Economic impacts from the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continue to affect numerous industries.

In Montana, officials have declared an emergency to help meet fertilizer demands across the state.

“Global logistical disruptions and supply chain volatility have impacted the consistent flow of fertilizer into the United States and Montana,” the emergency declaration said.

Slowed deliveries into Montana, the vast distances that must be traveled with supplies and a lack of drivers have increased short-term demand for the delivery of anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers by commercial delivery trucks, state officials added.

The weather forecast, combined with an ongoing drought, may threaten farmers’ ability to obtain fertilizer in time for planting and crop emergence.

Through May 1, hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicles are being suspended to facilitate and expedite the delivery of fertilizer products.

This relief applies to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency.

Temporary registration and fuel permit requirements are also suspended.

However, vehicles operating in excess of legal size and weight still require a permit and will be allowed to travel at nighttime, on weekends and on holidays when providing direct assistance. Loads exceeding 10 feet wide traveling during nighttime hours on non-interstate highways require a front pilot vehicle.

Drivers must comply with posted load limits on roads and bridges unless specifically authorized.

Fuel prices also remain a concern across the trucking industry.

Analysis indicates those costs will remain elevated as global conflicts continue.    

The Energy Information Administration said uncertainty, combined with low U.S. inventories, will result in a peak national average diesel price of over $5.80 per gallon in April.

For 2026, EIA expects diesel to average $4.80 per gallon.

“Our modeling indicates that fuel prices will continue to rise until these variables resolve,” EIA Administrator Tristan Abbey said in early April. “Full restoration of flows will take months.” LL

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College-educated ag producers can apply for up to five years of student loan assistance

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Student Loan Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Established during the 2019 legislative session, this program provides student loan assistance to Montana’s college-educated youth pursuing careers in farming or ranching.

“The Student Loan Assistance Program seeks to help relieve some of the financial stressors that our young farmers and ranchers often face,” said MDA Director Jillien Streit. “When we can encourage or help bring a kid back to the farm, that’s a win for Montana agriculture.”

Qualified farmers and ranchers are eligible for student loan assistance through the program for up to five years. Applicants must be a Montana resident designated as the primary owner, heir, successor or assignee of a farm or ranch in Montana that obtained their associated or baccalaureate degree(s) from a Montana college or university and have agreed to operate their farm or ranch for at least five years.

Applications are due May 18, 2026, and can be submitted through WebGrants. Full program guidelines are available on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/Student-Loan-Assistance-Program.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.

–Montana Department of Agriculture

The Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High girls’ track and field teams are set to host the Optimist Club Invitational on Saturday, April 25, at Memorial Stadium.

The annual meet serves as a midseason state-meet preview of sorts as the top athletes from across Class AA all come together to see how the field is stacking up head-to-head.

The meet begins at 11:15 a.m. with pole vault, long jump, javelin and shot put, while the 100-meter hurdles kick off the running events at noon. For a full schedule, visit the Optimist Meet page at athletic.net.

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Here’s a look at the top competitors in each event heading into the Optimist, as well as where Great Falls athletes stack up.

Montana Class AA Girls Track and Field Leaders (as of April 23)

*Numbers in parentheses next to the event indicate AA automatic state-qualifying marks