STA^I 'K OF MONTANA 

 I ) !•: l\\ iri'.M K.Vl' ok AC1R (CCL'l'CR !■: 



TELEPHONE: 



AREA CODE 406 



449-3144 



GEORGE LACKMAN 



COMMISSIONER 

 CAPITOL ANNEX BUILDING 



11 I'M. k.v.\, ;vi ( ) x r.\ v.\ 



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October 9, 1974 



The Honorable Thomas L. Judge 

 Governor of the State of Montana 

 State Capitol Building 

 Helena, Montana 59601 



Dear Governor Judge; 



In accordance with Section 82-4002, R.C.M., 1947, and Management Memo 

 1-74-10, there is herewith transmitted to you the Annual Report of the 

 Department of Agriculture for fiscal year ended June 30, 1974. 



Major accomplishments during the year include: 



*Montana agricultural interests were represented at twenty 

 formal rail rate proceedings resulting in first year grain 

 transportation cost savings of $1,800,000. 



*Forty-one rural development loans were initiated last year 

 bringing the total case load to 87 loans at a value of 

 $1,132,961. 



*A second grain market report telephone unit was installed to 

 accomodate a 105 percent usage increase by producers and other 

 grain interests. 



*The first comprehensive index of Montana Agriculture product 

 suppliers has been published. 



*Eighteen special pesticide training sessions were conducted 

 and 222 pesticide products were registered for use in Montana 

 providing products and information necessary in agriculture 

 production. 



*Continued application of specialized inspection concepts enabled 

 expanded inspection service in nursery stock and fresh fruit 

 and vegetables in addition to new research projects, all pro- 

 viding greater consumer protection. 



*Registered 51 percent more apiaries than the previous year and 

 through efficient inspection held the incidence of disease in 

 hives to .07 percent. 



