AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Agriculture & Food: LAN Farms in Copiah County is delivering locally raised and processed beef to Jackson-area customers, offering bulk boxes and steakhouse cuts. Pest Control Costs: MSU Extension warns termite swarms can start as early as late January along the Gulf Coast, and treating an average Mississippi home can run about $1,200 to $1,750. Small Business Support: Newbern will host a free small business planning and growth session Aug. 20 at Town Hall, with one-on-one help and no-cost long-term support options. Public Health Recall Watch: FDA upgraded a Texas shell-egg recall to its highest risk level, urging shoppers to check specific carton codes before sell-by dates expire. Consumer Safety: A Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kit recall was triggered by possible Listeria contamination. Local Fraud Signals: BBB Scam Tracker shows Byram tied for 25th in Mississippi for July scam reports, with two reports. Energy & Logistics Tech: A Reuters report highlights how automation and AI are reshaping U.S. transport, including automated inspection on rail and AI use on Mississippi River towboats. Home & Community: Mississippi’s termite swarms and Gulf Coast Amtrak safety concerns both point to the same theme: prevention matters before problems get expensive.

Food Safety: FDA upgraded a Texas shell-egg recall of about 19 million eggs to Class I, the highest risk level, tied to a salmonella outbreak; the eggs were sold under multiple labels and still carry sell-by/best-by dates through mid-August, including distribution in Mississippi. Retail/Manufacturing: Walmart-linked Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits (3,240 units) were pulled after possible Listeria contamination was flagged in routine testing; no illnesses were confirmed. Energy/Transport: GasBuddy reports show midgrade prices dipping in Mississippi, with Clay County’s lowest at $3.88/gal and Lauderdale County’s diesel low at $4.80/gal for the week ending Aug. 8. Business/Jobs: The Lumber Manufactory opened an operational sawmill in New Albany, a $15M+ investment creating 50+ jobs, supported by Mississippi incentives. Tech & Power: A new look at data centers warns AI buildouts are driving major electricity demand and raising water and zoning questions. Public Safety/Community: BBB Scam Tracker listed multiple Mississippi cities with scam reports in July, including Byram tied for 25th with two reports. Aviation/Defense: The Army awarded Airbus Helicopters a $115.4M contract for up to 12 more UH-72B Lakota helicopters, with work through 2030.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall to a Class I, highest-risk category over possible Salmonella Enteritidis exposure, affecting about 19.1 million eggs sold in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and other states. Retail & Local Economy: In Waveland, Mississippi, three national chains—Starbucks, Wingstop and Jersey Mike’s—are set to move into a long-vacant Rite Aid building off U.S. 90, with construction also starting on a future Chick-fil-A. Forestry & Jobs: The Lumber Manufactory opened a new sawmill in New Albany, backing it with more than $15 million in investment and creating 50+ jobs, with state incentives and local support. Public Health Training: Mississippi’s Marine Resources agency announced a free, three-day Seafood HACCP workshop in Biloxi (Sept. 15–17) for seafood industry members. Workforce & Industry: A job fair at MGCCC’s Perkinston campus is connecting displaced Hood Industries workers after storm damage forced the plywood mill to close. Community & Agriculture: Lauderdale County announced its second annual sheriff’s rodeo (Nov. 20–21) with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi.

Food Safety: FDA upgraded a salmonella egg recall to its highest “Class 1” risk level, covering about 1.6 million dozen eggs produced in Texas and distributed across the South and Southwest, with Mississippi among the states listed; consumers are told not to eat the eggs and to check carton codes and dates. Food Safety: Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are also recalled in 29 states after a listeria concern, including Mississippi stores, with no confirmed illnesses reported. Workforce & Industry: Hood Industries’ closure is driving a fast response in Stone County—MGCCC hosted a two-day job fair with 30+ employers to place displaced plywood workers. Public Health: CDC says Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) occurs naturally in Gulf Coast soil and water, meaning clinicians should not rely only on travel history. Energy & Infrastructure: Entergy Louisiana has started a $270M Jefferson Parish grid resilience project, replacing or hardening thousands of poles to cut storm damage and outage times. Sports & Local Business: Alcorn State hired former NBA guard Monta Ellis as men’s basketball general manager, aiming to rebuild a championship culture. Agriculture: Mississippi farmers are leaning into soil health to handle weather shocks and pests, with “heal the soil” framed as the foundation for resilience.

