AGP Executive Report

Wisconsin Agriculture & Rural Economy: President Trump used a Chippewa Falls farm roundtable to tout lower fertilizer and energy costs “coming down,” while farmers pressed on input monopolies, trade access, and fuel prices tied to the Iran conflict. Workforce & Construction Training: Quasius Construction won a Wisconsin Fast Forward Workforce Training Grant to expand training for 31 employees, aiming to build long-term career pathways in construction. Energy & Costs at the Pump: GasBuddy reported the week ending May 30 saw Milwaukee County premium gas as low as $4.89 and diesel as low as $5.29, with statewide premium averaging $5.47—still volatile amid Middle East shipping risk. PFAS Cleanup: Tyco agreed to a $10M PFAS settlement in Wisconsin, adding to ongoing contamination fallout and remediation pressure. Policy & Security: Trump said he wants the acting director of national intelligence to cut the office, signaling staffing reductions in the intelligence community. Business/Manufacturing Hiring: HARIBO of America is advertising manufacturing roles in Pleasant Prairie, underscoring continued Wisconsin demand for production talent.

Wisconsin Agriculture & Rural Economy: Gov. Tony Evers kicked off June Dairy Month, spotlighting Wisconsin’s dairy footprint—about 5,000 farms, 1.27 million cows, and a $52.8B annual economic impact—while pointing to research, export support, rural infrastructure, and farmer wellness programs. Passenger Rail: A new statewide push to expand Wisconsin passenger rail is set to launch in Milwaukee with a June 25 conference aimed at faster, more frequent intercity service linking Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine/Kenosha, Eau Claire, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. Trump in Chippewa Falls: President Trump returned to western Wisconsin for an agriculture roundtable at Custer Farms, promising lower input costs and touting rural tax incentives and deregulation, while farmers and Democrats raised concerns about fuel, fertilizer, tariffs, and market pressures. Energy & Jobs Politics: Trump also used the visit to claim the U.S. is nearing an endgame with Iran, while the broader conflict continued to jolt energy markets. Middle East Security: In the Gulf, the U.S. said it shot down four Iranian drones toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck coastal radar sites; Iran later fired ballistic missiles and drones at Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting air raid alerts and intercepts. PFAS Accountability: Tyco agreed to a $10M settlement tied to PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, adding to the state’s ongoing cleanup and legal fallout.

University & Workforce: UW-Stout is now UW-Stout Polytechnic after a unanimous Board of Regents vote, signaling a stronger applied, lab-heavy focus aimed at engineering, construction management, and career-ready tech skills. Energy & Utilities: Talks between St. Croix County and Xcel Energy over a joint development agreement for the Ten Mile Creek solar project have collapsed, with Xcel saying it will file with the state Public Service Commission and may restart talks later. Manufacturing & Data Centers: Milwaukee’s Tramont Manufacturing is adding a second plant to supply backup power components for the data-center buildout, following Graycliff Partners’ acquisition. Power Policy: Trump’s Defense Production Act push includes $425M for upgrades and support tied to 13 coal plants, explicitly naming Wisconsin among the beneficiaries. Agriculture & Rural Economy: Trump’s Chippewa Falls roundtable highlighted jobs, farm tax benefits, and promises to lower diesel costs, while also drawing fact-check scrutiny over claims made during the event. Health Care: Aspirus reports five-star CMS ratings for nurse communication at three Wisconsin hospitals. Infrastructure: The WIS 82/IA 9 Mississippi River bridge center span installation is set for June 11-12, closing the ferry and restricting river traffic. Local Business & Community: Old World Wisconsin will release the original 1948 Schlitz recipe in a limited run starting July 3, marking the site’s 50th anniversary.

Energy & Industry: President Trump announced a $700M federal push to expand “clean, beautiful coal,” using the Defense Production Act to protect 13 coal plants and back new coal generation and export infrastructure—funding that includes Wisconsin among the beneficiary states. Environmental Compliance: Wisconsin reached a first-of-its-kind $10M settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to a Marinette firefighting foam site; the deal requires long-term clean water support for affected residents and investment into the state PFAS trust fund. Housing & Construction: La Crosse secured $2.4M in WHEDA tax credits for two affordable housing projects, including converting the old Lincoln Middle School into 51 units and building 45 units on 7th Street. Weather & Agriculture: West-central Wisconsin’s Coulee Region is facing a worsening dry spell, with rainfall deficits up to 6 inches over six weeks and drought conditions expanding. Regulation & Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to create a committee to study and assess judicial recusal rules, a move that could reshape how judges handle high-profile cases. Local Business: Green Bay is moving ahead with a $2M Atkinson Marsh restoration supported by a $1.7M DNR grant, aiming to improve access and habitat around the Fox River.

