Montana 2013 Agricultural Statistics - National Agricultural Statistics

76 Pages·2013·11.14 MB·English

MONTANA
2013 Agricultural Statistics
2011-2012 County Estimates
Montana Agricultural Statistics Districts
On the Cover

The cover photo was taken on a Forest Service Permit held by
Helle Land and Livestock in the Gravelly Range of Southwest
Montana. For three generations, their Rambouillet sheep have
made the long trail from Dillon into the mountains for
summer pasture. It is one of the few places left in the state
where one can see the benefits of running sheep on our
public forest lands. The sheep help reduce fuel loads, freshen
the forage for migrating elk herds, and produce sustainable
and renewable lamb and wool for American consumers.
Photo provided by: Brent Roeder, Montana Sheep Company
Montana’s Website: www.nass.usda.gov/mt
MONTANA AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS

Issn: 1095-7278 Volume L October 2013
State of Montana

Steve Bullock, Governor

Issued Cooperatively by
Montana Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture
Ron de Yong, Director National Agricultural Statistics Service
303 N. Roberts, Room 317 Dr. Cynthia Clark, Administrator
Helena, MT 59620 Washington, D.C. 20250
Complied by
USDA, NASS, MOUNTAIN REGION -
MONTANA FIELD OFFICE
Eric Sommer, State Statistician
10 West 15th Street, Suite 3100
Helena, MT 59626-3100
[phone] or 1-800-835-2612
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nass.usda.gov/mt

Montana Field Office Staff Montana Data Collection Center Staff

Thomas Chard II Jodie Sprague
Ron Schumacher Annette Ronningen
Kira Knoles Pam Stoneking
Christel Pachl
Carmen Pennington
Loretta Johnson
Carol Stefely

2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics Foreword 1
National Association of Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)

Montana Data Collection Center
Telephone Enumerators
Telephone Supervisors Roxanne Allen Heather Ireland Amy Roeber
Willie Anderson Lorena James Vicki Samoray
Jeff Bradshaw Char Baglien Susan Jensen Barbara Sauter
Cheryl Brandt Ann Bay Connie Jester Josh Savage
Ann Buraas Jennifer Beausoleil Shan Johnson David School
Andy Knoles Elizabeth Beverly Kathleen Joki Virginia Seil
Jeannine McCarthy Phillip Blackgoat Wanda Kaddy Rebecca Shaw
Abbie Pence Casey Bogard Patti Knapper Stephanie Shea
Leasa Briggs Wilda Komora
Karen Shepherd
Jim Brusda Joy Kroenke
Telephone Coaches Shane Shepherd
Wayne Budt Randle Lambert
Russ Smith

Polly Burnham Barbara LaSalle
Cori Sobrepena
Vicki Hewitt Londa Burns Jessica Lehner
Jennaya Spence
Jeanette Hume Jamie Cain David Liedle
Ken Stephens
Patti O’Dell Pat Chevallier Nancy Lightner
Ruth Straley
Jody Pace Brenda Clark Jacqueline Malatare
Kristie Taylor
Steve Stoneking Jean Clark Michelle Mangini
Elizabeth Thiabault
Nathan Stroman Jim Clark Sarah Martin
Marilyn Travino
Penney Clarke Justin Masiak
Carla Trueblood
Jamie Cole Marty Masiak
Heather VanDrunen
Donna Copps Herschel Mays
Melba Van Sprang
Isac Coy Karen Mays
Deb Culwell Marchita Mays Mary Vogel
Joyce Day Ann McKenzie Windy Welch
Barbara Doggett Stefani McPhee Karen Witte
Mary Dougherty Lon Mitchell Kim Wollitz
Dawn Dykstra Rebecca Morgan Vicki Wright
Ricky Enternmann Whitney Morgan April Yahvah
Tom Erdie Joseph Murphy Teresa Zimmerman
Michaelanne Fagnan Mattie Murphy Peitr Zwolle
Jack Ferriter Heather Myers
Chelsey Flesher Kellie Myers
Keyanna Freedom Carri Neiman
Jennifer Furtney Gerrit Nicolai
Josh Gabor Miriam Ortiz
Joan George Sandra Page
Genevieve Gordon Dawn Piazzi
Mary Goyins Kim Pouliot
Gynn Gregor Nina Pullman
Paula Grossman Jones Linda Leonti Redona
Kimberly Hamlin Barbara Rennick
Amy Holodnick Scott Riek
Ron Hoyt Sandee Riemann
Field Staff by Area
Central & Northeast Montana Northwest & North Central Montana
Southeast Montana
Eileen Damone - Supervisor Lana Hilton - Supervisor
Carmen Bertsch - Supervisor
Janice Anderson Lynda Barker
Edward Gasper
Sandy Baden Larry Bates
Teresa Heitz
Dorothy Crandell Lanny Christman
Karen Hovermale
Myrna Cummings Rose Coston
Laurie Osterman
Vicki Ehlert Lorraine Hanson
Tara Ostler
Jeannie Miner Janice Hawley

