1998 Montana AGRirn ri rai Siatistic s 



F()RR\VOKI)-C OMMKNIS H«)M MIf; Gf)\ TRNOR 3 



COMMENTS FROM 

 THE GOVERNOR 



Agriculture today is a complex and multi-faceted 

 business enterprise. As such, people involved in 

 agriculture need concise and accurate information 

 upon which to base their decisions. This 35th edition 

 oi MoiUana Agricultural Slcilislics provides that type 

 of information. 



Today, Montana's agricultural producers face many 

 challenges: world competition, weather, trade 

 concerns, federal issues, and the day-to-day 

 production, financial management, and marketing 

 concerns. The information provided in this bulletin 

 will assist producers with their decision making 

 processes. 



My deepest appreciation goes to those individuals who persist in providing the nation and the world with 

 high quality Montana agricultural products. With this ingrained desire to succeed, agriculture will continue 

 to be Montana's number one industr>'. 



Sincerely, 



^it^Aou^-X^SJ- 



Marc Racicot 

 Governor 



