Montana agricultural statistics

2007·4 MB·English

by  United States. Agricultural Marketing Service

s
338.1
A7M
2 '^^^^^^^mr
1
Montana's Website: www.nass.usda.gov/mt/
Montana
Agricultural Statistics Districts
MontanaSlaleLibr;
3 0864 1004 1783 4
About the Cover
Barns, like the one pictured on the cover, dot most of the landscape in
Montana. This is a reminder that one of our largest industries in Montana is
Agriculture. Please help us in keeping the heritage and industry active by
supporting the 2007 Census ofAgriculture.
Photo; The beautiful barn pictured on the cover was built in 1928 by N.C.
Wirth, and it is now owned by his son. Bob Wirth. Bob was only five years old
when the barn was built and remembers being scolded for getting in the way
during construction. His father used lumber to build the barn from trees cut
along Lyons Creek. Originally, N.C. built the barn to house dairy cows and
horses. Most recently, Bob used it as a calving barn.
Photo Credit: Ron Zeiler, Montana Department ofAgriculture
MONTANA AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
Issn: 1095-7278 Volume XLIV October 2007
Montana
State of
Brian Schweitzer, Governor
Issued Cooperatively by
x^Jii^
^oTTT^''
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Montana Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Ron de Yong, Director
Ron Bosecker. Administrator
303 N. Roberts, Room 317
Helena. MT 59620 Washington, D.C. 20250
Compiled by
USDA, NASS, Montana Field Office
Peggy Stringer, Director
John Hilton, Deputy Director
10 West 15th Street, Suite 3100
Helena, MT 59626-3100
[phone] or 1-800-835-2612
e-mail; na5S-mt(g)nass.usda.qov
website: www.nass.usda.gov/mt/
Estimates Section
Survev Section
Thomas Chard
II
Wendy Bruski Jodie Sprague
Minda Duthie Bonnie Heller
Julia Evans-Meeks Carmen Pennington
Lindsey Houska Carol Stefely
Christel PachI
Annette Ronningen
Ron Schumacher
Retta Johnson
Eric Siebens
2007 Montana Agricultural Statistics Foreword 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD COUNTY CROPS
Comments from the Governor 3 Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production by Counties
Message from the Director - MX Department ofAgriculture.4 Major Crops Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Harvested Acres
Notes from the Director - MTAg Statistics 4 49
All Wheat 50
GENERAL Winter Wheat 54
Montana Department ofAgriculture 5 Other Spring Wheat 58
Montana Crop, Livestock, and Weather Digest 7 Durum Wheat 62
Climatological Data 8 All Barley 64
Montana Facts and Figures 9 Oats 68
Number of Farms, Land in Farms, and Average Size 10 Corn 70
Census of Agriculture, Number of Farms 11 Potatoes 71
Census of Agriculture, Number of Farms by County 12 Sugar Beets 71
All Dry Beans 72
ECONOMIC Pinto Beans 72
Montana Selected Industries Comparison 13 Garbanzo Beans 73
Value Added to the US Economy by the Ag Sector 14 Dry Peas 73
Farm Real Estate Values 15 Lentils 74
Cash Receipts from Sale of Principal Products Austrian Winter Peas 74
and Government Payments 15 Flaxseed 75
Cash Receipts by County 16 Safflower 75
Cash Receipts from Marketing by Commodities 17 Sunflower 76
Cash Receipts Pie Charts 18 Mustard Seed 76
Prices Received for Selected Commodities 19 Canola 76
Marketing YearAverage Prices Received 21 All Hay 77
Marketing of Major Commodities 21 Alfalfa Hay 79
Hay on CRP Land 81
RANK Other Hay 83
Montana Record Highs and Lows by Commodity 22 Grain Hay 85
Montana's Rank in the Nation's Agriculture 24 Wild Hay 87
Winter Wheat and Spring Wheat Production Maps 25
Durum Wheat and Barley Production Maps 26 STATE LIVESTOCK
Alfalfa and Other Hay Production Maps 27 CATTLE and CALVES
Cattle & Calves; Sheep & Lamb Inventory Maps 28 Inventory by Class and Cattle on Feed and Value 89
Calf Crop and Disposition 89
STATE CROPS Private Grazing Fee Rates 89
Acreage, Production, and Value Production and Income 89
All Wheat 29 Number of Operations and Percent ofTotal Inventory 90
Winter Wheat 30 Milk Cows on Farms, Production, and Milkfat 90
Other Spring Wheat 31 Dairy Products Marketed, Income, and Value 90
Durum Wheat 32
All Barley 33 SHEEP and LJ\MBS