Robert Prongua Tesha Hawley
Southwest Montana Barbara Wacker Glenda Johnson
Mitch Walter Tim Littledog
Lisa Peterson - Supervisor Bruce Morelli
Judy Carlson Linell Pegar
Connie Evenson Tara Rowland
Tom Erdie Rhonda Van Hoy
Charles Ruz icka Judy Vernier
James Wieferich Valerie Wadman
Foreword 2 2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWO RD COUNTY CROPS

4 Comments from the Governor - Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production -
5 Message from the Director of MT Dept. of Agriculture 45 Winter Wheat
Notes from the State Statistician 48 Spring Wheat
51 Durum Wheat
GENERAL 52 All Barley
54 Oats
6 Montana Department of Agriculture 55 Corn
8 Montana Crop, Livestock and Weather Digest 56 Dry Beans (All, Pinto, Other, and Garbanzo)
9 Climatological Data 57 Dry Peas (All and Austrian Winter Peas)
10 Montana Facts and Figures 58 Lentils
11 Number of Farms, Land in Farms, and Average Size Potatoes
12 Census of Agriculture: Number of Farms Sugar Beets
13 Census of Agriculture: Number of Farms by County 59 Canola
Flaxseed
ECONOMIC Mustard Seed
Safflower
14 Montana Selected Industries Comparison 60 Hay (Alfalfa and Other)
15 Value Added to the US Economy by the Ag Sector
16 Cash Rent Dollars by County STATE LIVESTOCK
17 Farm Real Estate Values
Cash Receipts from Sale of Principal Products and - Cattle and Calves -
Government Payments 62 Inventory by Class, Cattle on Feed, and Value
18 Cash Receipts from Marketings by Commodities Calf Crop and Disposition
19 Prices Received for Selected Commodities Private Grazing Fee Rates
20 Marketing Year Average Prices Received Production and Income
Marketing of Major Commodities 63 Dairy Products Marketed, Income, and Value
- Sheep, Lambs, and Goats -
RANK 63 Milk, Meat, and Other Goats
All Sheep Inventory by Class and Value
21 Montana Record Highs and Lows by Commodity Lamb Crop and Disposition
23 Montana’s Rank in the Nation’s Agriculture Wool Production and Value
24 Winter Wheat and Spring Wheat Production Maps 64 Death Loss and Percent of Total Inventory Lost
25 Durum Wheat and Barley Production Maps Death Loss by Cause and Value of Loss
26 Alfalfa and Other Hay Production Maps 65 Percent of Loss by Cause
27 Cattle & Calves and Sheep & Lambs Inventory Maps - Hogs and Pigs -
66 Inventory by Class and Value
STATE CROPS Annual Farrowings and Disposition
Production and Income
28 Crops Summary - Chickens, Eggs, and Honey -
Usual Planting and Harvesting Dates 67 Chicken Inventory, Value, Production, and Income
- Acreage, Production, and Value - Eggs Production and Value
29 All Wheat, Winter Wheat, and Durum Wheat Honey Inventory, Production, Stocks, and Value
30 Other Spring Wheat, All Barley, and Oats - Commercial Livestock Slaughter -
31 Corn, Potatoes, and Sugar Beets 68 Commercial Red Meat Production
32 Dry Beans (All, Pinto, and Garbanzo) and Lentils Monthly Slaughter by Class
33 Dry Peas (All and Austrian Winter Peas), Canola, Camelina,
and Mustard Seed COUNTY LIVESTOCK
34 Flaxseed, Safflower, Sweet Cherries, and Leaf Cutter Bees
35 Alfalfa Seed and Hay (All, Alfalfa, and Other) - County Inventory by Head -
36 Grain Movement 69 All Cattle and Calves
37 Wheat Utilization Beef Cows and Heifers
38 All Wheat, All Barley, & Oats Stocks 70 Milk Cows and Heifers
All Barley Varieties, Historic 71 All Sheep and Lambs
39 All Wheat Varieties, Historic 72 Hogs and Pigs
40 Winter Wheat Varieties
41 Spring Wheat Varieties
42 Durum Wheat Varieties
43 Barley Varieties
44 Barley Purchased for Malt

