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 PROGRAM -- AGRICULTURAL MARKETING COORDINATOR 



GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: 



To identify major needs in the agricultural marketing system 

 for Montana products. Perform necessary research of such problems 

 in order to develop programs directed toward a solution of these 

 needs. 



To develop sources of and disseminate specialized information 

 relating to supply-demand conditions, prices, transportation costs, 

 and structural changes in the marketing system. 



Establish programs for new market development, existing market 

 expansion, and marketing cost reductions to assist producers and 

 distributors in the economical, efficient distribution of Montana 

 agricultural products at equitable prices. 



ACHIEVE^ENTS 



Results of the "Mode and Direction of Montana Grain Shipments" 

 study were published and distributed. Information outlined in the 

 publication was presented to railroad pricing officials and was 

 instrumental in rate reductions implemented July 1, 1971 by the 

 Burlington Northern and Milwaukee roads. The estimated benefit to 

 Montana growers and shippers resulting from these reductions range 

 from $1.5 to $2.8 million a year. 



Information relating to quantities and sources of origin of 

 truck shipments was presented to Port of Lewiston , Idaho representa- 

 tives. The information will be considered in developing the facilities 

 at the new port in-order to most effectively serve Montana interests. 

 Barge transportation alternatives will be of real benefit to our 

 grain sector. 



Results from the project also provide data components used in 

 estimating proportions of Montana grain entering export channels. 

 This has proven to be of value in discussions with Asian trade teams 

 during the past year. 



Marketing information relating to wheat quality, wheat variety, 

 and cattle movement was compiled and published. A substantial portion 

 of Montana's wheat production moves to the export market in which a 

 primary competitive advantage is availability of protein and grade 

 data. In the absence of this project Montana would have been at a 

 competitive disadvantage in securing it's foreign market share. 



Variety data generated from this project served two important 

 functions; first it provides all buyers with objective information 

 to be used in conjunction with related quality factors. Secondly, it 

 serves as a management aid to producers by depicting rate of acceptance, 

 trends, and geographic capabilities of varieties. 