Oats 34 Inventory by Class and Value and Operation Numbers91
Corn 34 Lamb Crop and Disposition 91
Potatoes 34 Wool Production 91
Sugar Beets 35 Production and Income 91
All Dry Beans 35 Milk, Meat and Other Goats 91
Pinto Beans 35 Sheep and Lamb Loss
Garbanzo Beans 35 Death Loss and Percent ofTotal Inventory Lost 92
All Dry Peas 36 Death Loss by Cause and Value of Loss 92
Lentils 36
Austrian Winter Peas 36 HOGS and PIGS
Flaxseed 37 Inventory by Class and Value and Operation Numbers94
Safflower 37 Annual Farrowings and Disposition 94
Sunflower 37 Production and Income 94
Mustard Seed 37
Canola 38 CHICKENS, EGGS, and HONEY
Alfalfa Seed 38 Chicken Inventory, Value, Production and Income 95
Leaf Cutter Bees 38 Eggs Production and Value 95
Sweet Cherries 38 Honey Inventory, Production, Stocks, and Value 95
All Hay 39
Alfalfa Hay 39 COMMERCIAL LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER
Hay on CRP Land 39 Commercial Red Meat Production 96
All Other Hay 40 Monthly Slaughter by Class 96
Grain Hay 40
Wild Hay 40 COUNTY LIVESTOCK
Grain Movement 40 Inventory by Counties
Wheat Utilization 42 All Cattle and Calves 97
All Wheat, All Barley, and Oats Stocks 43 Beef Cows and Heifers 97
All Barley Varieties, Historic 43 Milk Cows and Heifers 98
All Wheat Varieties, Historic 44 All Sheep and Lambs and Goats 98
Winter Wheat Varieties 45 Hogs and Pigs 99
Spring Wheat Varieties 46 Chickens by District 99
Durum Wheat Varieties 47
All Barley Varieties 48 AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS 100
2 Foreword Montana Agricultural Statistics 2007
.
Montana is a large and diverse state, one in which climate and markets affect the decisions farmers and ranchers
mal<e each year, often in the fall. Our state consistently ranks second or third nationally in wheat production and
seventh in beef herd size, with cattle and hay grown in every county.
Montana's regions are important in determining the predominance of its agricultural products. For example, the
north-central region produced 70 percent ofthe state's total canola crop in 2006. Northeastern Montana leads in
several categories, including lentils and dry peas. Gallatin County and southwestern Montana lead in potato
production. The Northwest is known for its cherries, and the central region leads in cattle and calves and the
production of alfalfa hay.
This yearbook provides a valuable record of Montana's production history. It is used internationally by customers who
buy Montana's world famous wheat and durum, and byothers, myself included, to pinpoint the production history and
concentrations of our crop and livestock products.
New crops like camelina are entering Montana's crop picture. Oil seeds hold potential forfood, bio-fuels, bio-
lubricants, industrial chemicals, and protein-rich meal for livestock feed. Ventures that combine energy and food
processing with livestock feeding or dairy production are being considered in several rural communities. New uses
for commodities, and new processing and marketing opportunities, will enhance our rural communities and add value
for producers in Montana's number one industry.
If you have ideas about agricultural business opportunities for Montana, use the commentform on our website,
www.governor.mt.gov or give my office a call at [phone]
Sincerely,
2iU-
Brian Schweitzer, -governor
2007 Montana Agricultural Statistics Foreword 3
MESSAGE FROM Measured in cash receipts, Montana's agricultural economy has done well
THE DIRECTOR the past three years. Higher prices for beef, and more recently for wheat
and barley, have raised farm and ranch incomes, although higher
production costs have cut into profits. Weather patterns have not treated
all counties of the state equally, and climate experts say the future may
hold continued challenges.
The variability of crop production is one reason the Montana Department of
Agriculture contributes to the annual collection and printing of county
agricultural statistics. Data contained in this book and published online are
essential for informing Congress and federal agencies about the
effectiveness of farm programs and the need for producer assistance.