2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics Foreword 3
COMMENTS FROM
OUR GOVERNOR

Montana Agriculture is constantly changing. Evolving weather patterns, consumer preferences, and an
increasingly global marketplace have allowed producers and businesses to take advantage of these
transitions.

Businesses like new pea and lentil buyers and processors provide farmers with more choices as to
where to sell their crops. Montana became the leading producer of these "pulse crops" two years ago,
and we’ve held that position since. Wheat and beef remain our top commodities, but diversification
has helped with disease and weed control, while reducing dependence on fertilizer.

Organic and locally grown food has added much value to Montana’s number one industry. Many of
these agriculture businesses are finding wider markets that promote Montana's reputation of being a
pristine environment with top quality grains, beef and other products.

We can count on Montana's farmers, ranchers and agriculture businesses to find and profit from the
opportunities that arise from agricultural transitions. If you have ideas or suggestions for business
opportunities, feel free to send me a note on the www.governor.mt.gov website, or give my office a
call at 444-3111.

Sincerely,

Steve Bullock
Governor

Foreword 4 2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics
Montana agriculture is becoming more diverse and continuing to add value to
products that are available both locally and globally. Increasing production of

corn and soybean crops that have been genetically modified will continue to
expand opportunities for Montana producers, but also will require more advance
MESSAGE FROM
planning and neighborly consideration.
THE DIRECTOR
A majority of the nation's corn, soybeans and canola crops contain genes that
confer herbicide resistance or defenses against insects. Coexistence between
genetically modified, conventionally grown and organic crops requires that
measures be taken to prevent comingling of GMO crops and identity-preserved
or organically certified crops. Good neighbor efforts to avoid contamination can
enable GMO and identity-preserved crops to co-exist, allowing each farmer to
grow and market his or her desired products, which are often sold for a premium
price.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is working hard to increase exports and
domestic sales of value-added and identity preserved products. Our Food &
Agriculture Development Network centers work with agricultural entrepreneurs to
develop professional business and marketing plans, secure necessary permits
and start initial processing. The amount of Montana food consumption coming
from Montana production and processing is increasing. Visit a local farmers
market to see some of the food items your neighbors are creating to help grow
Montana's agricultural economy.

Updates to this annual Montana Agricultural Statistics bulletin, produced in
cooperation with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, are available
electronically at www.nass.usda.gov/mt.

Sincerely,

Ron de Yong, Director, Montana Department of Agriculture
I proudly introduce the 50th edition of the Montana Agricultural Statistics Bulletin.
Mild winter and hot dry summer conditions led to a very interesting growing season.
This publication gives farmers and ranchers an opportunity to share the ever changing NOTES FROM
face of agriculture with legislators, agribusinesses, academics, reporters, and
THE STATE STATISTICIAN
producers.

