AGP Executive Report

Montana Manufacturing & Defense Tech: Mobix Labs has signed a binding letter of intent to buy Vision Aerial, a Montana-built drone maker, aiming to expand into drone and aerial intelligence for defense, public safety, energy, and critical infrastructure—plus benefit from growing demand for domestically made drones. Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports show Montana fuel prices staying volatile: Cascade County midgrade hit $4.48 (lowest), while diesel lows included Ravalli at $5.02 and Blaine at $5.35 for the week ending May 30. Public Lands & Energy Policy: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pushing a plan for a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling on federal lands, setting up another high-stakes fight over Montana-relevant public land energy development. Ag Economy & Workforce: A Wall Street Journal report highlights how some Montana farmers are turning farm life into second incomes through social media “ag-influencers,” with sponsorships and ad revenue helping offset leaner farm years. Wildlife & Conservation: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs after 2025, with low pup survival and disease suspected, while some wolves are also being killed outside the park. Community & Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for drought-related losses in parts of Wyoming and Montana’s Powder River County, covering working capital for small businesses and certain nonprofits.

Montana Ag & Education: Students in Helena-area classrooms got hands-on lessons on livestock and crops, with Ag Day stations aimed at building the next generation of Montana producers. Energy & Industry: A new report on global oil markets says Saudi Arabia’s influence is fading as U.S. production rises and China gains leverage over Saudi oil flows—an issue that still matters for Montana fuel and supply costs. Wildlife & Land Management: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with low pup survival and disease suspected, while some wolves are also being killed outside the park. Local Business: Janicki Industries picked Great Falls for an $800M manufacturing campus expansion, signaling more growth in Montana’s industrial base. Public Lands Access: Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers filed suit over “corner crossing,” arguing hundreds of thousands of acres would otherwise be effectively locked off from public hunting and fishing. Workforce & Community Services: A Safe Haven Baby Box is coming to the Miles City fire station, expanding anonymous newborn surrender options.

Energy & Industry: Montana’s fuel picture stays volatile as GasBuddy reports show the lowest regular prices in several counties around late May (including $4.12 in Valley County and $4.28 in Yellowstone County), with statewide averages hovering near the mid-$4s for regular and mid-$4s to low-$5s for midgrade and premium. Power & Data Centers: In Missoula, environmental groups warned that data centers could drive NorthWestern Energy to supply 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030—an amount critics say is comparable to powering a million homes—sparking fresh debate over Montana’s electricity demand. Local Governance & Community Safety: Miles City is getting a Safe Haven Baby Box at the fire station, offering anonymous newborn surrender with 24-hour EMS response. Public Works & Planning: Fallon County released its June 8–12 agenda covering EMS budgets, road standards, airport operations, sanitation, and emergency communications. Education & International Ties: Helena High formalized its sister-school partnership with Kumamoto’s Tamana High, continuing Montana–Japan exchanges that include education and agriculture. Federal Policy: A judge halted Trump SNAP restrictions tied to conditions on states, while the House advanced multiple bills including wildfire boundary mitigation studies.

Border Wall Contracts: The Trump administration has surged border wall spending, awarding more than $19.4B in contracts in six months—most to two firms tied to GOP and White House networks—raising transparency and cost concerns. Coal Push: Nearly $700M is set for the U.S. coal industry under a Cold War-era statute, including support for plants and a potential Oakland export terminal that could move coal from Wyoming and Montana. Energy & Power Costs: Electricity prices are climbing fast, with Montana up about 13% year over year in March 2026, as grid costs and demand rise. Data Centers vs. Grid: Missoula groups warn data centers could consume 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030, straining Montana’s power supply. Forest Management: Montana expands its Shared Stewardship forest partnership to nearly one million acres, adding about 345,000 acres in the Lolo National Forest. Public Lands Recreation: A draft order would open millions of acres of national forest land to off-road vehicles, affecting about 5M acres, mainly in Idaho and Montana. SNAP Court Ruling: A judge halted Trump SNAP funding conditions tied to “gender ideology” and other restrictions. Local Business/Ag: Havre Chamber is accepting nominations for Ag Leader and Ag Advocate awards. Safety Recall: Target recalled Up & Up baby wipes after bacteria contamination risk.