When farmers and ranchers decide how to change practices, it is also
useful to look at historical trends in production, prices and other regional
factors.
Numbers in this report are generated from detailed surveys of producers
statewide. Updates are provided electronically and through news releases,
available from the website: http://www.nass.usda.gov/mt. My thanks to
producers who take time from their busy schedules to answer the survey
questions upon which these reports rely.
Sincerely,
^y>
Ron de Yong, Director, Montana Department ofAgriculture
Notes from the
Director The USDA, NASS, Montana Field OfHce is pleased to publish the 44th
edition of Montana Agricultural Statistics. 2007 will prove to be a good year
for Montana's agricultural sector, with wheat prices hitting record highs and
new opportunities to expand markets by producing bio-based fuels.
Agriculture continues to be a vital industry for the state's economy.
At the end of 2007, we will be conducting the Census of Agriculture! Not
only does the Census give the farmers and ranchers of Montana the chance
to be heard, but it gives them the valuable opportunity to influence key
decisions that will shape the direction of American agriculture in general,
and our community in particular, for years to come. When the Census form
hits your mailbox, do your part for Montana's agricultural sector and fill it
out and return it.
The USDA, NASS, Montana Field Office works in cooperation with the
Montana Department of Agriculture, the Montana Wheat and Barley
Committee, the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, Montana State
University, and many other producers' organizations to provide valuable
agricultural statistics. Thank you to Montana's farmers, ranchers, and
agribusinesses that made this publication possible through their willingness
to supply basic agricultural information.
Peggy Stringer, Director, USDA, NASS, Montana Field Office
4 Foreword Montana Agricultural Statistics 2007
"
Department Mission
€
Ka OMTA M A "^'^ protect producers and consumers and to enhance and
putniCe11U1 otL" TURE develop agriculture and allied industries.
Director Ron de Yong, [phone]
Central Services Administrator: Kathy Seacat
Attorney: Cort Jensen
Public Information Officer: Ron Zellar
Department Programs & Background
The Montana Department of Agriculture operates some 30 programs, many funded entirely through
producer fees. These include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the
environment, and development and marketing programs to add value to Montana's agriculture. The
Director's Office serves as an advocate for Montana agriculture in national and international forums and is
committed to promoting, protecting and enhancing Montana's No. 1 industry.
Agricultural Development Division
Deputy Director/Administrator: Joel A. Clairmont, [phone]
Ag Marketing & Business Development
Agricultural Sciences Division - Administrator: Greg Ames, [phone]
Commodity Services Bureau Technical Services Bureau
Crop, Livestock, and Weather Digest, 2006
January: Montana had above normal temperatures in July: Montana was hot and dry during July. Albion had the
January, with moderate precipitation in the form of rain and high temperature of 108 degrees. The heat and wind stressed
snow. Fort Benton had the high temperature of 69 degrees, spring planted crops. Topsoil and subsoil conditions
and West Yellowstone had the low temperature of 12 degrees. deteriorated from June. At month's end, winter wheat harvest
West Glacier received the most moisture at 7.59 inches. Snow was nearing completion, well ahead of last year and the five-
cover protectiveness on winter wheat fields was mostly very year average. The second cutting of alfalfa and other hay was
poorat month's end, but wind, freeze, and drought damage to underway. Pasture and range conditions were 39% very poor
the crop was minimal. The winter wheat crop condition was and poor, 32% fair, 24% good, and 5% excellent at the end of
rated 8% excellent, 44% good, 41% fair, and 7% poor at the the month.
end ofthe month. Calving and lambing had just started.
August: Hot, dry weather continued. Some areas of the state
February: Temperatures varied widely during February. received rain at mid-month. Albion had the most precipitation
Billings, Roundup, and Rapelje tied for the high temperature at 1.67 inches. Roundup had the high temperature for the
of 69 degrees, and Wisdom had the low of -43 degrees. The month at 103 degrees. By month's end, winter wheat harvest
state had light to moderate precipitation during the month, in was complete, and spring grains harvest and the second
the form of rain and snow. West Glacier received the most cutting of hay were nearing completion. Range and pasture
moisture at 2.43 inches. At month's end, snow cover feed conditions were well behind last year at the end of the
protectiveness on winter wheat fields was rated mostly very month. Dry weather was starting to affect the quality of
poor to poor. The winter wheat crop was reported in mostly forage, and ranchers were moving livestock from summer
fair to good condition. Ninety-seven percent of the cattle and ranges.
calves and ninety-six percent of the sheep and lambs were
receiving supplemental feed at the end of February. September: Montana had hot and dry weather until mid-
month when temperatures cooled down and the state received
March: Montana received moderate to heavy precipitation in moderate to heavy precipitation, in the form of rain and snow.
