4 Foreword 



Montana Agricultural Statistics 1992 



NOTES FROM 

 THE STATE 

 STATISTICIAN 



This year's edition of "Montana Agricultural 

 Statistics" marks the twenty-ninth year that we 

 have issued this publication for use by 

 Montana's agricultural community. A big thank 

 you is owed all of Montana's farmers, ranchers 

 and agri-businessmen for their willingness to 

 provide the basic information that is the 

 foundation of all of these estimates. Without 

 their continued support this publication would 

 not be possible. 



Since cattle and calf production is the largest single enterprise in Montana's number one 

 industry, agriculture, we chose to highlight that segment on our bulletin cover this year. 



Producers in the Treasure State faced many difficulties this past year. The crop year started 

 out very dry, then in June it turned wet and cool, aphids and weeds became a problem in 

 many areas of the state and to top it off we received several inches of snow during the latter 

 part of August in many locations. Despite all of these problems, Montana's producers 

 persevered. 



As you look over this report, please feel free to pass on your comments and suggestions. 

 Again, thank all of you for your support. Thanks also to our staff of statisticians, technicians 

 and enumerators who are dedicated to providing Montana 's agriculture with high quality 

 statistics. A special thank you to Wendy Bruski, who had overall responsibility for the layout, 

 design, and production of this report. 



James K. Sands 

 State Statistician 



