AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 







FOREWORD 



In terms of both income and em.ployment, agriculture is one of the most 

 important segments of Montana's economy. 



It has accounted for a large percentage of the productive income to the 

 state annually, reaching 82.8 percent in 1947. 



With the construction of great new dams, providing additional irrigated 

 land, electric power and flood control, Montana's agricultural future is unlimited. 



It is an axiom that, so long as the farmer prospers the nation prospers. 

 Standards of living for our farmers and ranchers have been immeasurably im- 

 proved during the past 20 years. Everv^ effort must be made to msure a con- 

 tinued farm prosperity. 



This Bulletin, compiled and prepared by the Montana Department of Agri- 

 culture, serves not alone as a guide to past and present agricultural progress in 

 Montana but may serve admirably as well as a guide to the future great 

 progress and development of Montana's great agricultural industry. 



I commend all of those who worked so diligently to compile this vital con- 

 tribution to our agricultural industry. 



Sincerely yours, 



Governor of Montana 



