4 FORBVORD 



MoHTAHA Agricultural Statistics 2002 



BfESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 



Each year Montana's agricultural industry is faced with 

 challenges that are not controlled by the producer. These 

 challenges are varied and may include the weather, markets, 

 production costs, disease, international relations, and others. 



In this increasingly complex arena, Montana's farmers, 

 ranchers, and agri-businesses must have quick access to 

 concise, reliable information to assist them in making sound 

 managerial decisions. In this 39th annual edition of Montana 

 Agricultural Statistics (available in printed or electronic format)^ 

 our agricultural industry will find accurate and reliable 

 information necessary to make those decisions. 



We encourage Montana's agricultural community to use this 

 information in their decision-making process as they continue 

 to provide a diverse spectrum of products for Montana, the 

 United States, and the world. 



Sincerely, 



Ralph Peck, Director 



Notes from the State Statistician^ 



Once again Montana Agricultural Statistics Service is proud to publish the 

 thirty-ninth edition oi Montana Agricultural Statistics. In spite of the drought, 

 Montana's agricultural sector continues to exceed two billion dollars and is a 

 vital industry for Montana's economy. Montana ranks third among states in 

 wheat exports, only exceeded by North Dakota and Kansas. Thank you to 

 Montana's farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses who 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 Barley Committee, the 

 Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, Montana State University and many other 

 producers' organizations to provide valuable agricultural information. Thanks 

 to everyone who made this publication possible. 



Peggy Stringer, State Statistician 