Manufacturing Jobs: Janicki Industries will invest $800M in a Great Falls manufacturing campus, adding 2 million sq. ft. and targeting 1,000 new jobs in five years (and 2,000+ overall) as it expands aerospace, defense and space production. Forest Stewardship: Montana’s Shared Stewardship deal with the U.S. Forest Service grows again, adding a third landscape in the Lolo National Forest and bringing the total to nearly one million acres under shared management. Energy Costs: A new national look at residential electricity shows Montana’s rates rising about 13% year over year, with grid investment and demand pressures cited. Public Lands Access: A draft federal move would expand off-road vehicle access on millions of acres of national forest land, including areas tied to wilderness recommendations. Local Community: Bozeman’s Lindley Park gets a new accessible trail funded through a $42,000 city grant to improve access for residents attending summer events. Legal/Policy: A federal appeals court rejected a bid to revive a youth climate lawsuit challenging Trump energy orders. Coal Watch: Trump’s nearly $700M coal plan leaves Montana out, but local industry leaders still see opportunity in the broader federal push.

Public Health & Environment: DEQ held a public hearing on Flathead Lake sanitary facilities for the first phase of a luxury resort near Lakeside, with residents and watchdog groups pressing for deeper review of water, wastewater and stormwater impacts. Agriculture & Livestock: Montana issued an emergency order restricting animal imports after New World Screwworm was confirmed in Texas, requiring permits, veterinary checks, and treatment for animals from designated zones. Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Crow Tribe and Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes businesses, nonprofits, and residents hit by the Dec. 17–19, 2025 winter storm and straight-line winds. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in late May, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest midgrade and premium deals in several Montana counties and diesel prices easing in some areas. Mining & Industry: American Pacific Mining says it has brought the first drill to its Madison Copper-Gold Project and will run a 15,000-metre program targeting skarn and deeper porphyry targets. Ranching Economy: Montana farm bankruptcies under Chapter 12 jumped in 2025, and economists warn more trouble ahead without added support. Range & Land Stewardship: A Montana rancher, Meg Brack Smith, received the Society for Range Management’s W.R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award for leadership in rangeland stewardship and outreach. Local Commerce: Billings Hardware announced it will close June 9 and then reopen for a liquidation sale starting June 11.

Rural Infrastructure Funding: The U.S. House advanced a FY27 agriculture/rural development bill that includes $4.8 million for Western Montana projects, from Columbia Falls wastewater upgrades ($2.325M) to Libby water filtration ($1M) and Ronan wastewater work ($1M), plus emergency communications for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and fire/communications support in Lake County and Charlo. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal—supporting 13 coal plants, building new capacity in Alaska and West Virginia, restarting a Maryland plant, and backing a long-delayed Oakland export terminal—framing it as grid reliability and job creation. Critical Minerals in Montana: Sibanye-Stillwater says it’s restarting full-scale production at Stillwater West and returning East Boulder to pre-2024 capacity, aiming to restore about 200,000 ounces of annual PGM output by end of 2026. Water & Public Works: Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System funding was extended through 2028 with a $500M allocation, while Helena is moving ahead with 50+ ADA ramp upgrades in the 6th Ward. Local Industry & Community: Anderson Towing reached a $165,000 settlement with Billings after being removed from the police towing rotation. Environment & Access: A proposed 97-slip marina in Bigfork Bay is drawing pushback over public access and environmental impacts.

Manufacturing Jobs: Janicki Industries will build an $800M machining and tooling campus in Great Falls, Montana, aiming for about 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000+ overall. Forest Management: Montana and the U.S. Forest Service are expanding Shared Stewardship to the Lolo National Forest, adding 345,000 acres and bringing the total jointly managed area to 745,000+ acres. Energy & Power: Trump is expected to announce nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired plants and exports, using Cold War-era national defense authority; the plan targets 13 coal plants and new buildouts. Water & Agriculture: Montana Farm Bureau warns exempt well growth is draining groundwater and threatening senior water rights for ranchers and irrigators, especially in western Montana. Access Dispute: The corner-crossing fight is heating up as landowners threaten to pull out of access programs while a citizen council weighs pilot solutions. Tech & Drones: Mobix Labs plans to acquire Montana-based Vision Aerial to expand into drone and aerial intelligence markets. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices in Montana remain volatile, with multiple counties reporting week-ending May 30 averages around the mid-$4s.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Janicki Industries is set to build an $800 million manufacturing campus in Great Falls, a major expansion expected to create thousands of jobs and deepen Montana’s industrial base. Workforce Development: Boise State was named lead for a nine-state semiconductor education pipeline (PINES), spanning Montana and aiming to close a growing microelectronics worker gap. Water & Agriculture: A Montana Stockgrowers Association push warns that a court challenge to the state’s exempt well law could force ranch stockwater wells into full permitting, raising costs and uncertainty for livestock producers. Energy & Policy: The Ninth Circuit upheld dismissal of a Montana climate lawsuit targeting Trump energy orders, dealing a blow to plaintiffs and a win for the state’s pro-energy stance. Public Health & Tech: Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene installed the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, signaling continued investment in advanced care. Construction & Safety: Gov. Gianforte highlighted road construction safety as Montana’s highway work ramps up, urging drivers to slow down and follow pilot-car and one-way traffic rules.

