4 Foreword 



Montana Agricultural Statistics 2000 



MESSAGE FROM 

 THE DIRECTOR 



Montana's agricultural marketplace has changed over the years as we sell 

 more and more of our products in a world marketplace. To remain 

 competitive, our agricultural businesses must have the most reliable and 

 accurate information available. 



Today's agriculture industry is a multifaceted and technologically advanced 

 business requiring intense management with complex marketing and 

 financial decisions made daily. In this 37* annual edition of Montana 

 Agricultural Statistics, Montana producers will find the necessary 

 information to make those decisions which will keep them competitive in 

 a dynamic and changing industry. 



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

 all Montanans, our producers will continue to provide consumers with the highest quality products. 



Sincerely, 



Ralph Peck, Director 



NOTES FROM THE 

 STATE STATISTICIAN 



Montana Agncultural Statistics Service is proud to publish the thirty-seventh 

 editionofMo/?r<:ma/4gm»/r//ra/S/ar/i7/ci-. Montana's farmers, ranchers, and 

 agribusinesses 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 Bariey 

 Committee, the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, Montana State University 

 and many other producer organizations to provide valuable agricultural 

 information. 



Thanks to our staff of statisticians, technicians, and enumerators who are 

 dedicated to providing Montana's number one industry, agriculture, with 

 high quality statistics. 



Peggy Stringer, State Statistician 



