AGP Executive Report

Farm & Fuel Costs: Near-record diesel prices are squeezing Montana farmers at harvest. The state has temporarily suspended enforcement of dyed-fuel rules for some commercial vehicles, offering limited relief. Campaign Finance: Montana voters will decide a measure addressing corporate and anonymous spending in state politics, renewing debate over money’s influence on elections. Economic Development: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India trip focused on trade, research and aerospace ties, while a Montana candidate’s opinion piece argues that workforce training is essential to help local businesses fill skilled jobs. Local Business: A biopharmaceutical company has broken ground in Hamilton, while Great Falls’ downtown revitalization fund is losing revenue amid changes in property values.

Business Costs: Belgrade materials supplier Knife River says out-of-state competition, permitting delays and housing affordability are pressing challenges. The company also urged Congress to direct more transportation funding to Montana infrastructure. Downtown Investment: Great Falls has paused new applications for its $500,000 downtown improvement program after the district’s taxable value fell sharply, largely following NorthWestern Energy’s acquisition of Energy West and removal of its historic depot from the tax rolls. Energy and Agriculture: NorthWestern says it has restored power to about 94% of 15,800 customers affected by heavy snow, while crews continue repairs. Separately, Montana temporarily eased dyed-fuel enforcement for some commercial vehicles as high diesel costs hit farmers during harvest. Workforce Housing: Big Sky has broken ground on what’s described as its largest workforce housing project, addressing a key constraint for local employers.

Fuel-Cost Relief: Montana temporarily suspended dyed-fuel enforcement for some agricultural and timber vehicles for 45 days, aiming to ease transport costs for producers and essential goods. Local Manufacturing: Flathead wellness businesses are scaling up: Montana Global Health plans a 46,000-square-foot Columbia Falls facility, while regional makers turn local and botanical ingredients into skincare products. Trade and Technology: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s overseas meetings focused on expanding Montana exports and partnerships in agriculture, critical minerals, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. MSU’s new quantum-technology training also targets emerging workforce needs. Downtown Finances: Great Falls paused some downtown funding programs after NorthWestern Energy’s acquisition of Energy West and a historic depot shifted taxable property values, reducing revenue in the district. Health-Care Costs: More than 14,000 Montanans are due $500 refunds after federal officials found ACA exchange fees had been passed on through higher premiums. Montana will also lose nine Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, a 28% drop that could narrow options for seniors.

Ranch Find: A nearly 20-foot Montana dinosaur skeleton nicknamed Jodi is headed to Sotheby’s with a $6 million to $9 million estimate. A tax analysis says whether the sale counts as work income—and affects early Social Security benefits—depends on how the proceeds are classified. Campaign Economics: Montana’s U.S. Senate candidates clashed over housing, health care and inflation, with proposals ranging from expanding housing supply to curbing federal spending. Ranching: The Mannix family is building a pasture-to-plate business around regenerative cattle production, aiming to improve soil and sustain the ranch’s long-term productivity. Fuel Costs: Montana temporarily suspended dyed-fuel enforcement for some commercial vehicles, offering operators relief as diesel prices squeeze farmers and other businesses. Growth and Investment: A biopharmaceutical company broke ground in Hamilton, while Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India visit promoted potential partnerships in agriculture, aerospace, research and bioscience. A major workforce-housing project also broke ground in Big Sky.

Fuel Costs: Montana temporarily suspended dyed-diesel enforcement for qualifying commercial vehicles hauling agricultural and timber goods, offering 45 days of relief as fuel prices squeeze producers. Trade and Investment: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Sri Lanka mission explored new markets for Montana farm exports and cooperation in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and industrial hemp. Ranching: A Blackfoot Valley family is connecting regenerative grazing with consumer markets through Old Salt Co-op, making soil health part of its pasture-to-plate business model. Energy Infrastructure: Bridger Pipeline’s proposed 647-mile crude-oil line would cross nine Montana counties and carry up to 550,000 barrels a day; the project’s review could have major economic and land-use implications.

Fuel Costs: Montana temporarily suspended dyed-fuel enforcement for qualifying commercial vehicles serving agriculture and timber, offering 45 days of relief through Nov. 23 as diesel prices strain operators. Trade and Investment: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Sri Lanka meetings explored new markets for Montana farm products, plus cooperation in critical minerals, hemp, manufacturing and security; the discussions were part of a broader India-Sri Lanka trade mission. Energy Infrastructure: Bridger Pipeline proposed a 647-mile crude line from northern Montana to Wyoming, including 435 miles in Montana and capacity of about 550,000 barrels a day. Environmental review is underway. Mining Jobs: More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers returned after a month-long strike ended with a wage deal. Agriculture: Officials confirmed a sixth Montana occurrence of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed that could threaten key crops if it spreads.

