AGP Executive Report

Farm Finance: U.S. farm debt has topped $605 billion, more than double its inflation-adjusted level in 2000. USDA officials say the tally may miss growing loans from suppliers, equipment makers and other nontraditional lenders as farmers face tight margins, higher fuel and fertilizer costs, and trade disruptions. Development Incentives: Reno County is weighing a lodging tax as part of financing for the Salt Lick resort east of Hutchinson. The county has authorized a rate as high as 10%, intended for the resort, alongside other tax incentives — raising questions about how development deals affect local businesses. Crop Research: KU is part of a $1.9 million grant-backed project studying fungi that could help crops withstand drought, with potential benefits for Kansas producers.

Kansas Workforce: Kansas employers filed 1,235 H-1B petitions in 2025, including 448 in professional and technical services. That sector’s filings fell 16.1% from 2024, though 99.1% were approved. Business Climate: Data-center construction has become a flashpoint in the governor’s race, with debate over incentives and local impacts. Costs and Policy: The Kansas Senate contest is tightening, with energy prices, tariffs and affordability prominent issues for farmers, manufacturers and families. State Finances: Kansas tax revenue came in 6.1% above estimates in the first quarter of the budget year. Energy Investment: A company confirmed plans for one of the world’s largest battery-storage systems in Pratt, a major proposed project for southwest Kansas.

Fuel Costs: President Donald Trump says Russian diesel imports will help lower prices, but analysts doubt the deal will ease the global squeeze — a concern for Kansas farmers, ranchers and truckers. Data Centers & Energy: Kansas’ data-center incentives are under scrutiny in the governor’s race. Deep Fission’s proposed Parsons reactor cleared an initial federal safety-design review, but questions about its finances remain. State Finances: Kansas tax revenue topped estimates, while USDA warnings of record U.S. farm debt add pressure for producers facing volatile grain markets. Development: Wyandotte County is suing Kansas over the Chiefs stadium process, seeking to preserve its role in local decisions. Business Pipeline: Textron has launched Kansas aviation apprenticeships, and Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were recognized at the 2026 To The Stars event.

Chiefs Stadium Fight: Wyandotte County’s Unified Government sued Kansas, challenging a state law that it says limits local control over stadium decisions and tax breaks. Data-Center Debate: Kansas gubernatorial candidates are split over incentives for large data centers, including a 20-year tax exemption, as concerns grow about public costs and environmental impacts. Farm Innovation: KU researchers will lead a $1.9 million study testing whether fungi can help wheat and rice withstand drought, a potentially important advance for crop resilience and water conservation. Energy Investment: Pratt Energy plans a 5.8-gigawatt-hour thermal battery project in Kansas, bringing a major energy-storage development to the state. Workforce: Kansas has the nation’s highest share of full-time workers with second jobs, at 8.8%, according to a new study; it did not determine why workers take on extra employment.

Agtech: Dodge City’s Crop Quest is using drones to count feedyard cattle, giving operators faster inventory data while reducing the need to move animals or count them by hand. State Finances: Kansas tax collections topped estimates by 6.1% in the first quarter of the budget year. Lawrence Development: Airport advisers want the regional facility to drive economic growth, while developers have proposed a women’s flight school and training center as part of a broader STAR bond plan. Farm Finance: U.S. farm debt is projected to hit a record $605 billion. A study involving Kansas State researchers found some equipment borrowing from nontraditional lenders may be far higher than official figures capture, adding to concerns about pressure on producers. Energy Investment: A 5.8-gigawatt-hour thermal battery project planned for Kansas could store electricity as heat, bringing a major energy-storage development to the state.

State Finances: Kansas collected $2.57 billion in taxes in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, $147 million above forecast and 8.8% higher than a year earlier. The stronger start could ease budget pressure. Wyandotte County: A state audit flagged $313,000 in highway funds misallocated and a $40 million budget discrepancy. County commissioners also opted out of parts of the Kansas Sports Authority law and postponed a vote on revised Chiefs stadium financing, citing concerns about community safeguards. Energy and Agriculture: A Pratt project could bring a 5.8-gigawatt thermal battery system, while fuel experts warn that Trump’s red-dyed diesel order may offer little savings and could push up farmers’ costs. Local Economy: Lawrence sales-tax collections fell 1.9% year over year in September, and remain below last year’s pace. In southwest Kansas, Garden City says immigrant labor is vital to the economy and is seeking more immigration services after federal raids disrupted meatpacking operations.