Energy Policy: President Trump announced $700 million for coal plants and a new export terminal, using the Defense Production Act to support upgrades across 13 plants in multiple states including Wisconsin—framing it as “clean, beautiful coal” while critics warn it undercuts renewables. Environmental Accountability: Wisconsin and Tyco Fire Products reached a $10 million settlement tied to PFAS contamination in Marinette, with continued remediation steps and trust-fund funding following earlier payments. Data Centers & Land Use: In Port Washington, Vantage Data Centers and Ramboll are using biodiversity modeling for a large campus plan, aiming to boost habitat outcomes before construction. Housing & Development: WHEDA-backed affordable housing continues to move forward, including a La Crosse project winning $1.11 million in tax credits for 45 units. Workforce & Construction: Contractors report staffing pressure as construction job openings rise, with data pointing to persistent trade shortages—especially for data center work. Higher Ed & Industry Links: UW-Stout officially rebrands as UW-Stout Polytechnic, emphasizing applied, career-focused learning aligned with employers. Agriculture: Gov. Evers highlighted Wisconsin dairy during June Dairy Month stops, underscoring state support for farmers and processors ahead of Trump’s visit.

Shipbuilding & Heavy Industry: A 200-foot portal crane built by Konecranes in Manitowoc is on a long tow to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, part of a $370M Navy plan to upgrade equipment at public shipyards. Ag Policy & Farm Economy: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes rolled out an agriculture agenda ahead of President Trump’s rural visit, calling for stronger antitrust enforcement, tariff refunds, expanded market access, right-to-repair for farm equipment, and limits on foreign/out-of-state farmland purchases. USDA Farm Programs: USDA FSA is letting eligible landowners update crop base acres for Ag Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments, with decisions due by Aug. 31, 2026. Housing & Development: WHEDA awarded about $47.5M in housing tax credits across 35 developments in 15 counties, targeting more than 2,100 affordable units, including multiple Milwaukee projects. Dairy Industry: Gov. Tony Evers toured Westby Cooperative Creamery during June Dairy Month, highlighting dairy’s economic impact and criticizing tariffs and farm input costs. Energy & Manufacturing: Modine is considering relocating its Racine HQ while planning to stay in southeast Wisconsin. Transportation Planning: Madison took a step toward Amtrak service after a finance committee approved the sale of the former Human Services building to Landmark Development.

Housing Finance: Gov. Tony Evers and WHEDA announced $47.8M in competitive housing tax credits for 35 multifamily developments across 15 counties, targeting about 5,000 residents and 2,128 affordable units. Data Center Policy: Shawano County leaders advanced a proposed data center moratorium for parts of the county, while Wisconsin lawmakers urged FERC to reject a utility request to pause transmission competition—arguing it’s key for powering the data center boom. Energy & Politics: State Sen. Kelda Roys unveiled a clean-energy plan aiming for 100% by 2050 and calling for statewide guardrails on hyperscale data centers and AI development. Manufacturing/Autos: Harley-Davidson recalled multiple motorcycle models over a design issue that can block a breather port, potentially causing oil to spray when dipsticks are removed. Environment & Wildlife: USFWS finalized critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee across more than 1.5M acres, including Wisconsin counties. Ag & Food: June Dairy Month spotlights Wisconsin farm production with dozens of on-the-farm events statewide. Construction Jobs: A national analysis finds construction employment rose in most metro areas, but warns backlash to data centers could disrupt fragile job growth.

Defense & Manufacturing: Oshkosh Defense is positioning for a potential return to Joint Light Tactical Vehicle production as the Marine Corps seeks a second supplier after AM General delivery delays, signaling more military work could flow to Wisconsin plants. Energy & Infrastructure: A massive Navy crane built in Manitowoc is on a long barge route to Hawaii, underscoring Wisconsin’s role in shipyard modernization. Shipping & Safety: The Coast Guard is investigating theft of the beacon at the Superior Entry Lighthouse on Wisconsin Point, warning the removal creates a serious navigation hazard. Ag & Food Industry: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa “super greens” after additional illnesses, with multiple brands added to recall lists. Dairy: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative launched a virtual National Cheese Day campaign, highlighting Wisconsin dairy farms and processors. Workforce & Training: Amazon Web Services graduated 20 students from a paid preapprenticeship program aimed at filling trade-industry gaps as shop classes disappear. Local Business/Community: Packers and Potawatomi Sportsbook announced a multi-year partnership, including naming rights at Lambeau Field.