Fuel Costs: Montana is temporarily allowing dyed diesel in commercial vehicles hauling agricultural and timber products, aiming to keep resource-dependent businesses moving amid supply disruptions. Passenger vehicles are excluded. Trade and Investment: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Asia mission included talks in Sri Lanka on Montana agricultural exports, industrial hemp, critical minerals and manufacturing, building on efforts to expand ties in India. Mining: A wage agreement has ended the strike at Sibanye-Stillwater’s remaining U.S. operations, restoring work at a major Montana employer. Growth and Housing: A biopharmaceutical company has broken ground in Hamilton, while Big Sky has launched construction on its largest workforce-housing project—two developments tied to jobs and the ability to attract workers.

Utility Bills: Montana’s Public Service Commission says its review of about 500 complaints found no wrongdoing behind August’s sharp NorthWestern Energy bill increases, though customers reported bills more than doubling. India Trade Mission: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with Indian research leaders and Boeing representatives to pursue partnerships in quantum technology and aerospace, including more opportunities for Montana suppliers. Mining: More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers have ended their strike and returned to work. Data Centers: A Yellowstone County data-center proposal is facing a court review, adding another hurdle to a major infrastructure project. Small Business: Billings entrepreneur Victoria Keutla has grown her matcha pop-up into Senmai, a specialty-drink cafe downtown.

Gaming: Montana sports betting handle fell 25% in September to $5.6 million, a sharp pullback for the state’s wagering market. Mining & Investment: Stillwater Critical Minerals began trading on OTCQX, aiming to improve U.S. investor access to its Montana exploration project. More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers have also returned after a month-long strike. Workforce Housing: Big Sky broke ground on its largest workforce-housing project, addressing a major challenge for employers in the resort community. Trade & Technology: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission promoted Montana partnerships in quantum technology, aerospace, bioscience and agriculture. Local Business: Bob Ward’s is set to reopen as Al’s Sporting Goods, while South Billings is seeing hotel rebranding and new development. Agriculture: Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is accepting cattle or cash donations for its 2026 Cattle Drive, which provides ranchers performance data and supports scholarships and leadership programs.

Trade and Technology: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India visit is focused on partnerships in quantum technology, aerospace, agriculture and bioscience, as Montana looks to expand international trade and investment. Workforce Housing: Big Sky has broken ground on Cold Smoke, a project expected to add 389 homes for local workers—one of the region’s largest housing developments. Business Development: South Billings’ Midland Road is seeing hotel renovations and new development, including a rebranded Signature Inn set to open in November. Mining: American Pacific Mining plans surveys at its Madison copper-gold project near Silver Star to guide follow-up drilling after high-grade results. Mining Jobs: More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers are returning after a month-long strike ended in a wage deal. Retail: Bob Ward’s in Bozeman is set to reopen as Al’s Sporting Goods.

Trade and Investment: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission is promoting Montana’s technology, biotech and agriculture sectors; a stop in Sri Lanka is aimed at opening markets for the state’s pulses and strengthening security ties. Business Costs: Montana diesel averaged $6.23 a gallon in late September, near a record, squeezing farmers and trucking businesses with little room to pass costs along. Workforce: Billings-based Tactacam will award $150,000 through a new program to help people pay for skilled-trades training, while Fort Peck Community College and the University of Montana have created an online path from an associate degree to a business bachelor’s. Industry: More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers returned after a month-long strike ended in a wage deal. Montana also saw the nation’s largest increase in the salary estimated for a single adult to live comfortably, up 8.6% from 2025.

Mining: More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers are returning to work after a monthlong strike ended with a three-year contract. The shutdown had cut spending at local businesses and strained tax revenue in Columbus and Stillwater County. Credit Unions: Livingston-based Sky Federal and Colorado’s On Tap plan to merge, creating a credit union with about $671 million in assets and 32,000 members; no branch closures are expected. Tourism: Montana’s visitor economy is projected to generate more than $5.5 billion and support 50,000-plus jobs this year. Industry leaders warn a federal credit-card bill could raise costs for small businesses and deter visitors. Trade: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission is promoting Montana investment and trade, with a focus on technology and agriculture. Agriculture: Fort Benton-based IND Hemp is moving toward direct sales of U.S.-grown, spin-ready hemp fiber and investing in processing capacity. Economic Development: Missoula Economic Partnership’s annual meeting highlighted the city’s economic resilience and efforts to connect businesses with markets and support housing development.

