4 Foreword 



Montana AGRiciTLTURy\L Statistics 2001 



MESSAGE FROM 

 THE DIRECTOR 



Agriculture is Montana's largest industry and it is essential that relevant 

 statistical information be available to producers and agriculturally related 

 industries so quality production and marketing decisions can be made daily. 

 These decisions must be based on concise and reliable information to make 

 us successful. 



This 38* annual bulletin provides statistics (available in printed or 

 electronic format) that will aid in reducing uncertainties, facilitate better 

 informed decisions, and enable Montana agriculture to proceed in a positive 

 manner with respect to the future use of our land and resources. 



With accurate and timely information, Montana producers can respond to 

 production trends, crop technology, world markets, and value added 



opportunities. It is important for Montana's agricultural industry to be prepared to capitalize on the information 



available to them in this publication. 



Sincerely, 



Ralph Peck, Director 



NOTES FROM THE 

 STATE STATISTICIAN 



Once again Montana Agricultural Statistics Service is proud to publish the 

 thirty-eighth edition of Montana Agricultural Statistics. This annual 

 publication documents the importance of agriculture to the state of Montana. 

 With the production agricultural sector exceeding two billion dollars each 

 year, agriculture is a vital industry to Montana's economy. Montana's 

 farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses made this publication possible through 

 their willingness to provide basic agricultural infomiation. 



Montana Agricultural Statistics Service works in cooperation with the 

 Montana Department of Agriculture, the Montana Wheat and Barley 

 Committee, the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, Montana State University 

 and many other producer organizations to provide valuable agricultural 

 information. Thanks to everyone who made this publication possible. 



Peggy Stringer, State Statistician 