March. Both Helena and Great Falls experienced record high Sheridan received enough rainfall at 1.37 inches to break a
precipitation on March 18. Joliet had the high temperature of daily precipitation record. Rapelje had the most moisture for
68 degrees, and West Yellowstone had the low of -23 degrees. the month at 2.02 inches. Spring grains harvest was wrapped
Snow cover protectiveness on winter wheat fields continued to up by the third week. Widespread precipitation improved
be rated mostly very poor to poor. Eighty-four percent of the winter wheat seeding conditions, and 68 percent of the crop
winter wheat crop was still in dormancy at the end of the was planted at month's end. Fifty-five percent of the cattle and
month, compared to thirty-six percent dormant last year. calves and 44 percent of the sheep and lambs were moved
Calving and lambing were 57% and 37% complete, from summer ranges, ahead of last year.
respectively, by the end of March.
October: Montana received moderate to heavy precipitation
April: Many locations in the state received record during the first and third weeks of October and light moisture
accumulations of precipitation for April. Wet conditions slowed the rest of the month. Bozeman received the most
down spring planting in most areas. The weather was more precipitation at 2.31 inches. At month's end, topsoil moisture
suitable for field work the last week, and producers made conditions were 8% surplus, 71% adequate, 18% short, and
some progress seeding grains. At month's end, field tillage 3% very short. Subsoil moisture conditions were 1% surplus,
was 55% well underway, compared to 65% well underway last 42% adequate, 41% short, and 16% very short. Winter wheat
year. Winter wheat was out of dormancy, and conditions were seeding was 94% complete by the end of the month. Eighty-
mostly good to excellent at the end of the month. Calving and two percent of the cattle and calves and eighty-five percent of
lambing were 92% and 77% complete, respectively. the sheep and lambs were moved offsummer ranges.
May: The state received light rainfall during the month, November: Temperatures varied widely during November.
except for the last few days when moderate to heavy Huntley had the high temperature for the month at 77
precipitation occurred. Grass Range received the most degrees, and Cascade had the low at -29 degrees. West
moisture at 2.32 inches. Winter wheat conditions were 25% Glacier received the most precipitation at 6.04 inches. At the
poor and very poor, 40% fair, 26% good, and 9% excellent at end of the month, 68% of the winter wheat crop was rated
month's end. Small grains planting was nearly complete. By good to excellent, ahead of last year's average of 49% good to
the end of the month, eighty-four percent of the cattle and excellent. Seventy percent of the cattle and calves and sixty-
calves and 74% of the sheep and lambs, respectively, were nine percent of the sheep and lambs received supplemental
moved to summer pastures. feed, more than last year.
June: During the first half of the month, Montana received December: Montana had below normal precipitation during
moderate to heavy precipitation. Several cities received the month. Thompson Falls received the most accumulated
enough rain to break their daily precipitation records. Great moisture at 3.11 inches. Stanford had the high temperature
Falls had the most moisture at 3.52 inches. The state received for the month at 64 degrees, and West Yellowstone had the
light precipitation the rest of the month. At month's end, low at -37 degrees. At month's end, wind, freeze, and drought
spring grains crop progress and hay harvest was well ahead of damage to the winter wheat crop was light and 58% of the
last year and the five-year average. Winter wheat was almost crop was rated mostly good to excellent. Range and pasture
done heading, and conditions were mostly fair to good. feed conditions were 16% good to excellent at the end of the
Pasture and range feed conditions were mostly good to fair at month, compared to 36% good to excellent last year.
the end ofthe month. Livestock continued to receive supplemental feed.
2007 Montana Agricultural Statistics General 7
Climatological Data Annual and Growing Season Precipitation and Frost-Free