4 Foreword-Message from the Director 



Montana Agricultural Statistics 1996 



iWMi 



MESSAGE FROM 

 THE DIRECTOR 



Each year Montana's agricultural industry is 

 faced with production challenges that are not 

 controlled by the producer. These challenges 

 are varied and may include the weather, 

 markets, input costs, competition, international 

 relations, and others. 



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 33rd annual 

 edition of Montana Agricultural Statistics, our 

 agricultural industry will find the accurate and reliable information necessary to make these decisions. 



We encourage Montana's agricultural community to use this publication in their decision-making 

 process as they continue to provide a diverse spectrum of products for the United States and the world. 



Sincerely, 



Ralph Peck 

 Director 



