AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry: Oracle says it will buy power from Wisconsin’s Point Beach Nuclear Plant to help absorb about $300 million in rising costs, pending Public Service Commission approval—aimed at protecting ratepayers while keeping the state’s only active nuclear site running. Data Centers: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report puts numbers on the data-center debate, warning peak electricity demand could jump as much as 30% even as incentives may help local budgets. Trade & Manufacturing Policy: At the G20 in Milwaukee, the U.S. said it was “severely disappointed” after most members rejected a push to curb excess industrial capacity and forced-labor supply chains; India’s Piyush Goyal argued capacity isn’t the problem, distortions are. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products sold in Wisconsin. Agriculture & Rural Aid: USDA’s Farm Service Agency opened low-interest physical loss loans for producers hit by Midwest natural disasters, with an April 26 application deadline. Local Culture & Community: Ojibwe leaders gathered on Madeline Island to commemorate the 1854 Treaty. Sports (Local Interest): The Brewers open the NLDS vs. the Padres, with Game 1 decided after a roof-related call at American Family Field.

Food & Agriculture: Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project (FoxRAP) named Harley Fredriksen its new executive director as it pushes to strengthen farms and farmland protection across the Fox River Watershed. Manufacturing & Dealmaking: Hormel Foods agreed to buy Westfield, Wisconsin-based Brakebush Brothers for about $1.055B, expanding Hormel’s value-added chicken and foodservice reach. Industrial Growth: GEA will invest about $25M to expand its Janesville campus, adding roughly 70,000 square feet for office, manufacturing, and R&D, targeting full operations in early 2028. Energy & Environment: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute hit another setback after crews breached an aquifer near the Marengo River, drawing DNR attention and escalating environmental tensions. Cybersecurity: Wisconsin agencies urged residents and organizations to tighten password practices, use multi-factor authentication, and stay alert to phishing during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Local Housing: Waukesha officials say redevelopment of the former UWM at Waukesha site could deliver about 650 households, including Habitat homes. Sports Business: The Brewers open the NLDS against the Padres Saturday, with Milwaukee’s “Win Our Way” approach drawing fresh attention.

Trade & Industry: In Milwaukee, G20 ministers wrestled with how to respond to structural excess industrial capacity, with the U.S. saying it’s “severely disappointed” by members who rejected action; India’s Piyush Goyal argued India lacks structural excess capacity and wants WTO-compliant tools, while Canada’s Maninder Sidhu is set to lead a nearly 300-delegate trade mission to India as CEPA talks push toward a year-end deal. Energy & Fuels: G7 nations agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel, gasoline and crude from reserves to ease fuel prices, and U.S. officials also flagged G20-side discussions that could boost diesel supplies. Wisconsin Manufacturing: Yaskawa America plans a major robotics manufacturing expansion in Franklin, bringing high-volume robot production to Wisconsin. Local Business/Policy: Miss Wisconsin Olivia Lulich is using social media to boost agriculture literacy statewide. Health/Compliance: Brown County warned about unlicensed tattooing after a gas-station tattoo video surfaced.

Grants & Food Processing: Wisconsin DATCP is accepting applications for 2027 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants until Nov. 4, with up to $200,000 available to help farms and food businesses process, market, and distribute Wisconsin-grown products. Semiconductors & Manufacturing: EMD Electronics opened a new 38,000-square-foot R&D facility in Sheboygan Falls, part of a $200 million Wisconsin investment aimed at advanced semiconductor materials and expected to create 44 high-paying jobs. Energy Infrastructure & Oversight: State Rep. Tony Kurtz is warning against fast-tracking regulatory approvals for the proposed BECI transmission line, arguing exemptions could weaken long-standing utility oversight. Data Centers & Power Supply: Oracle’s Wisconsin AI data center plans face years of delays as regulators review the project’s massive electricity needs; separately, We Energies struck a deal to supply part of an Oracle data center campus from Point Beach nuclear power, pending PSC approval. Fuel Economy Legal Fight: Wisconsin and other states are suing to block Trump administration rollbacks of federal fuel economy standards, arguing higher costs and pollution for consumers. Public Health: A multistate salmonella and E. coli outbreak tied to packaged produce and cheese has expanded, with Wisconsin among affected areas. Ag & Weather: Record El Niño-driven rains are stalling harvest across parts of the U.S., adding pressure to grain quality and yields.

