96 Exports 



Montana Agriciltiiral Statistics 2000 



MONTANA'S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS DECREASED BY OVER 100 MILLION IN 1999 



The value of Montana'.s agricultural commodities exported during the fiscal year ending September 30. 1999 totaled $227.6 

 million, $102.8 million less than 1998. The value of commodities exported in 1999 dropped for all categories. Wheat and wheat products 

 remained Montana's leading export, making up 72 percent of the State's agricultural exports. Exports of wheat and wheat products 

 accounted for the largest decrease during 1999 with the value of exports dropping $81.4 million from 1998. Feed grains and products also 

 took a significant drop in value, dropping $15.8 million from 1998. Live animals and meat dropped $2.7 million from 1998. Feed and 

 fodder declined $1.2 million from 1998. Seeds declined $1.5 million from 1998. 



In fiscal 1999, the U.S. exported $49.1 billion worth ofagricultural commodities, $4.6 billion less than 1998. Poultry and products 

 accounted for the largest decrease in U.S. exports, dropping $664.5 million from 1998. The value of hides and skins exported during 1999 

 was also hit hard dropping $249.8 million from 1998. Wheat and wheat products dropped $33.6 from 1998. As a category, feed grains 

 and products showed the largest increase during 1999 increasing 7.3% or $462.7 million over 1998. Nationally, the value of wheat and 

 wheat products exported make up 8% of all exports, up slightly from 1998. 



Montana moved down three positions from a fourth place to seventh place ranking among states exporting wheat and wheat 

 products in fiscal year 1999. Kansas remained in the top position as a wheat exporter, followed by Oklahoma, North Dakota, Washington, 

 Texas, Ohio and Montana. Considering the export of all products, California remained on top, followed by Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois 

 and Texas. Montana remained in Ihirty-forth position for export of all products. 



WORLD WHEAT STOCKS EXPECTED TO DROP IN 2000/2001 



Global wheat consumption will outpace production for a third year, causing worldwide wheat stocks to fall, according to USDA 

 forecasts. Foreign wheat stocks in 2000/01 are projected down more than 12 million tons from previous year, and are the smallest since 

 1981/82. Exporters' stocks nevertheless remain large, keeping a lid on prices. World wheat production in 2000/01 is predicted to fall 4 

 million tons from 1999/2000, mainly the result of low prices and drought, while wheat consumption is forecast down 3 million tons. 



Although world wheat stocks in 2000/01 are forecast to drop 10 percent to 1 14 million tons, U.S. prices are forecast little changed 

 from a year earlier. Exporters' supplies, some tightening, appear adequate to meet import demand at prevailing prices. However, world 

 wheat trade in 2000/01 is expected to reach its highest level in nearly 10 years, and further increases would likely reduce exporters' stocks, 

 with a resultant price rise. 



AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS: Montana and U.S., 1997-1999 1/ 