The 2012 Census of Agriculture results will be released early 2014! NASS will release
Census data in both electronic and print formats. At the end of 2012, nearly 40,000
agricultural operations and potential agricultural operations within the State of
Montana were mailed a questionnaire.

Working cooperatively within Montana allows USDA National Agricultural Statistics
Service (NASS) the ability to achieve the goal of providing timely, accurate, and
useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. NASS partners with Montana
Department of Agriculture, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Montana
Woolgrowers Association, and the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, among others.

Thank you to all of Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses that made this
publication possible. I would also like to recognize National Association of State
Departments of Agriculture employees across the state and the NASS staff (current
and recently retired) for everything you did to make this publication possible.

Eric Sommer, State Statistician, USDA, NASS, Montana Field Office

2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics Foreword 5
Department Mission
"To protect producers and consumers and to
enhance and develop agriculture and allied
industries."

Director Ron de Yong, [phone]
Central Services Administrator: Libbi H. Lovshin
Attorney: Cort Jensen
Department Programs & Background
Montana Department of Agriculture operates some 30 programs, many funded entirely through user fees. These
include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the environment, as well as development and
marketing programs to foster growth in Montana agriculture. The Director's Office also serves as an advocate for
Montana agriculture in national and international forums and works to make the department's programs accessible
to the public.
Agricultural Development Division
Deputy Director/Administrator: Joel A. Clairmont, [phone]
Ag Marketing & Business Development Bureau Wheat & Barley Bureau, Great Falls
- Marketing and Business Assistance - Producer Funded Research & Marketing
- Grants and Loans - Hosts Foreign Buyers and Delegations

Rural Development Bureau State Grain Laboratory, Great Falls
- Agricultural Curriculum Development - Federally Licensed Grain Inspection
- Agricultural Finance
- Agricultural Statistics
- Commodity Check-off Programs
- State Hail Insurance
Food and Agriculture Development Centers assisted 132 clients with regional food and farm-derived energy
projects in FY 2012, helping to introduce 47 new products, start 19 new businesses and assist 24 business
expansions.
Growth Through Agriculture grants and loans during FY 2013 totaled more than $450,000 to 40 businesses and
individuals for value-added agriculture projects.
Marketing assistance during FY 2013 included more than 40 one-on-one company consultations; about $90,000
in trade show sales; and 18 promotions in out of state trade shows.
Rural Development finance programs have a combined loan portfolio of more than $3.5 million.
State Hail Insurance protected 1.8 million acres in 2012, an increase from the previous year's record 1.5 million
acres.
State Grain Laboratory completed nearly 37,000 tests for grade, protein, germination, baking qualities,
vomitoxin and other characteristics on wheat, barley and 20 other commodities, including more than 3,000
inspections on peas, beans and lentils. The Great Falls facility is the only federally licensed grain lab in Montana. A
branch office is situated in Plentywood.
Wheat & Barley Committee annually hosts an average of 13 foreign trade delegations and 60 visitors from
seven nations that have an interest in purchasing Montana grains. The Committee represents producers on
transportation issues, research, and market development.

General 6 2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics
Agricultural Sciences Division
Administrator: Greg Ames, [phone]