Diesel squeeze hits Wisconsin farmers and the broader Midwest: Wisconsin’s 3rd District candidate Rebecca Cooke held a Westby roundtable with farmers on diesel and fertilizer costs, tying fuel prices to the Iran war and urging action to lower costs. Fuel-price pressure on Europe: The U.S. told France and Germany to release diesel reserves “immediately,” as EU leaders weigh an emergency response to soaring prices. G20 trade talks in Milwaukee stall on overcapacity: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer said G20 ministers reached little consensus on countering excess industrial capacity and forced labor. India-US trade talks near the finish line, not imminent: Greer said negotiations are in “short strokes,” with sticking points identified but no announcement expected right away. Wisconsin manufacturing spotlight: Hydromat’s FORCE CNC rotary transfer machine helped Mitotec Precision achieve 10x titanium output, underscoring Wisconsin’s push in advanced production. Local governance and taxes: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley proposed a 2027 budget that lowers the property tax rate while raising the overall levy. Politics and money: Fundraising reports show billionaire-heavy backing for Gov. Tom Tiffany, while Crowley leads in a Marquette poll but faces a major cash gap.

Healthcare & Research: A randomized phase 2 study says SBRT for pancreatic cancer is well tolerated and preserves quality of life better than conventionally fractionated chemoradiation, with researchers positioning it as a platform to pair with improving systemic therapies. Public Safety Tech: Wisconsin voters are split on Flock license-plate cameras, with a new Marquette Poll finding 63% call them an unacceptable privacy violation; advocacy groups are urging Milwaukee to end its contract. Energy & Environment: A coalition of Democratic attorneys general sued the EPA over the rollback of power-plant emissions rules, arguing the repeal violates the Clean Air Act. Manufacturing & Jobs: Mayville Engineering, a Milwaukee contract manufacturer, bought a 138,000-square-foot finishing facility in Georgia and plans $25M–$30M in investment. Trade & Industry Diplomacy: India’s Piyush Goyal met U.S. officials and manufacturers in Milwaukee ahead of G20 talks, while Poland signaled plans to expand defense exports to India. Wisconsin Economy: UW-Madison/CROWE research says the state’s Manufacturing and Agricultural tax Credit is helping border-county and statewide manufacturers. Local Industry Spotlight: UW-Stout Polytechnic graduates are landing roles at major furniture makers, citing hands-on design tied to engineering and real-world production. Energy Infrastructure: A Johnson Creek forum is set for a proposed 345kV Wisconsin Southeast Transmission Project, targeting 2033 service. Business & Compliance: Generac will revise religious accommodation policies after an EEOC settlement tied to pronoun-related workplace disputes.

G20 Trade in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer opened the G20 Trade Ministerial pushing a “new international economic order,” spotlighting MFN reform, food “weaponisation”, forced labor, and steel overcapacity. India-U.S. talks: India’s Piyush Goyal met Greer and urged an early interim India-U.S. trade deal, while also engaging U.S. manufacturing leaders. Steel overcapacity framework: Ministers backed a coordinated approach through the “Milwaukee Framework,” aiming to tighten scrutiny of steel supply chains and transshipment. Local Wisconsin business impact: Milwaukee-area data-center policy stayed in focus, with officials moving toward moratorium pauses amid public backlash and polling. Wisconsin manufacturing & risk: McFarland approved TID #7 to help Bliffert Lumber relocate for expansion, and a “Top Shops” plastics benchmarking roundup highlighted rising resin costs and supply-chain strain. Ag & health: Wisconsin DNR flagged risks tied to endangered western ribbon snakes near a Highway 59 project, while federal scrutiny of Medicaid fraud reporting included Wisconsin among states facing questions.

Trade & Manufacturing: U.S. trade chief Jamieson Greer says a new “Milwaukee Framework” will be released at this week’s G20 to coordinate tougher action against excess steel capacity, aimed at imports from China and other overcapacity producers. Food & Ag Business: Hormel agreed to buy Wisconsin chicken processor Brakebush Brothers for $1.06B, expanding Hormel’s protein push and long-term chicken plans. Dairy Health: Wisconsin DATCP confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Waukesha County dairy cattle after a deer outbreak, noting no treatment and that the virus is circulating in the environment. Workforce & Industry Recognition: Novonesis highlighted bacteria-based silage inoculants and livestock probiotics at World Dairy Expo, while Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce unveiled the Top 16 “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” products for its Manufacturing Madness bracket. Local Growth & Housing: Milwaukee’s Plan Commission unanimously endorsed the Zenith 25-story, 226-unit condo tower at 711 E. Kilbourn Ave, despite nearby residents’ concerns about views and parking. Tech & Infrastructure: An analysis of Oracle/OpenAI’s Port Washington data center warns meaningful load may not arrive until mid-2028 or later due to grid power and regulatory delays. Healthcare: HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced plans to merge, aiming to improve access and affordability across the region.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says Washington will consider tariff caps tied to deals as it weighs new duties in an excess-capacity probe, but analysts expect little progress as partners press over forced labor and China’s export-driven overcapacity. Manufacturing & Trade Links: India’s Piyush Goyal used a NAM roundtable to urge American manufacturers to expand in India and push for an interim India-U.S. trade deal ahead of the G20 meeting. Data Centers & Local Tax Impact: Janesville approved a one-year data center moratorium while it reviews concerns and notes a Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimate of up to $2B in forgone state sales tax revenue; separately, Mount Pleasant gets nearly $5M back after Microsoft waived a development incentive. Energy Costs: WPS is seeking a 15% residential rate increase over two years at a PSC hearing, with residents warning it will hit household budgets. Wisconsin Dairy Supply Chain: Novonesis expanded North American dairy culture fermentation capacity at its West Allis site, boosting output for cheese and yogurt makers. Livestock Health: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in non-milking cattle in Waukesha County, urging farmers to report symptoms and manage biting flies.

