4 Foreword 



1991 Montana Agricultural Statistics 



'^ 



NOTES FROM 

 THE STATE 

 STATISTICIAN 



We are proud to present you with this twenty- 

 eighth edition of "Montana Agricultural 

 Statistics." The information provided in this 

 report would not be possible without the 

 continued support of Montana's farmers, 

 ranchers, and agri-businessmen. They provide 

 the basic input to this and other reports by 

 voluntarily answering our survey 

 questionnaires. I wish I could personally thank 

 each of them for their efforts. 



Agriculture continues to be Montana's largest industry. During 1990, it contributed nearly 2.1 

 billion dollars to the state's economy. Cattle and calf production remained the largest single 

 enterprise followed by wheat and barley production. 



The producers in Montana faced many difficulties during the 1980's. However, you again 

 proved you were adaptable. Many of you learned to manage your operation more efficiently 

 and others began to look for alternative enterprises. The diversity of the types of products you 

 have added to your operations is really fascinating. Therefore, this year we have chosen to 

 highlight just some of the various commodities that are being raised in Montana. 



It is difficult to measure the impact that these "specialty" items have had on our state's 

 economy. But, we do know that the bulk of our farm income is derived from the livestock and 

 grain enterprises. This report continues to provide the unbiased state and county statistics for 

 these commodities. Again, thank all of you for your support. Thanks also to our staff of 

 statisticians, technicians and enumerators who are dedicated to providing you wdth high 

 quality, timely information. A special thank you to Wendy Bruski, who had overall 

 responsibility for the layout, design, and production of this report. 



V*~^ ^ • >i>«-»X»^ 



James K. Sands 

 State Statistician 



