1997 Montana Agricultural Statistic s 



KoRKWORD— Comments from the Co\ ernor 3 



COMMENTS FROM 

 THE GOVERNOR 



Montana's agricultural market place has changed 

 over the years. We now sell our products in a world 

 marketplace. For our agricultural businesses to be 

 competitive, they must have the most reliable and 

 accurate information available. 



Today's agricultural industry is a complex and 

 technologically advanced business which requires 

 intense management with complex marketing and 

 financial decisions made almost daily. In this 34th 

 annual edition of Montana Agricultural Statistics, 

 Montana producers will find the necessary 

 information to make better decisions to keep them 

 competitive in a dynamic and changing industry. 



With the information provided in this publication (in printed and electronic format) and the support of 

 all Montanans, our producers will continue to provide consumers with top quality products at reasonable 

 prices. 



-Hlo^ 



Marc Racicot 

 Governor 