Health Policy: Mississippi’s Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney is pushing short-term health plans via a private exchange as ACA marketplace subsidies expire, while experts warn the “loophole” could leave more residents uninsured. Auto & Safety: A new SmartAsset look puts Mississippi at the top for uninsured drivers, raising the odds that crashes land on uninsured-motorist coverage. Economic Development: Leflore County’s board is split on matching funds for an industrial park grant tied to environmental studies on more than 1,000 acres. Food Industry: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to Class I after Salmonella concerns, affecting more than 38 million eggs. Energy & Costs: AAA reports the national gas average is back rising to about $4.07 as crude stays near $80. Infrastructure: MDOT says Highway 49 median barriers in Gulfport are finishing up as a pedestrian-safety project. Manufacturing: Southwire is moving ahead with a $256M Starkville expansion, adding capacity and jobs. Mining & Critical Minerals: Mississippi lawmakers are set to debate lithium mining taxes and regulations in the 2027 session. Maritime: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Mississippi County at $3.82/gal (week ending Aug. 8), while diesel hit a low of $4.65/gal in Lee County; statewide averages eased but stayed above last year. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall to Class I, with affected eggs sold in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi. Water Security: Mississippi health officials say they’ve warned water systems after cyberattacks nationwide, noting no affected systems have been identified in the state. Industry & Training: HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding and MGCCC opened an air-conditioned VR welding lab to ramp up welder training for shipyard work. Agriculture & Research: USDA trimmed 2026-27 wheat forecasts in its Aug. 12 report while shifting outlooks for corn and soybeans. Community & Environment: ADM employees joined Living Lands & Waters for a Mississippi River cleanup in Quincy, tying clean water to crop-growing needs. Public Safety: A cyber warfare-focused Army program update and a Mississippi State agriculture division awards ceremony also drew attention to defense and land-grant work.

Mississippi Industry & Manufacturing: Five Rivers Manufacturing expanded in Corning, adding full production of G&H Decoys plus three brands acquired in 2025, positioning the site in the Mississippi flyway for waterfowl-season demand. Steel & Heavy Industry Planning: NEMO Industries picked Tenova for its proposed $3B pig iron facility near Donaldsonville, with Front-End Engineering Design support ahead of a Final Investment Decision expected in Dec. 2027. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Ascension Parish advanced a West Bank Resilient Community Overlay plan to guide housing, commercial, rural preservation, and industrial uses tied to major riverfront development. Shipping & Climate: New research estimates inland waterways emitted about 164 million metric tons of CO2 in 2022—far higher than previously assumed—putting river shipping’s carbon impact in the spotlight. Ag & Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall expanded after salmonella-linked illnesses, pulling products from major retailers including Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Energy & Environment: EPA officials toured Keokuk’s Elkem Carbide site as cleanup funding increased, while duck-and-rice habitat coverage highlighted how fewer flooded acres could affect waterfowl populations. Public Health & Policy: A Trump executive order would push to split MMR into separate shots, but Mississippi doctors say the science doesn’t support it and the state isn’t changing policy. Workforce & Research: NSF’s Industry-Integrated PhD pilot aims to better align STEM doctoral training with industry needs, including for future Mississippi employers.

Food & Agriculture: A major jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella has expanded to 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations, pulling products sold at big retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods—another hit after the ongoing cyclospora disruption. Beef Market: New reporting highlights a beef packing capacity squeeze driven by low cattle supply and higher costs, while beef prices continue to pressure consumption. Mississippi Agriculture: USDA’s August crop outlook projects record U.S. soybean production in 2026 and notes strong corn yields in states including Mississippi. Energy & Industry: U.S. natural gas output is forecast to set a record in 2026, with Permian and Haynesville growth supporting supply. Local Business Growth: The Lumber Manufactory is investing $15M in a New Albany sawmill, creating 50 jobs and adding a new market for Mississippi timber. Public Health & Policy: Mississippi State University Extension added an entomology specialist to support turf, forages and ornamentals with research-based pest management. Governance: A federal report says Mississippi is among states with farmland foreign-ownership restrictions, as state rules have shifted sharply from 2022 to 2026.

