, using a permethrin-based product, with residents urged to remove standing water. Wildlife Crime: A harbor seal pup near Bellingham, Washington was shot in the head and is recovering at a rehabilitation center; staff say it’s a federal crime. Community Conservation: Practical Farmers of Iowa hosted a West Branch field day highlighting no-till, buffers, prairie restoration, and cover crops in action.

Livestock & Water Quality: An Environmental Working Group mapping project says Iowa has 15,309 animal feeding operations—thousands more than the state tracks—estimating 107 million tons of manure in 2025 and linking the scale to nitrate pollution concerns. Soil Moisture for Climate Science: Iowa Flood Center “hydrostations” in 50+ counties are measuring rainfall, soil moisture, soil temperature, and shallow groundwater, sending updates to scientists to better understand severe-weather impacts. Wildlife Crime: A 3-week-old harbor seal pup in Washington is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the head; the case is the third similar marine mammal shooting in less than a year. Local Conservation Recognition: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Sean and Sara Dolan, highlighting livestock care and environmental stewardship in Buchanan County. Renewables Milestone: Colorado hit a 53% renewables electricity share in early 2026, a sign of what’s possible as Iowa debates energy, land, and water impacts. Community Water Event: The Water Lantern Festival returns to Des Moines July 18 at Riverview Park, pairing reflection with a sunset release on the water.

Endangered Species Act: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is starting a new review that could add the plains spotted skunk to federal protection, after new data and a petition from Grasslands Unlimited. Local Water & Infrastructure: Fort Madison is moving ahead with a multimillion-dollar sewer separation project to split storm and sanitary lines, aiming to cut pollution risks and improve underground systems. Data Centers vs. Environment: Asbury passed a 180-day data center moratorium, while Fairfax advanced a permanent ban on high-impact data centers; Cedar Rapids residents are also pressing city leaders over water and discharge impacts. Air Quality Emergency: Minnesota issued hazardous “Maroon Alert” air quality warnings tied to wildfire smoke, with conditions expected to affect areas reaching near Iowa. Wildlife in Iowa: A three-week-old harbor seal pup shot in the head is recovering at a Des Moines rehab facility, highlighting ongoing harm to marine wildlife. Conservation on the Ground: Iowa DNR education leader Megan Taube won a Midwest fish and wildlife education award, and St. Mary’s Island continues prairie restoration to support grassland-dependent species. Agriculture & Climate: Midwest heat is raising concerns as corn enters pollination, while USDA accepted over 186,000 Iowa acres into CRP for 2026 to support soil, water, and habitat.

Heat & Crops: A Midwest heat wave is expected to stick around for 7–10 days, raising stress risks as corn enters pollination and soils dry out fast without periodic rain. Data Centers & Local Control: Palo’s council approved a second reading of a data center ordinance after heated public input, while Marshalltown reversed course and OK’d a four-month moratorium to tighten rules before approvals. Water Quality Fight: Clean water scientists sued the EPA over missing Iowa nitrate assessment data, as nitrate-related drinking water violations remain a major concern. Conservation on the Ground: USDA is accepting 186,247+ Iowa acres into CRP for 2026, supporting soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Wildlife Update: Iowa’s pheasant population forecast is expected to match last year’s strong numbers, with modeling focused on hen survival and nesting success. Worker Safety: A new analysis highlights how heat is killing more U.S. workers and notes many states still lack enforceable occupational heat standards. Pesticide Drift Warning: A report on potent herbicide drift shows damage symptoms and herbicide findings in tree samples, raising alarms that EPA rules may not stop long-distance drift. Ag Policy & Costs: Over 30 groups urged the U.S. Senate to oppose year-round E15, warning it could raise food and fuel costs and worsen climate impacts. Rail & Farming: Sen. Chuck Grassley questioned whether a Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger would be good for agriculture, urging competition and service impacts to be considered.