Ag Education & Beef Supply Chain: The NILE Merit Heifer Program is now taking applications for 2026-27, offering youth (12-16 in 4-H/FFA) a live animal scholarship that builds skills in caretaking, records, breeding, and competition at the NILE Stock Show; producers can also donate heifers, with online applications due June 30. Construction Safety: Gov. Greg Gianforte urged drivers to slow down and follow signs on Montana’s U.S. Highway 89 rebuild south of Choteau, where bridge replacement and roadway improvements are underway. Manufacturing Expansion: Janicki Industries will invest $800 million in a Great Falls manufacturing campus, with construction starting July 2026 and projections of 1,000+ jobs in the first phase and 2,000+ after full buildout. Energy & Regulation: Montana’s Public Service Commission is accepting public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s 2026 Electric Integrated Resource Plan, including a near-term winter capacity need emerging in 2027. Waste & Local Costs: East Helena’s higher tire-dumping fees are pushing more tires to Montana City’s landfill, raising disposal volumes and forcing county officials to watch capacity and permit limits. Road Work Input: MDT is seeking public input on an about-eight-mile Highway 39 resurfacing project near Lame Deer, focused on crack sealing, leveling, chip seal, and updated markings. Utilities Leadership: Montana is represented in the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners after Arizona’s Lea Márquez Peterson was elected vice president.

Manufacturing Boom in Montana: Janicki Industries picked Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus, aiming to add 1,000 jobs in the first five years and break ground in July 2026. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: A new look at electricity prices shows Montana up about 13% year over year, with data-center demand raising concerns about more rate hikes. Agriculture + Wildlife Funding: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed program to help farmers and ranchers protect migratory big-game corridors across 17 states, including Montana. Local Food Economy: Western Montana Food and Farm Trail launches as a self-guided agritourism route with 200+ miles and 100+ stops from farms to breweries. Public Health in Summer: Montana’s 2026 Summer Food Service Program opens June 9, offering free meals for kids and teens statewide. Politics That Touch Industry: Montana’s primary results are rolling in, including Aaron Flint projected to win the GOP nomination for MT-01 and Kurt Alme declared winner for the GOP U.S. Senate primary. Data Center Pushback: A Broadview woman delivered 170+ signatures to county commissioners to challenge a proposed Quantica AI data center and related energy buildout. Courts + Climate: The 9th Circuit rejected a young Montanans’ lawsuit challenging Trump climate-related executive orders, dealing a blow to efforts to curb fossil-fuel expansion.

Manufacturing Investment: Janicki Industries just picked Great Falls for a major expansion, a reported $800M project that would add about 2 million square feet of production space and create 1,000+ jobs in five years (2,000+ long term), after the company weighed Idaho’s Magic Valley options. Ag & Logistics: A new FMCSA Hours-of-Service waiver lets fertilizer haulers in 34 states drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period during the May 26–Aug. 26 window, aiming to ease supply pressure. Energy & Grid Planning: The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is weighing more natural gas generation to keep the regional grid reliable, a move that clashes with clean-energy targets in Oregon and Washington. Rail Freight Policy: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review while it asks for more details, as Montana and other states’ attorneys general press competition concerns. Public Lands Access: A Trump order rescinds older limits on off-road vehicle use on federal lands, potentially reshaping recreation and access rules across national forests and parks. Wildlife Conservation: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework for elk, pronghorn and mule deer, coordinating federal, state and Tribal partners across 17 states. Local Courts: A judge rejected Missoula County’s attempt to enforce a gravel pit settlement, saying the county lacked a signed, written agreement.

