4 Foreword 



Montana Agricultural Statistics 2004 



MESSAGE FROM 

 THE DIRECTOR 



Each year Montana's agriculture producers make many major and often 

 difficult decisions-decisions such as what to seed, when to market their 

 livestock, how to reduce input costs, how to deal with an on-going 

 drought, and many more. In order to make wise and viable decisions, it 

 is crucial that producers have the most up to date and historically 

 accurate information available. This 41^' annual edition of Montana 

 Agricultural Statistics Bulletin provides such information. Information 

 that has been willingly given by Montana producers who wish to share 

 their data with the rest of the industry and my heartfelt thanks goes to 

 those individuals. 



In the 21st century, current statistics and information become even more 

 important in the decision making process. The department, in 

 conjunction with the Montana Agricultural Statistical Service, will 

 continue to provide that information, both in printed and electronic 

 format. 



Montana producers continue to be leaders in their industry. 



Sincerely, 



->^ 



Ralph Peck, Director 



notes from the 

 Director 



Montana Agricultural Statistics Service is pleased to publish the 41° 

 edition of Montana Agricultural Statistics. Montana's agricultural sector 

 continues to exceed two billion dollars and is a vital industry for 

 Montana's economy. Among states, Montana ranks 2"" in durum wheat 

 production, 3"^ in barley production, 3"^ in other spring wheat, and 5'^ in al 

 wheat production. In spite of the drought, timely rains in 2004 helped 

 producers put grain in the bins. Thank you to Montana's farmers, 

 ranchers, and agribusinesses that made this publication possible through 

 their willingness to provide basic agricultural information. 



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 producers' organizations to provide valuable 

 agricultural information. Thanks to everyone who made this publication 

 possible. 



Peggy Stringer, Director 