Urban Water Quality Funding: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced nearly $1.3M for four urban water quality projects in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Riverside and West Burlington, using wetlands, bioretention cells, bioswales, permeable pavement and native plantings to cut stormwater runoff and nutrient pollution. Drinking Water Nitrates: An Iowa DNR report says 36 nitrate-related drinking water violations occurred in 2025, with nitrates the most common violation type from 2020-2025; the EPA’s limit is 10 mg/L, and Central Iowa Water Works reported no exceedances. Wildlife Protection Watch: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will review whether the Plains spotted skunk should be listed under the Endangered Species Act, after new data prompted a 12-month look; Iowa already lists it as endangered under state law. Data Centers vs. Local Impacts: Iowa County is preparing a 12-month moratorium on data center development to study siting, environmental protections, fire safety, noise, water use, and infrastructure impacts. Heat and Climate Extremes: A new national look at record-setting temperatures underscores how extreme heat is becoming more frequent, with human-caused warming making severe heat more likely. Outdoor Education: The OWLS program (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) is expanding tri-county nature outings for adults, including river history tours, hikes, and kayaking.

Urban Water Quality Funding: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced four new urban water quality projects—$644,925 in state support for bioretention and stormwater filtering in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Riverside and West Burlington—aimed at cutting runoff into local waterways like Hawkeye Creek and the Mississippi River. Data Centers vs. Water: A new report says Google’s Nebraska data centers used about 732 million gallons of water in 2025, reigniting drought-era concerns about whether the AI boom can keep up with local supplies. Farm Bill Fight: U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson is pushing to include her “Save Our Bacon Act” in the Farm Bill, targeting California’s Proposition 12-style limits on pork production. Public Health Watch: Iowa State University extension officials are urging extra caution during a multistate Cyclospora outbreak, as symptoms can take weeks to show and the source hasn’t been identified. Wildlife Access: A new 425-acre Callahan Tract in eastern Clay County has been added to the Little Sioux Wildlife Management Area, expanding public habitat along the Little Sioux River. Ag Tech & Careers: Women in Ag Tech is returning for Tech Hub LIVE 2026 in Des Moines, spotlighting leadership and innovation in agricultural technology.

Freshwater Mussel Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 3,814 river miles of critical habitat across 17 states for four endangered freshwater mussel species, including waterways in Iowa—aimed at reversing declines driven by habitat loss, pollution, dams, and invasive species. Local Water & Land Stewardship: Iowa’s drought and water-quality pressures keep showing up in coverage, including reports on nitrate-related drinking water violations and ongoing drought impacts in northwest Iowa. Iowa Wildlife Safety: Madison County Conservation reminds residents that timber rattlesnakes are native and protected, urging people to leave them alone during mating season. Community Pollinators: Marshall County Extension hosted a monarch “tent” at the Central Iowa Fair to educate the public and support monarch conservation. Food Vendor Scam Alert: Iowa DIAL warned temporary food and mobile vendors about extortion scams targeting event permit fees and sensitive info. Iowa Agriculture Adaptation: Specialty farmers are adjusting harvest schedules and practices to cope with extreme heat and weather swings. Newton Rail Park Progress: Iowa’s Newton Rail Park received site certification, clearing environmental and archaeological reviews to speed development.

Soil & Climate Context: A new roundup argues Iowa’s “black gold” loam—shaped by glaciers, loess, and tallgrass prairie—gives the state standout soil quality, tying Iowa’s farming edge to deep environmental history. Water & Wildlife: A Missouri River piece spotlights how the river still supports wildlife and “wilderness” moments near major infrastructure, echoing why protecting waterways matters. Extreme Weather & Farming: Specialty farmers describe how heat domes and shifting weather extremes force changes to planting and harvest timing, with fewer safety nets than corn-and-soy producers. Iowa Drought: Reports say about one-third of Iowa is in moderate drought, with northwest areas hardest hit and conditions expected to linger. Pollinators & Habitat: PEEC invites Iowans to a guided butterfly walk (July 18) focused on habitat and local biodiversity. Local Conservation: Madison County Conservation shares what to do if you spot a timber rattlesnake, noting it’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Ag & Stewardship: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presents a Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for long-running farm stewardship. STEM for Kids: Hawkeye Community College plans Iowa’s first Challenger Learning Center, bringing immersive NASA-style STEM missions to grades 5–8.

