Montana Stale Lilvaiy 



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Montana Agricultural Statistics Districts 



About me Cover 



Native to North America, the sunflower is the only native plant of global importance grown 

 in Montana. Sunflowers were used by American Indians fi)r fl^od, oil, and livestock feed. The 

 scientific name for sunflowers, Helianthus, is derived from Helia (sun) and Anthus (flower.) 



In 2004, Montana farmers harvested 4,500 acres of sunflowers, which yielded 97 5 pounds 

 per acre and 4, 388, 000 pounds for total production. Montana producers set a record yield in 

 2004, surpassing the previous record set in 1 999. Many Montana producers are looking for 

 niche markets in which alternative crops like sunflowers will provide more opportunities, 

 both economically and as part of their crop rotational plans. 



The organic sunflowers on the cover were grown on Robert and Eric Boettcher's Rob- An 

 Farm. Inc. in Chouteau Countv, Montana. 