Analytical Laboratory Bureau, Bozeman Pest Management Bureau
- Provides testing services for feed, fertilizer, - Apiary/Alfalfa Leaf Cutter Bees
pesticide and ground water programs. - Export Certification
- Noxious Weeds
Commodity Services Bureau - Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage
- Anhydrous Ammonia - Cooperative Ag. Pest Survey
- Feed/Fertilizer - Nursery/Quarantine
- Grain Warehouses and Auditing
- Organic Certification Technical Services Bureau
- Produce/Seed/Seed Potatoes - Ground Water
- Licensing and Registration
- Pesticides
- Special Pesticide Registration
- Vertebrate Pests
The Department:
• Licenses about 500 pesticide dealers and registers about 11,000 pesticide products.
• Licenses about 6,200 private and 2,000 commercial and government pesticide applicators.
• Certifies 74 commercial honeybee operations and registers 5,600 apiary locations.
• Issues 1,000 plant health and export certificates, enabling products to be shipped to other states and
countries.
• Licenses 900 nurseries to assure quality products.
• Issues 3,100 inspection certificates on 283 million pounds of potatoes shipped for seed.

Analytical Laboratory, operated jointly with MSU at Bozeman, reports about 125,500 individual test results
annually on 3,200 feed, fertilizer, soil, plant tissue and water quality samples.

Pesticide Disposal program assists homeowners, businesses and producers in disposing of unwanted and
unusable pesticides - a total of 424,821 pounds since 1994.

Pesticide Container Recycling Program was created to keep pesticide container plastic out of Montana’s
landfills. The PCRP truck will arrive at predetermined collection sites to collect and grind all cleaned and prepared
#2 HDPE pesticide plastic. The program has collected approximately 210,000 pounds since 2009.

Fertilizer program registered more than 3,800 fertilizer and soil amending products and licensed 217 in-state
and 291 out-of-state businesses in 2012. Reports indicate 700,824 tons of fertilizer were distributed in Montana
during 2012.

Organic program annually inspects and certifies 107 farms and ranches and 35 food handlers as compliant with
USDA organic standards. Organic certification allows access to local, national and international value-added
markets for organic food products.

Noxious Weed Trust Fund annually distributes more than $2 million in grants for weed management, research
and education from automobile license weed management fund, federal grants and interest received on Noxious
Weed Trust Fund principal.

Board, Councils and Committees
- Agriculture Development Council - Noxious Weed Summit Advisory Council
- Alfalfa Seed Committee - Organic Commodity Advisory Council
- Cherry Advisory Committee - Potato Advisory Council
- Hail Insurance Board - Pulse Crop Advisory Council
- Noxious Weed Management Council - Wheat & Barley Committee
- Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Advisory Council
2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics General 7
Crop, Livestock, and Weather Digest, 2012 July: Hot, dry weather continued for much of the state
during July. High temperatures ranged from the lower 80s to
the lower 100s. Winter wheat harvest began the second