Workforce & Training: Wisconsin Fast Forward awarded $2.4M+ in grants to 17 employers to train 1,000+ workers across agriculture, construction, health care, manufacturing and transportation. Higher Ed Costs: UW Regents are set to vote on a 2% tuition hike plus a 3.5% increase in segregated fees, continuing a multi-year upward trend. Manufacturing Tech Shift: The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit at Lambeau Field highlighted how AI and automation are reshaping plants, with Rockwell Automation and Harley-Davidson leaders discussing “automation to autonomy.” Energy & Grid Competition: Wisconsin lawmakers urged FERC to reject a utility request to pause competition for major transmission projects, arguing it could raise costs as data centers expand. Power Supply for Data Centers: Generac signed a global backup-power supply agreement with a major hyperscale data center operator. Food & Dairy: Major U.S. cheese producers are expanding, including Grande Cheese’s upgraded mozzarella facility in Chilton and Leprino’s new Lubbock plant; meanwhile, Wisconsin beef prices hit record highs amid smaller herds and drought-driven feed costs. Ag Outlook: Upper Midwest crop development is mixed, with weather swings affecting planting and growth. Local Development: Winnebago County is weighing environmental impacts and possible rules for data centers, focusing on water and clean energy. Public Safety & Consumer Protection: A salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa supplements has been reopened as illnesses rise, and BBB warns of growing task-based employment scams.

Healthcare Real Estate: The Ensign Group says it acquired a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and the real estate for a 46-unit memory care site in Pleasant Hill, California—both effective June 1—expanding its Midwest and West Coast footprint. Education Costs: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a 2% below-inflation resident undergraduate tuition increase for 2026–27 as campuses manage rising operating costs. AI Consumer Protection: Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes unveiled a Wisconsin plan to curb AI “surveillance pricing,” bar AI-based insurance denials, and require upfront pricing disclosure. Renewables Planning: A Center for Rural Affairs fact sheet urges Wisconsin counties to adopt wind and solar decommissioning siting rules so owners—not taxpayers—handle end-of-life cleanup. Dairy & Agriculture: DFW’s “Adopt a Cow” program returns for 2026–27, pairing students with Wisconsin dairy farms for calf updates. Local Economy & Industry: A Wisconsin Rapids school district update highlights families facing over $15K in meal debt.

Presidential Spotlight: President Donald Trump is set to visit Chippewa County Friday, pitching rural investment and farm-focused trade efforts as Wisconsin voters weigh tariff policy and broader economic costs. Manufacturing & Industry: CMD Corporation formally launched CMD Manufacturing Solutions from its Appleton base, expanding contract manufacturing, precision assembly, and fabrication for complex equipment builds. Finance & Local Business: Fox Communities Credit Union opened a new Bellevue branch on Monroe Road, built by DeLeers Construction and Gries Architectural Group, adding a modern, education-focused digital hub. Dairy & Food Economy: June Dairy Month kicks off in Wisconsin with nearly 80 events statewide, while U.S. dairy production hit a 14th straight month above year-ago levels—supporting a busy season for farms and processors. Energy & Infrastructure: Marathon County is seeking public input on the proposed Hub City Wind Farm, with Alliant Energy considering 28–38 turbines and possible construction in 2028–29. Public Safety & Compliance: A new Wisconsin law starting June 1 requires seat belts for UTV drivers and passengers, alongside other 2026 ATV/UTV rule updates. Data Centers & Local Control: Brown County is considering a data center moratorium as communities push for guardrails on land use, zoning, and utility impacts.

Ag Policy: A USDA-backed cover crop incentive program, Farmers for Soil Health, is reopening with higher payments—$35 per acre per year on up to 2,000 acres for eligible corn/soy/wheat/grain sorghum/cotton growers in Wisconsin and neighboring states. Insurance & AI: Liberty Mutual is rolling out a ChatGPT-style conversational motor insurance quoting app, with quotes available now in Wisconsin and several other states and plans to expand to 40+ by year-end. Industrial Real Estate: New Blueprint Partners completed a 1031 exchange purchase of a nearly 60,000-square-foot New Berlin industrial flex property fully leased on a triple-net basis to Nonn’s Flooring (Lowe’s-backed). Manufacturing/Workforce: Wisconsin’s NCWIT Aspirations in Computing awards recognized 98 students statewide, including five Whitewater High School students tied to FIRST Robotics and multiple computing pathways. Environment & Conservation: The National Park Service acquired 213 acres along Lake Superior’s south shore in Iron County to advance the North Country National Scenic Trail. Local Hiring: Madison’s Lucille’s is ramping up hiring ahead of patio season as sidewalk seating returns and capacity nearly doubles.

