TEDSCHWINDEN 



GOVERNOR 



STATK OF MONTANA 

 DEPARTMKNT OF ACRICL LTURE 



OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR 



AGRICULTURE/LIVESTOCK BLDG. 



CAPITOL STATION 



IIH t\A. MOM \N \ 5'«i2()-ll2(ll 



TELEPHONE 



AREA CODE 406 



444 3144 



KEITH KELLY 



DIRECTOR 



MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 



Low prices for many of our agricultural commodities and 

 reevaluation of land prices continue to affect many Montana 

 producers. In spite of this, there are signs we are making 

 progress. 



Livestock prices have shown some strength and the rains came 

 at the right time in most areas of the state. Crop yields and 

 pastures were better statewide than they have been for years. 

 These factors and other economic indicators provide reason for 

 cautious optimism that the economy of the agricultural industry 

 is improving. Realizing the importance of agriculture to 

 Montana's overall economy, this spells good news for the state as 

 a whole. 



Difficult times compound the need for accurate and timely 

 information upon which to base business decisions. I hope the 

 information contained in this Montana Agricultural Statistics 

 Bulletin will be a valuable tool in that decision making process. 



Sincerely, 



KEITH KELLY 

 Director 



An A/firmalive Action/Equal Employment Opportunily/£mployer 



