§'tntr uf IBontana 



(Office of (Tlio fr>inirrmir 



Hclrna, jillUU 



THOMAS L JUDGE 

 GOVERNOR 



September 5, 1978 



TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: 



The information presented in Volume XVII of Montana Agricultural 

 Statistics demonstrates the critical importance of agriculture to the 

 economy of Montana. 



This compilation of statistics is intended to provide an objective 

 overview of our food and fiber industry. Information contained in this 

 bulletin will assist all sectors in formulating plans, implementing 

 programs, and reaching decisions that will benefit farmers, ranchers and 

 all Montanans. 



I wish to compliment the Montana Department of Agriculture and the 

 Montana Crop and Livestock Reporting Service for a job well done in 

 preparing this statistical accounting. 



I hope this information will help you maintain agriculture as the 

 foundation of Montana's economy and our leading industry. 



Sincerely, 



^/^'^^ — •-» *> 



THOMAS L. JUDGE 

 Governor 