Trade Mission: Gov. Greg Gianforte is pitching Montana agriculture, technology and advanced manufacturing in India, seeking more stable markets for state producers. Mining & Jobs: Sibanye-Stillwater workers at Stillwater East and the Columbus facility ratified a deal ending strike action that began Sept. 3. The three-year agreement raises wages 4.5% in year one, then at least 3.5% and 3% or CPI. Data Centers: Yellowstone County asked a district court to review a proposed ordinance requiring voter approval for new data centers, expansions and continued operations, without taking a position on development. Consumer Technology: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen sued TP-Link, alleging misleading claims about device security and the company’s China ties. Montana joined three other states seeking an injunction and penalties. Local Business: Clancy’s Marks Lumber is closing after 75 years, while TowHaul is expanding its Montana facility and IND HEMP is investing in fiber-processing capacity. AI Market: Montana was one of three states where consumer spending on Anthropic exceeded OpenAI in June-to-August card data; the comparison excludes free users.

Cybersecurity & Trade: Montana and three other states sued TP-Link over alleged China ties and claims its routers were marketed as secure despite vulnerabilities. Elections & Law: The Montana Supreme Court struck down GOP-backed limits on citizen ballot initiatives, ruling the Legislature can set neutral rules but can’t burden the people’s initiative power. Public Safety & Community: First Interstate Bank donated $5,000 to the Heart Butte Volunteer Fire Department after vandals stole critical emergency equipment. Health: A measles case prompted exposure alerts for people at an Amtrak stop in Malta and at Evergreen Wood Products in Moore, with North Dakota issuing a parallel Empire Builder warning. Housing & Local Economy: Great Falls broke ground on Bay View, a 90-unit Missouri River development aimed at easing local housing demand. Business & Workforce: Montana Economic Developers Association held its fall conference in Sidney, highlighting regional economic resilience and tours of local employers. Education & Affordability: Colleges are cutting tuition prices as families question the value of a 4-year degree. Politics & Montana’s Role in Global Markets: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India trade mission continues, drawing both business outreach and criticism at home. Food & Consumer Safety: WinCo recalled certain salsa bean dip trays after a peperoncini ingredient recall tied to possible pest contamination.

Diesel Cost Relief: President Trump signed an executive order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, arguing it will cut fuel costs for farmers and lower prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Election & Courts: A Montana judge struck down a birthdate requirement on absentee ballots, raising concerns about confusion as overseas ballots are already in motion. Local Governance: Dawson County voters will weigh changes to county and city election structures, including whether to shift some offices from partisan to nonpartisan races. Montana Business & Community: Missoula rolled out a new child-care recognition system, “Montana’s Treasures,” replacing Stars to Quality and tying recognition to support for providers serving scholarship families. Rural Economy: MSU Extension is hosting the Reimagining Rural Roadshow in Winnett to connect rural leaders with resources and small-town success strategies. Regulation & Permitting: A federal permitting bill would limit agencies’ ability to revoke permits and let applicants sue over discriminatory delays. Energy & Land Use: A new pushback against data centers highlights worries about power costs and farmland impacts.

Healthcare & Politics: Trump’s administration says it’s sending nearly 1 million Americans $500 ACA refund checks, with a letter blaming Biden-era HealthCare.gov overcharges—raising fresh “vote-buying” criticism ahead of the midterms. Montana Courts & Voting: A Lewis and Clark County judge struck down Montana’s absentee ballot birthdate requirement as unconstitutional, setting up election logistics headaches as overseas ballots move. Energy & Agriculture Costs: Trump signed an order easing limits on tax-free red dye diesel use in Nebraska, aiming to cut fuel costs for farmers and trucking. Montana Business & Jobs: Marks Lumber in Clancy plans to retire after 75 years, a reminder of ongoing pressure on Montana’s mills. Broadband & Local Economy: Vero Fiber completed its merger with MontanaSky, expanding locally operated fiber service in Northwest Montana. Rural Development: MSU Extension’s Reimagining Rural Roadshow heads to Winnett Oct. 7 to connect small-town leaders with resources. Public Safety & Fraud: Montana DOJ says a Bozeman mental health provider must repay $2.3M for Medicaid billing tied to unauthorized staff. Supreme Court Watch: The high court’s new term kicks off with cases touching religious liberty, guns, immigration, and the environment.