Rail & Freight: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details on public-interest impacts and slowing the path to environmental review. Montana Water & Fish: Montana State University launched FishCast, a drought-risk tool for trout rivers that forecasts trout trends and possible fishing restrictions using streamflow and weather data. Energy Deal: Talen Energy received remaining regulatory clearances to close its acquisition of Indiana’s Lawrenceburg plant and Ohio’s Waterford and Darby assets. Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups added 161 acres near Yellowstone to protect against future mining, transferring mineral rights to the U.S. Forest Service. Forestry Near Yellowstone: A Forest Service logging plan near Yellowstone is drawing backlash over emergency approval, road building, and potential habitat and tourism impacts. Agriculture: USDA’s early corn and soybean condition read shows most states near year-ago levels, with Montana listed among higher-cost health-care states in a separate report. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Billings’ Daylis Stadium renovation hit a major milestone as new grandstands arrived, with turf and track work next. Business & Compliance: A Montana-focused legal bulletin warns CCPA call-recording practices may trigger new risk assessment duties, especially when AI is used.

Land Conservation: Greater Yellowstone Coalition says it added 161 acres north of Yellowstone to protect against mining, working with the Conservation Fund and the U.S. Forest Service and transferring mineral rights to the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Public Lands & Recreation: Federal agencies finalized the Flathead Wild and Scenic River “three forks” management plan, moving the decade-long strategy toward a new conservation-and-recreation era. Mining & Drilling: American Pacific Mining kicked off a 15,000-metre RC and diamond drill program at its Madison copper-gold project in Montana, targeting shallow skarn and deeper porphyry zones. Mining Deal: Red Mountain Mining exercised its option to acquire 100% of the Pioneer Tungsten Project in southwest Montana. Energy Costs: Montana gas prices fell 11.4 cents in a week to average $4.47 a gallon, while a separate report warns Montana energy customers could pay for out-of-state coal extensions tied to a Michigan plant. Grid & Power: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector consortium, aiming to secure 150 MW on a major HVDC transmission line. Agriculture Under Pressure: Drought is squeezing pasture and range conditions, with Montana listed among the states with the worst forage outlook. Business Investment: Montana State Auditor highlights an “Investing in Montana Summit” in Bozeman aimed at connecting startups, small businesses, and investors.

Mining & Permitting: Silver Bow Mining says Montana DEQ issued an Authorization to Proceed for Amendment 2 at the Rainbow Block project in Butte, clearing the next phase of exploration, including a Rainbow Decline, expanded drilling, and bulk sampling. Critical Minerals & Metals: Taylor Collison boosted Stellar Resources’ target to 5.5c after Metals X’s $17m investment, citing higher Queen Hill tin resources and improved recoveries tied to the Heemskirk project. Agriculture & Drought: The Montana Ag Network reports drought pressure is forcing ranchers to make tougher hay decisions, with some lining up feed earlier and weighing carryover hay or selling cattle. Health Insurance: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving ACA marketplace members with only two carrier options starting in 2027. Workforce & Education: Montana Tech held spring commencement for 400 graduates, highlighting its “dirty boots” approach to solving problems. Weather: Billings-area forecasts call for ongoing showers, with Beartooth Highway snow showers and a Winter Weather Advisory. Public Safety & Community: A Billings teen suicide has prompted a June 6 “Fueling Hope” car show to raise local funds for counseling and teen resources. Wildlife Safety: A national look at new wildlife crossing funding notes Montana among states with high animal-collision rates, with new laws and dedicated revenue streams aimed at reducing crashes.

Health Care Shake-Up: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to choose between just two carriers starting in 2027. Agriculture & Water: Drought pressure is forcing north-central Montana ranchers to make tough hay decisions, with the Hay Hotline returning as feed planning gets harder. Public Safety & Mental Health: Family and friends of a Billings teen who died by suicide are pushing for more local counseling and suicide-prevention resources, including a June 6 awareness car show. Statewide Agriculture Spotlight: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56-County Tour highlighted Hi-Line producers, including poultry and grain operations, and emphasized in-state processing and value-add funding. Infrastructure & Environment: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a major contract to replace spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam, aiming to improve flood control and operations. Land & Recreation Policy: Trump rescinded long-standing off-road vehicle restrictions on public lands, potentially changing access rules in many national parks. Local Governance: Fallon County released its June 1–5 agenda, including budget work and project updates. Housing & Growth: Missoula County canceled a review of a proposed Bonner data center again after the applicant delayed key materials. Sports: Billings West won the Class AA softball state title, capping a dominant run in Missoula.