Ag Policy & Competition: Wisconsin’s first cattle case of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) since 2013 was confirmed in Waukesha County, with DATCP also finding the virus in local deer tissue—no evidence it infects humans, but vets should be contacted if livestock show lameness, sores, fever or weight loss. Consumer & Antitrust: Wisconsin’s ag economy gets a boost as a coalition including AG Kwame Raoul and the FTC secured a $35 million proposed settlement with Corteva to dismantle pesticide loyalty programs that limited generic competition, aiming to lower prices for farmers. Energy & Utilities: Tom Tiffany laid out a Wisconsin energy-policy pitch focused on lowering utility bills and protecting baseload power, criticizing PSC rate-hike approvals under the current commission majority. Workforce & Manufacturing: NEWMA kicked off October is Manufacturing Month with Manitowoc County videos highlighting local manufacturers and careers. Healthcare & Design: KI, KI Wall and Pallas Textiles preview an integrated approach to human performance at Healthcare Design Conference + Expo 2026. Local Economy & Housing: Milwaukee’s Plan Commission advanced a 25-story, 226-unit downtown condo project (Zenith) for Common Council review. Tech & Tax: A Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis warns data center tax incentives can shift property-tax burdens to other residents via tax increment financing, even as incentives reduce some taxes for developers. Construction & Infrastructure: WisDOT highway letting results show major awards across multiple counties, signaling steady roadwork demand.

Energy & Rates: Regulators are set to hear testimony on WPS’s 14% electric and gas rate increase request, with another report warning proposed WPS rate hikes could cost customers 15% more. Manufacturing & Workforce: Johnson Controls awarded $3 million to build the next generation of skilled trades professionals, while WMC highlighted how Wisconsin’s manufacturing credit is tied to job growth. Agriculture & Food Systems: ASU launched a nationwide organic farming mentorship program (Kernel) to help producers transition and reduce reliance on imports; Wisconsin DNR also pushed food-waste reduction tips. Environment & Water: Drought hit “exceptional” levels in parts of northwest Wisconsin, lowering river and waterway levels and raising risks for aquatic life. Local Business & Infrastructure: Jefferson County approved a Watertown solar project despite city opposition, and a new self-sanitizing public restroom is under construction in Milwaukee’s West Town. Education & Skills: Wausau schools added the Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy to educational opportunities, and UW-Stout professors received a patent for a process detecting an amino acid linked to major diseases. Policy & Courts: A Georgia Supreme Court decision may open the door for more subrogation claims against law enforcement over non-emergency property damage.

Manufacturing & Ag Tax Credit: A UW-Madison CROWE report says Wisconsin’s Manufacturing & Agriculture Tax Credit helped manufacturing competitiveness and boosted job growth over the past decade, widening the gap versus border counties. Passenger Rail Milestone: Amtrak and partner states report Borealis ridership topped 500,000 passengers since May 2024, underscoring demand for Wisconsin-Chicago service. Farm Pesticide Costs: The FTC and states reached a proposed settlement with Corteva that would dismantle loyalty-program tactics that blocked cheaper generics, aiming to lower pesticide prices for farmers. Data Center Transparency Fight: A bipartisan bill would void government NDAs that keep data center plans secret and bar subsidies tied to confidentiality, as communities push back on AI infrastructure. Wisconsin Forest Protection: The DNR won board approval to buy a conservation easement on nearly 1,800 acres in Langlade County, preserving timber land and supporting the Ice Age Trail. Local Business/Construction: Kickapoo Roofing began a 3,300-square-foot roof replacement at Wilderness Resort’s Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, targeting completion in December. AI in Banking: WSI Digital and Forward Bank were recognized for a two-year AI adoption partnership, citing measurable staff time savings. Energy Pressure: Commentary and reporting highlight how rising gas and diesel costs are squeezing Wisconsin families, farmers, and small businesses.