Data Center Investment: Google’s Project Helium campus in Barber County was approved, adding Kansas to a growing wave of large data center developments that bring major power demands and economic opportunities. Stadium Financing: Wyandotte County leaders will consider easing oversight requirements for the Chiefs’ proposed $3 billion stadium and its STAR bond financing, including removing a guaranteed county seat on the community impact committee. Downtown Eudora: Entrepreneur Aaron Thakker’s Brickhaven Inn, a renovated former church now operating as a short-term rental, is drawing visitors and spending to the small-town business district. State Finances: Kansas tax revenue came in 6.1% above estimates in the first quarter of the budget year. Rural Energy: A company has confirmed plans for a massive battery storage project in Pratt, a potential boost to local investment and the state’s energy capacity. Farm Economy: U.S. farm debt has reached a record, while growing use of supplier and other nontraditional credit may mean the strain on agricultural businesses is being undercounted.

State Finances: Kansas collected $2.57 billion in taxes in July–September, $147 million (6.1%) above forecast—a stronger-than-expected start to the fiscal year. Energy Investment: Plans are confirmed for one of the world’s largest battery-storage systems in Pratt, a major project for southwest Kansas. Aviation Jobs & Exports: Wichita-based Textron Aviation says Paraguay’s air force will be the first South American military operator of its Cessna SkyCourier. The company is also launching apprenticeship programs for Kansas high school students. Rural Workforce: Southwest Kansas communities and beef businesses are still recovering from immigration raids that disrupted the local workforce.

Rural Workforce: A central Kansas program is seeking businesses to host interns, with the program covering their pay. Next Generation Round Up aims to connect students with local careers and help rural towns keep young workers. AI and Manufacturing: Kansas City-based Aptean launched an AI service for manufacturers and distributors, promising to tie projects to measurable business goals. Royals Stadium Financing: Kansas City’s council committee advanced a plan to redirect future tax revenue growth from a wide downtown area toward the city’s proposed $600 million stadium contribution. Energy Storage: Antora Energy plans a 5.8-gigawatt-hour thermal battery project in Kansas. State Revenue: Kansas collected $1.08 billion in taxes in September, 5.5% above estimates.

Kansas Fuel Watch: Diesel prices in Rice County hit $6.29 a gallon at three stations in the week ending Sept. 26, while the Kansas average for diesel rose to $6.21. Local Energy Costs: Wabaunsee County’s lowest diesel was $5.69, and Coffey County’s lone E85 station sold for $3.09; midgrade prices also varied, with Rice County’s low at $4.49. Haskell Leadership: Haskell Indian Nations University students are hoping new permanent President Alex Red Corn brings stability after staffing and program disruptions. Farm Program Timing: Kansas State University economist Robin Reid says delayed 2026 ARC/PLC sign-up deadlines give producers extra time to use harvest and published price data before choosing coverage. Kansas Politics: The Cook Political Report moved the Kansas Senate race to “Toss Up,” citing Democrats’ improved odds four weeks out. Kansas City Development & Housing: Kansas City advanced ordinances for a Royals stadium financing plan, while Citadel residents urged action over mud flooding tied to a nearby development. Community & Business: Visit Franklin added four board members, and a free Kansas Women & Money Conference in Lawrence is set to help women plan budgets and retirement.

Kansas Senate race heats up: National Republicans are pouring $8.2M into ads to defend Sen. Roger Marshall as Democrat Adam Hamilton closes the gap in a race that’s drawing unusual attention for a state Trump won by 16 points in 2024. Immigration & agriculture: Kansas farmers and rural leaders say federal immigration policy is failing workers they need, pointing to September raids in southwest Kansas and arguing the humanitarian and economic stakes now overlap. Energy costs politics: Trump signed an executive order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel use, aiming to blunt fuel-price pressure ahead of midterms—though analysts warn the impact may be limited. Local broadband: Nowata commissioners heard a proposal from IdeaTek for fiber-optic internet expansion and signaled interest, with more talks planned. Local journalism: The Eureka Herald was selected for a national initiative to strengthen rural community news, with KU support. Business & finance: A new report finds life sciences leaders remain bullish on growth despite uncertainty, while investors get more cautious as corporate borrowing costs rise.

