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The Honorable Forrest H. Anderson 



Governor 



State of Montana 



Helena, Montana 59601 



Dear Governor Anderson: 



In accordance with the requirements of Sections 82-4002, R.C.M. 

 1947, there is herewith transmitted to you the report of the Department 

 of Agriculture covering the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971. 



Major Accomplishments during the year included: 



* Cash receipts from Agricultural Marketing and Government 

 Programs amounted to slightly over $640,000,000; this gave 

 Montana a great boost economically and provided many jobs. 



* Better public relations was obtained by bringing agriculture 

 and agri-business closer to the public through cooperative 

 meetings, communications and greater understanding of public 

 needs. 



* The department aided in seeking more equitable soil conserv- 

 ing base acreages for Montana. 



* Sought and brought about lower freight rates in Montana 

 through research and publishment of a manual "Modes and 

 Direction of Montana Grain Shipments." 



Recommendations to achieve objectives are: 



* Enlarge marketing functions and exert greater efforts to 

 maximize farm marketing orders for greater returns to Montana 

 farmers and ranchers. 



* Centralize within the department, administration of regu- 

 latory controls and services, in order to reduce costs and 

 increase efficiency through assignment of authority and 

 accountability. 



* Secure legislation to revise out-dated laws and amend 

 existing laws in order to serve the public through better 

 regulated services. 



RespectSCM-ly submitted. 



George LacT<man, Commissioner 

 Department of Agriculture. 