Energy & Courts: A 5th Circuit ruling tossed Biden-era efficiency rules for gas and electric stoves and ovens, saying the Department of Energy skipped required public process; Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch led the challenge, joined by Louisiana and others. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño recall tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak, with products sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Kroger; officials also point to earlier produce recalls as food-safety concerns keep spreading. Power & Industry: Cleanview analysis says the AI data-center boom is driving a surge in gas-fired “behind-the-meter” power plants, raising major air-pollution and carbon concerns. Mississippi Business & Jobs: Southwire is expanding in Starkville with a $256M addition, adding manufacturing capacity and new construction activity. Local Weather & Infrastructure: Coastal Mississippi faces a prolonged heat and low-rain stretch, while flood-control planning continues in the region, including stormwater pumping and culvert proposals. Agriculture Tech: Arkansas researchers are testing drone + software irrigation scheduling to cut water use and save labor for furrow-irrigated soybeans. Public Health Tech Scrutiny: A federal rural AI health push is moving ahead despite a thin peer-reviewed track record on patient outcomes. Community Note: Kermit Davis Sr., a longtime Mississippi furniture market executive, died at 91.

Energy Policy: The 5th Circuit struck down Biden-era efficiency standards for gas and electric stoves and ovens, saying the Department of Energy bypassed required public comment steps—an outcome Mississippi and other states had challenged. Power & Industry: Entergy says Amazon data centers will help Mississippians save on power, but some experts and residents fear grid upgrades and demand could raise bills. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño recall tied to salmonella, pulling products sold at major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Target; health officials say the likely source is linked to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. Local Response: Meridian officials fielded gas leak reports at East Mississippi State Hospital, nursing homes and homes, but said no actual leaks were found after odorant residue issues were identified. Agriculture/Workforce: Southwire is expanding in Starkville with a $256M addition, adding manufacturing capacity and campus-linked growth. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Mississippi remains in the mix for online purchase scams, while national fraud losses keep climbing.

Maritime & Manufacturing: Saronic is expanding in Mississippi, opening a new autonomous-ship testing site at the Port of Gulfport to test and commission its Marauder unmanned vessels, with more units expected as production ramps. Industrial Energy & Environment: A new report says U.S. tech data centers are increasingly building their own gas-fired power plants “behind the meter,” raising major pollution concerns as the AI boom accelerates. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a multistate salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, pulling prepared foods like salsa, guacamole, pico, dips and more sold across 26 states including Mississippi, with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16. Public Health & Waterways: Illinois is the first in the Great Lakes region to require reporting of industrial plastic pellet spills (nurdles), treating them as pollution and pushing storm-runoff plans—an issue that also hits Mississippi River watershed concerns. Mississippi Cannabis: Mississippi’s two cannabis testing labs, Steep Hill Mississippi and Alchemy Analytics, are merging into Southern Precision Analytics to keep the state’s testing infrastructure running. Local Infrastructure: Starkville’s Main Street improvements are nearing completion, adding wider sidewalks, better traffic flow, and more ADA parking. Agriculture & Training: Delta State University dedicated an agricultural aviation simulator and named a training aircraft for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, supporting aerial applicator pilot certification.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Southwire is pouring $256M into a Starkville expansion, adding about 380,000 sq. ft. and 128 new jobs as it modernizes to meet electrification and data-center demand. Defense & Testing: The U.S. Army named Camp Shelby (Miss.) and three other sites as “premier” drone testing ranges, with a new single-entry access portal meant to speed industry trials. Port & Autonomy: Saronic opened a Gulfport site for on-water testing and commissioning of its Marauder autonomous vessels, partnering with USM and the Port of Gulfport. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-linked products after a salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican-grown peppers sickened hundreds across 27 states, with items sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target and Trader Joe’s. Public Health & Community: MGCCC hosted a job fair for workers displaced by Hood Industries’ permanent closure in Stone County, aiming to connect laid-off employees with new employers and training. Local Economy: Slidell sold its business campus to Textron Systems for $3.4M, shifting maintenance costs off taxpayers while keeping the property in private hands. Governance & Misinformation: Ridgeland officials denied a viral rumor about a municipal judge appointment, after a Delta attorney was sworn in as judge in Benoit.