MLB Labor Watch: Royals owner John Sherman says both sides are bargaining weekly as the current deal expires Dec. 1, with a salary cap/floor proposal still a flashpoint. Local Economy & Growth: Kansas City released a first public look at a proposed Crown Center Royals stadium impact study, projecting ~26,000 average fans per game and outlining a TIF district of about 4 square miles. Education Funding: Olathe superintendent Brent Yeager was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year, highlighting his push for fully funding special education. School Consolidation: Olathe’s board voted to close 6 schools by 2027 and begin boundary changes. Construction Disruption: Lawrence businesses at Clinton Parkway and Wakarusa Drive say a KDOT project delay is hurting access and sales. Energy Storage Investment: Pratt Energy’s ethanol plant in Pratt will host a 5.8 GWh thermal battery project, targeting 100+ jobs. Healthcare Relief: Nonprofits will erase about $34M in medical debt for 21,490 Kansans. Cybersecurity: A hacking group claims it stole data from 3,615 Trump Mobile customers. Sports & Business Tie-In: Chiefs’ “KC Takeaway” sandwich returns for a fifth year to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs watch: After a 30-27 win over the Raiders, Kansas City is reportedly “very interested” in a Tyreek Hill reunion as receiver injuries mount, with Tyquan Thornton and Rashee Rice sidelined. NFL odds: With only three undefeated teams left, MVP chatter is heating up for Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy as their odds rise heading into Week 5. Local business & privacy: A Kansas-focused explainer on Flock Automatic License Plate Readers highlights how the systems track vehicle and pedestrian movement data and how police access can raise privacy concerns. Health care ownership: Mission Health Communities becomes 100% employee-owned through an ESOP, aiming to stabilize the workforce and support long-term senior care growth. Workforce demand: Kansas job listings spotlight “shocking work positions” across Wichita, including HVAC and maintenance roles with pay ranges that reflect ongoing hiring pressure. State finance: Kansas reported September 2026 total tax collections of $1.08B, up 5.5% above estimate, with corporate income tax notably ahead. Immigration impact: Reporting from southwest Kansas describes fear and disruption following ICE raids, with communities still wary as daily life resumes. Emporia data center fight: A dispute over petition language for an Emporia ballot measure over data centers and battery storage centers on whether “Article 15” references match the city’s planning and zoning code.

Kansas Politics & Economy: A New York Times analysis points to how Kansas’ farming-heavy economy is getting squeezed by higher fuel costs, beef import pressure, and immigration enforcement disruptions. Higher Education & Childcare: KU says it will form a work group to find “financially and operationally sustainable” childcare solutions after the Hilltop Child Development Center closure, following a parent letter with 450+ signatures. Workforce & Immigration: Kansas employers in Educational Services filed 373 H-1B petitions in 2025 (97.9% approved), with KU Medical Center, USD 501 Topeka, and the University of Kansas among the biggest filers. Cybersecurity: A new report warns state leaders that cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are a top concern, especially for smaller municipalities. Local Housing: Zillow data shows Decatur County home values up 9.9% year over year to $112,764 (Aug. 2026), while Wichita-area foundation repair firms report a spike in rain-related basement and foundation calls. Public Health: CDC updates show an alfalfa sprout recall tied to E. coli and Salmonella has sickened 76 people across 16 states.

Kansas Politics & Elections: A new wave of late-breaking pressure is putting Kansas Senate incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall on notice, with Democrats pointing to a possible opening for Adam Hamilton as Republicans scramble to protect red-state seats. AI & Data Centers: Kansas’ data center boom is turning into a defining campaign issue, with Democratic nominee Cindy Holscher pushing for a moratorium and warning about AI-driven growth impacts. Tax Policy: The IRS is proposing a rule that could strip tax-exempt status from up to 18,000 private schools, a move that could reshape donor incentives and borrowing costs nationwide. Local Business & Community: Wamego unveiled a 15-foot Toto statue for Oztoberfest, aiming to draw more visitors. Sports & Entertainment (Kansas-adjacent): Kansas football’s London trip reportedly brought in $2.7 million, while Week 4 NFL coverage is dominated by Chiefs-Raiders and other major matchups.

Child Care & Philanthropy: Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas raised money for early childhood education at its third annual Celebrity Waiter Soiree in Topeka, with local anchors and celebrities serving dinner and participating in auctions and games. Education & Workforce: Coffeyville Community College reported a 1.9% enrollment dip this fall versus last year, while still showing growth over five years and expanding concurrent enrollment, international enrollment and technical programs tied to Kansas workforce needs. Higher Ed Childcare: KU formed a work group to find long-term childcare solutions after the Hilltop Child Development Center was set to close Oct. 30, with leaders saying reversing course isn’t an option. Politics & Elections: New York Times/Siena polling shows Democrats leading or tied in Senate races in traditionally Republican-leaning states, including Kansas, where the race is tied—fueling renewed talk of a possible Democratic path to Senate control. Housing: Zillow data put Sheridan County’s typical home value at $233,314 in August 2026, up 13.2% year over year. Community Health: Race Against Breast Cancer held its 35th annual 5K, funding no-cost mammograms for northeast Kansas residents.