Extreme Heat & Farm Labor: Specialty farmers are adjusting harvest schedules to survive heat domes, but the risks to crops and farmworkers are rising as climate-driven weather extremes intensify. Iowa Water & Drought Watch: A new Water Summary Update says about one-third of Iowa is in moderate drought, with northwest Iowa still under a drought watch as June stayed slightly below normal rainfall. Pollution & Cleanup: Gelita USA opened a new wastewater treatment facility near Sergeant Bluff after Iowa DNR violations tied to discharges into the Missouri River, including ammonia limit exceedances. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Madison County Conservation reminds Iowans that timber rattlesnakes are native and protected, urging people to leave them alone during mating season. Community STEM: Hawkeye Community College will bring Iowa’s first Challenger Learning Center to campus, offering immersive NASA-style missions for grades 5–8 and beyond. Ag Field Day: Iowa State’s Fruit and Vegetable Field Day is set for July 29, featuring research on pests, soil fertility, yield, and organic management.

Water Quality & Wastewater: Gelita USA opened a new wastewater treatment facility near Sergeant Bluff after Iowa DNR found years of regulatory violations tied to discharges into the Missouri River, including ammonia limit exceedances and dark effluent. Drought Watch: Iowa’s latest Water Summary Update says about one-third of the state is in moderate drought, with northwest Iowa’s drought watch expected to continue into September. Wildlife & Public Safety: Madison County Conservation reminds Iowans that timber rattlesnake mating season starts in July—leave them alone and avoid travel corridors, noting the snakes are protected. Local Conservation & Education: Hawkeye Community College is bringing Iowa’s first Challenger Learning Center to campus with NASA-style STEM missions for grades 5–8. Ag & Soil Stewardship: Iowa DNR and partners are pushing practical farm learning, including ISU’s Fruit and Vegetable Field Day (July 29) focused on pests, soil fertility, yield, and organic management. Community Support: Cedar Bend Humane Society is seeking 120 new shelter dog beds to replace worn equipment. Energy Transition (Broader): Colorado hit a renewables milestone—53% of electricity from renewables in early 2026—offering a model for how costs and storage can accelerate clean power.

Renewables & Climate: Colorado hit a major clean-energy milestone, with 53% of electricity from renewables in the first quarter of 2026—powered by cheaper wind/solar and falling battery costs. Iowa Water & Pollution: Gelita USA opened a new wastewater treatment facility near Sergeant Bluff after Iowa DNR violations tied to discharges into the Missouri River, including ammonia-limit exceedances and dark effluent. Iowa Drought Watch: Iowa’s drought picture is uneven, but northwest Iowa is expected to stay under an active drought watch into September as about one-third of the state sits in moderate drought. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Ducks Unlimited is backing cattle producers using voluntary, incentive-based grazing and water plans that aim to support both ranch economics and prairie bird habitat. STEM for Iowa’s Future: Hawkeye Community College will bring Iowa’s first Challenger Learning Center to Waterloo, offering immersive NASA-style STEM missions for students. Community & Agriculture: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Nelson family for long-running responsible farming and environmental stewardship. Clean Energy Infrastructure: Newton Rail Park received Iowa Economic Development Authority site certification, clearing environmental and archaeological reviews to speed development.

Drinking Water Watch: Central Iowa Water Works says its nitrate removal facility hit a new record for how many days it ran this year, operating Jan. 6–March 2 and March 9–July 9 to keep drinking water at EPA nitrate standards. Local Infrastructure: Des Moines Water Works continues lead-pipe replacement work, with reporting highlighting the scale of the 97,000-pipe effort. Land & Air Safety: The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant received an extension of its emergency permit for lead azide storage while it finalizes a long-term disposal plan. Community Recycling: Exira’s Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Center trained volunteers to sort and lens-test glasses, sending usable pairs to missionaries for reuse. Wildlife & Health: A regional tick-risk roundup warns that warming and shifting habitats are changing which tick-borne diseases show up where. Outdoor Life: Iowa DNR’s early pheasant forecast suggests hunting could be similar to last fall’s strong numbers. Energy & Environment: A grassroots group in Atkins is pushing for moratoriums and site-specific testing over a proposed 720-megawatt power plant near Linn-Benton Road.