Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed an executive order temporarily easing transportation regulations to help ensure fertilizer reaches farmers during a critical stretch of the spring planting season.
The order, which took effect April 17 and runs through May 1, exempts certain commercial motor carriers from hours-of-service requirements when they are delivering fertilizer products. The move is designed to speed up shipments of key inputs like anhydrous ammonia as producers work against tight timelines driven by weather and ongoing drought concerns.
The governor and agricultural leaders cited multiple challenges contributing to the need for the order, including global supply chain disruptions, reliance on international fertilizer sources, long transportation distances, and a shortage of available drivers. Together, those factors have created delays that could impact timely fertilizer application and, ultimately, crop yields.
Additional flexibility includes temporary waivers for certain permits and expanded allowances for overweight loads to improve delivery efficiency. While the order lifts some federal and state driving time restrictions, it maintains safety provisions.
The Montana Agricultural Business Association welcomed the decision, noting the group had requested the action during a roundtable with the governor in Helena on National Ag Day. The association said the exemption will help “facilitate and expedite the delivery of fertilizer products during one of the busiest times of year for producers.”
MABA also indicated it will continue advocating for extensions if needed, emphasizing the importance of getting inputs into the hands of growers without delay.
The group expressed appreciation for the support from both the governor and the Montana Department of Agriculture, highlighting the role of coordination in keeping Montana agriculture moving during a compressed planting window.
