TEDSCHWINDEN 



GOVERNOR 



STATK OF MONTANA 

 DtPARTMKNT OF A(,RKl LTURt 



OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR 



AGRICULTURE/LIVESTOCK BLDG. 



CAPITOL STATION 



III I KN \, M(»\ I \\ V 5')(i:il ii:oi 



TEIEPHONE 



AREA CODE 406 



444 3144 



FAX 40« 444 S409 



KEITH KELLY 



DIRECTOR 



MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 



The 1987 statistics presented in this bulletin set the stage 

 for 1988, a farm income year that "could have been". Instead, 

 1988 will be recorded in history as a drought on a national scale 

 unequalled since the 1930' s. Although not available to be 

 reflected in this year's bulletin - the 1988 statistics will 

 certainly prove this statement to be correct. 



The drought of 1988 will be reflected in next year's 

 statistics in reduced crop yields, herd reductions and increased 

 livestock input costs. However, the drought relief measures 

 approved by Congress and higher commodity prices will help 

 mitigate the adverse effect of the drought on producers. The 

 concern shifts to the impacts that dry soils and reduced 

 livestock inventories will have on future production years. 



The dynamic nature of the agricultural business environment 

 challenges Montana's producers to make quality decisions. 

 Quality decisions are a product of concise and reliable 

 information. Although nothing can assist the decision making 

 process like a timely two inch rain, I am hopeful that the 

 agricultural statistics provided in this document will assist you 

 as we position a Montana Agriculture for the 1989 season. 