Energy Infrastructure: FERC has granted construction permission for the 208-mile Mississippi Crossing Project, a natural gas pipeline spanning 10 counties and expected to bring jobs and development to the Delta while raising environmental concerns. Maritime Defense & Tech: Saronic Technologies is setting up an autonomous ship testing and commissioning site at the Port of Gulfport for its Marauder unmanned surface vessel, signaling more defense and commercial automation work in Mississippi. Food Safety: Walmart, Target and Whole Foods are among retailers recalling Taylor Fresh Foods products tied to Salmonella linked to jalapeños, while a separate FDA update details a large Taylor Farms lettuce recall tied to potential Cyclospora contamination affecting major brands and foodservice. Water Quality & Agriculture: A USGS study finds excess nutrients can linger in soils for years before polluting rivers, with implications for Gulf “dead zones” and drinking water costs; meanwhile Minnesota is offering free nitrate testing for private wells at events like Farmfest. Cotton & Textiles: Industry leaders are pushing a plan to revive American cotton as synthetic fabrics keep taking share. Mississippi Business & Jobs: Alcorn State named former NBA guard Monta Ellis as men’s basketball general manager, continuing the HBCU trend of high-profile hires. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports show multiple Mississippi cities tied for scam activity in June, including Natchez.

Food Safety: Walmart-exclusive Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter is recalled in 19 states, including Mississippi, after routine testing found salmonella in a single lot (UPC 194346207961; lot LB028ACP04; exp. Jan. 28, 2027). Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ lettuce recall is expanding in detail, with an FDA report listing 236,192 cases tied to “Potential Cyclospora contamination,” including Walmart’s Marketside and major restaurant chains. Maritime & Defense Manufacturing: Saronic Technologies set up an autonomous-ship test site at the Port of Gulfport to support on-water testing and commissioning of its Marauder unmanned vessels as production scales. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. approved a $1.7 billion natural gas pipeline across Mississippi, adding to the state’s ongoing buildout. Politics & Business Climate: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch announced her run for governor, pitching an accelerated phase-out of the state income tax to attract business and workers. Local Economy & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data put Natchez among the top Mississippi cities for scam reports in June, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses. Sports & Community: Jackson Academy swept Madison-Ridgeland Academy in a rematch, while South Mississippi pickleball continues to surge with new courts and growing participation.

Food Safety Watch: CDC is tracking two Salmonella outbreaks—one tied to recalled eggs and another linked to jalapenos served at restaurant chains—spanning 30 states with hundreds of illnesses and dozens of hospitalizations, including cases reported in Mississippi. Grocery Cost Pressure: Private companies are rolling out broad price cuts on groceries, medicine, energy and auto-related items, aiming to lower everyday costs for families. Manufacturing Tech in Mississippi: Nissan’s Canton plant is using AI cameras to monitor workers’ body angles during assembly of the Altima and Frontier, saying it improves health and efficiency without eliminating jobs. Defense & Drones: The U.S. Army selected Camp Grayling and the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Michigan as one of four U.S. sites for private industry drone testing, with special electromagnetic warfare events planned. Legal Accountability: xAI and the DOJ are challenging “citizen suit” enforcement in a Clean Air Act case tied to alleged unpermitted turbines at a data center in Southaven, Mississippi. Fuel Prices (MS): GasBuddy reports Mississippi averages easing but still volatile—regular around $3.64–$3.78 in multiple counties, with diesel near $4.98 statewide in the week ending Aug. 1.

Grocery & Energy Cost Cuts: Major retailers are rolling out broad price reductions on essentials, including produce, proteins, ground beef, beverages, and household goods, as Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Target, and others push “lower price” programs. Mining & Manufacturing Earnings: NACCO Industries reported Q2 revenue up to $72.3M and sharply higher Adjusted EBITDA, but took $12M in solar-project impairment charges that dragged results to an operating and net loss. Legal Fight Over Citizen Suits: Right-leaning groups and xAI are challenging the ability of private citizens and local groups to sue over federal environmental violations, a move that could reshape corporate accountability. Mississippi Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data shows scattered low-price points across the state in the week ending Aug. 1, with regular as low as $3.39 in Leake County and diesel as low as $4.69 in Lincoln County. AI Data Center Jobs: New hiring demand for data centers is boosting roles like electricians, installers, maintenance workers, and engineers, with postings rising in places including Jackson and Mississippi. Local Education Recognition: UAPB’s international education leader received a 2026 NAFSA state award for expanding global learning opportunities.