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TED SCHWINDEN 



GOVERNOR 



STATE OF MONTANA 

 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



AGRICULTURE/LIVESTOCK BLDG. 

 CAPITOL STATION 



HELENA, MONTANA 59620 



TELEPHONE; 



AREA CODE 406 



449 3144 



W. GORDON McOMBER 



DIRECTOR 



r-lESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 



Montana's agricultural income has made 

 impressive advances over the last fifty 

 years, increasing from slightly more than 

 64 million dollars in 1931 to nearly 1.5 

 billion dollars in 1982, an increase of 

 more than 2 3 times. 



Increased demand for agricultural products 

 domestically and internationally has been 

 the primary factor influencing the tech- 

 nological advancements in today's agricul- 

 ture, and thus the dramatic increases in 

 agricultural production. 



In order that the farmer can produce the 

 food that is demanded he must keep pace with new technology; carefully 

 plan and manage his operation the same as any other business. He also 

 must market his commodities as efficiently as possible in order to 

 realize the maximum return on investment. This process requires 

 accurate data on which to base decisions. 



The statistics contained in this volume provide the user, whether 

 farmer, banker, or researcher, a good basis from which to make deci- 

 sions and forecasts. 



Anyone having the occasion to use this publication will find its 

 contents informative. 



Sincerely, 



W. Gordon TlcOmErer, Director 

 Montana Department of Agriculture 



An Affirmative Aclion/Equat Employment Opportunity Employer 