Energy & Housing Costs: The Citizens Utility Board warns Wisconsin households could see heating bills rise about 8.7% this winter as natural gas prices and cold snaps drive furnace demand. Infrastructure & Industry: Enbridge’s Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project continues with large crews and safety/environmental protocols, as the company also faces fresh scrutiny after reported Line 5 leak cost estimates. Manufacturing Expansion: Eli Lilly broke ground on a $6.5B Houston facility to expand U.S. pharmaceutical and API production, targeting next-gen GLP-1 manufacturing. Workforce & Education: UWM and the University of Seoul signed an engineering dual-degree plan, building a pipeline for globally trained engineers. Tech & Materials: Wolfspeed says it’s commercially available a higher-quality 200mm silicon carbide substrate aimed at improving yields for next-wave power devices. Local Health & Recovery: In St. Croix Falls, a former hospital is being converted into a behavioral healthcare and recovery campus. Energy Transition Debate: A new report highlights how EV growth is creating a two-tier fuel market tied to local electricity rates. Community Opposition to Data Centers: A U.S. developer offered $10,000 per household to win data center backing—an approach that underscores rising local pushback.

Air Quality Watch: Denver logged 66 days of ozone above federal standards, tying for the second-worst season in ~30 years and raising the odds of a tougher EPA classification that could force faster Wisconsin-style pollution cuts. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Wisconsin prices staying volatile in the week ending Sept. 19, with standout lows like $3.87 regular in Sheboygan County and $4.04 regular in Crawford County, plus midgrade lows such as $4.29 in Eau Claire. Local Control vs. Big Farms: Wisconsin towns weighing CAFO rules face pushback after Farm Bureau and Dairy Alliance filed a broad public records request tied to lawsuits over local livestock ordinances. Data Centers & Politics: Democrats are targeting a River Falls-area GOP lawmaker over tax breaks tied to the data center boom, with a Marquette Law School poll set to probe data-center costs and business incentives. Energy Infrastructure: Enbridge estimated an August Line 5 gas leak in northern Wisconsin will cost at least $15.1M, with emergency response and remediation among the biggest line items. Manufacturing/Health Tech: Accuray and Samsung NeuroLogica advanced a volumetric imaging collaboration for the CyberKnife platform. Elections Trust: Research suggests election officials can reduce distrust by using clear videos explaining security safeguards and why mail-ballot delays happen.

Workforce & Housing: The Waukesha County Business Alliance is backing redevelopment of the former UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha campus into mixed housing, arguing it’s key to attracting and keeping workers. Skilled Trades Pipeline: New Tecumseth is moving toward a Skilled Trades and Technology Training Centre after meeting with post-secondary partners, aiming to plug skilled-labor gaps with bootcamps and employer-linked training. Manufacturing Spotlight: Wisconsin’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest is open for voting through Oct. 27, with “Manufacturing Madness” matchups highlighting products from robotics to Wisconsin cheese. Ag & Dairy: Cheese Fair Off the Square in Madison put Wisconsin dairy front and center, with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin touting milk’s role in the state’s cheese-heavy production. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show Wisconsin fuel prices remain uneven by county, with notable lows for regular, midgrade, premium, E85, and diesel in the week ending Sept. 19. Immigration & Employers: Wisconsin employers filed 11 H-1B petitions in 2025 in the Other Services (except Public Administration) category, all approved, while manufacturing led statewide filings.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 19 shows midgrade prices hitting $4.04 in Kenosha County and regular as low as $3.79 in Outagamie County, while diesel lows run higher—$5.89 in Rock County and $5.79 in Burnett County—highlighting still-volatile energy costs tied to global oil and Midwest supply conditions. Local Business & Policy: The Waukesha County Business Alliance published unedited responses from candidates in the open 5th Senate and 82nd Assembly races on competitiveness, budgeting, and taxes. Ag & Food Industry: Momentum Carnivore Nutrition, a Wisconsin pet-treat maker, is launching freeze-dried rainbow trout head dog chews, leaning on an aquaculture-sourced sustainability story. Workforce & Education: Pierce County colleges awarded 1,230 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, led by animal sciences. Infrastructure & Safety: A three-vehicle crash shut down southbound I-43 for about two hours in Big Bend during a construction-zone response. Environment: The Eau Claire River Watershed Coalition is asking residents to rank local water quality to guide future water- and ag-related funding priorities.