Climate & Courts: Wisconsin youth are appealing a judge’s dismissal of their climate rights lawsuit, arguing state laws limit renewable energy and block regulators from weighing pollution from new fossil fuel plants. Food & Dairy Industry: A taste test weighs in on the growing market for pre-shredded cheese pouches, weighing convenience against quality and cost. Outdoor & Tourism: Research ranks Lake Michigan among North America’s most “instagrammable” fishing lakes, highlighting the region’s steelhead fishery and social-media pull. Workforce & Manufacturing Training: UW-Madison is set to debut METAL and ACE manufacturing workforce hubs, aiming to expand hands-on training for advanced industry jobs. Energy & Air Quality: An IDEM official explains why ozone alerts tend to spike in spring and summer, with stagnant conditions and wildfire smoke often driving higher pollution episodes. Local Business: Shorewood’s Love Cafe is launching a summer residency at Bay View, pairing coffee and matcha with a rotating menu of baked goods. Ag & Prices: Experts say beef prices may stay high until 2030, driven by drought-driven herd losses and tight cattle supply.

Workforce & Training: UW-Madison is set to launch free, hands-on metals casting and CNC machining hubs this summer through the U.S. Department of War’s METAL and ACE programs, aiming to build Wisconsin’s manufacturing talent pipeline. Energy & Grid: Wisconsin is moving to deploy thousands of spongy moth traps across 36 counties this summer, a reminder that environmental management and operational planning are becoming year-round industry work. Food & Agriculture: Beef prices are expected to stay elevated through 2030 as drought-driven cattle herd shrink tightens supply, keeping pressure on Wisconsin’s meat supply chain. Local Business & Construction: Culver’s is advancing a new Lake Placid location after completing zoning and commercial plan reviews, with construction approvals cleared for permits. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Wisconsin State Patrol reported aerial enforcement in Eau Claire County with 21 traffic stops averaging 79 mph in a construction zone. Housing Affordability: A New York Times analysis finds Milwaukee and Madison home prices are among the least affordable in the Midwest, with price-to-income ratios around 5x. Manufacturing & Logistics: A Christmas tree farm dispute in Waldo highlights how pipeline work can disrupt commercial agriculture when vegetation rules limit replanting.

Workforce & Manufacturing: UW-Madison is set to debut free, hands-on metals casting and CNC machining workforce hubs this summer—METAL and ACE—aimed at building Wisconsin’s pipeline for advanced manufacturing skills. Defense & Industrial Production: Oshkosh Defense won a $70.6M U.S. Marine Corps contract to build more ROGUE-Fires carriers through September 2028, with production centered in Oshkosh. Energy & Infrastructure: WisDOT plans overnight I-41 closures next week tied to the I-41/Highway 60 interchange work, with detours posted for drivers. Food & Agriculture: Beef prices are hitting record highs, with UW-River Falls economists pointing to a shrinking U.S. cattle herd driven by drought and years-long herd rebuilding. Healthcare Workforce: Six Milwaukee-area students graduate with medical assistant certificates through a hybrid K-12 pathway with Froedtert Health and MedCerts, designed as an on-ramp to jobs or college. Local Business Development: Oswego approved financing and incentives for a major buildout of Billy Bricks Pizza and Moo Joe’s ice cream shop, including HVAC, refrigeration, and fire systems. Transportation & Rail: Pewaukee will consider a letter of support for an Amtrak Hiawatha station grant application tied to the Milwaukee-to-Madison expansion.

Data Centers & Local Control: Brown County is weighing a data center moratorium, but officials say it may function more like guidance than a true stop because zoning decisions sit with individual municipalities. Housing & Finance: A senior affordable housing project at Richland County’s former Ocie Hill site was denied a key low-income tax credit, putting the land deal and future financing in limbo. Agriculture & Land Values: A Chicago Fed survey shows “good” farmland values in the Seventh District up year over year in Wisconsin, while farmland prices elsewhere show mixed movement. Food & Tourism: Wisconsin’s Prime Rib Trail concept is inspiring a new Pennsylvania Beef Trail with 73 stops, tying beef production to tourism and local dining. Workforce & Training: Gov. Evers and DWD announced WisTRAIN job grants aimed at advanced manufacturing and AI skills. Sports & Wisconsin Industry Spotlight: UW-Milwaukee stunned Auburn in NCAA baseball, while Brewers games and other regional sports coverage keep drawing attention to local talent pipelines.