96 Agricultural Exports 



Montana Agriciltural Statistics 1998 



MONTANA'S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS DECREASE DRAMATICALLY IN 1997 



The value of Montana's agricultural commodities exported during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997 totaled 

 $327.1 million, $568.7 million less than 1996. Wheat and wheat products are 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 

 1997 with $557 million less than 1996. Feed grains and products decreased $24.5 million from 1996. Exports of Montana's 

 live animals and meat, and seeds were the only commodity classifications that increased, raising $5.1 million and 8.4 

 million, respectively, from 1996. Feed and fodder exports decreased one-half million dollars from 1996. 



In fiscal 1997, the U.S. exported $57.4 biUion worth of agricultural commodities. $2.5 billion less than 1996. 

 Wheat and wheat products accounted for the largest decrease in U.S. exports, dropping 2.8 billion from 1996. Nationally, 

 wheat and wheat products make up 7.6 percent of all exports. 4 percent less than 1996. 



Montana moved down from a third place ranking to fifth place among states exporting wheat and wheat products in 

 fiscal year 1997. Kansas overtook North Dakota for the top position as a wheat exporter, followed by North Dakota. 

 Washington, Arkansas and Montana. Considering the export of all products, California remained on top, followed by Iowa, 

 Illinois. Nebraska, and Texas. Montana slipped from twenty-third position to thirty-forth position for export of all products. 



OUTLOOK FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS DROPS IN 1998 AND 1999 



U.S. agricultural exports are forecast at $54.5 billion for fiscal year 1998. five percent below 1997. Fiscal 1999 

 U.S. agricultural exports are projected at $52 billion, down $2.5 billion from the revised fiscal 1998 forecast. A stronger 

 dollar, large global supplies, and weak demand are pressuring prices of agricultural products. The total value of grain and 

 feed exports is expected to be slightly changed from fiscal 1998 as higher grain export volumes offset lower prices. The 

 projected decline in fiscal 1999 exports and the increase in imports will narrow the U.S. agricultural trade surplus to $12.5 

 billion, the smallest since 1987. The revised fiscal 1998 export forecast is down $500 million from May to $54.5 billion, 

 reflecting weaker export unit values for wheat and slowed soybean shipments. Fiscal 1998 imports, however, remain at $38 

 billion as previously projected. The expected fiscal 1998 surplus sHps slightly to $16.5 billion. 



AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS: Montana and U.S., 1995-1997 1/ 