January: Montana had unseasonably warm weather for week and was 30 percent complete by the end of the month,
January. High temperatures reached the mid 60s, while ahead of last year and the five-year average. Harvest of
average low temperatures were in the mid 20s to lower 30s. other small grains was underway. At month’s end, summer
Many areas had below average precipitation, while other range and pasture feed conditions were 12 percent good, 33
parts of the state received above normal moisture. At percent fair, and 55 percent very poor to poor.
month’s end, snow cover protectiveness on winter wheat
August: Montana had hot temperatures and minimal
fields was 87 percent very poor to poor. Winter wheat crop
precipitation until mid-month when much of the state had
conditions were 26 percent good to excellent, significantly
cooler temperatures and measurable moisture. Hot, dry
behind last year’s 72 percent. Most livestock received
weather returned the third week and lasted the rest of the
supplemental feeding. Calving and lambing had just begun
month. Winter wheat harvest was wrapped up by month’s
at the end of the month.
end and harvest of other small grains approached
February: Montana continued to have mild weather with completion, well ahead of last year and the five-year
variable precipitation in February. Fort Benton reached the average. The second cutting of hay was in full swing. Range
monthly high temperature of 56 degrees and Wisdom had and pasture feed conditions continued to decline with the
the monthly low of minus 24 degrees. West Glacier had the prolonged heat and lack of adequate moisture.
most monthly accumulated moisture at 2.77 inches. Snow
September: Temperatures were unseasonably warm
cover protectiveness on winter wheat fields remained very
during September, the fourth consecutive month with above
poor to poor. At month’s end, winter wheat crop conditions
average temperatures. Precipitation was much below
were 24 percent good to excellent, well behind last year’s 71
normal. Small grain harvest and the second cutting of hay
percent. Calving and lambing were 14 percent and 6 percent
were completed the third week. At month’s end, topsoil and
complete, respectively.
subsoil moisture conditions were 96 percent and 94 percent
March: Temperatures were above normal during the very short to short, respectively. Winter wheat seeding was
month, with scattered precipitation. High temperatures on pace with last year, at 55 percent planted. Livestock
ranged from the upper 50s to the upper 70s. Lakeview movement from summer ranges was in full swing and
received the most accumulated moisture for the month at supplemental feeding was underway early, due to poor
3.37 inches. At month’s end, topsoil and subsoil moisture range and pasture feed conditions.
conditions were 61 percent and 57 percent adequate and
October: Temperatures turned cooler and the first snow of
surplus, respectively, well behind last year. Winter wheat
the season arrived the first week. Producers reported
was rated 28 percent good to excellent, compared to last
receiving precipitation in major winter wheat areas
year’s 64 percent. Calving and lambing were in full swing by
mid-month. An early winter storm brought snow to much of
the end of the month. Most livestock continued to receive
Montana the last week of the month. Potato and sugar beet
supplemental feed.
harvest was nearly completed by month’s end. Winter wheat
April: A late winter storm the first week brought snowfall to was 84 percent planted, behind last year’s 94 percent.
most of Montana. Many areas received 0.50 to 1 inch of Livestock movement from summer ranges was nearly
precipitation. Scattered rain showers and warm spring wrapped up and supplemental feeding was well underway.
temperatures prevailed the rest of the month. Miles City
November: Montana had mostly warm and dry weather
reached the monthly high temperature of 91 degrees the
the first week of November. A snow storm brought record
last week. Winter wheat crop conditions were 55 percent
amounts of snowfall to several areas the second week. Mild
good to excellent, behind last year’s 70 percent. Spring
temperatures and limited precipitation prevailed the rest of
planting was well underway. Calving and lambing were
the month. Winter wheat crop conditions were 29 percent
approaching completion. By month’s end, supplemental
good to excellent at month’s end. Due to poor range and
feeding of livestock had decreased and movement to
pasture feed conditions, 69 percent of cattle and 74 percent
summer pastures had begun.
of sheep received supplemental feeding, compared to last
May: The state had warm temperatures and limited year’s 33 percent and 39 percent, respectively.
precipitation the first week. Hot, windy, and dry weather
December: Much of the state had snowfall during the
prevailed the next two weeks, with high temperatures
month. West Glacier received the most monthly accumulated
reaching the upper 80s and lower 90s. The last week
precipitation at 4.46 inches of moisture, followed by West
brought snow, rain, and cooler temperatures. Cooke City
Yellowstone at 4.22 inches. Hardin and Joliet tied for the
received the most precipitation for the week at 2.62 inches.
monthly high temperature of 64 degrees, while Scobey had
At month’s end, winter wheat crop conditions were 51
the low for the month at minus 29 degrees. At month’s end,
percent good to excellent, behind last year’s 72 percent.
winter wheat crop conditions were 40 percent good to
Livestock movement to summer ranges was in full swing.
excellent, with minimal wind, freeze, and drought damage.
June: Temperatures were warm and precipitation was Ninety percent of cattle and ninety-six percent of sheep
adequate during the first part of June. Hot, dry weather received supplemental feed, ahead of last year’s
prevailed the rest of the month. Miles City reached the seventy-two percent and sixty-nine percent, respectively.
monthly high temperature of 111 degrees the last week.
Small grain crop development was ahead of last year and
the five-year average. The first cutting of hay was well
underway. Ranges and pastures were stressed, due to dry,
windy conditions. Livestock movement to summer pastures
was wrapped up by month’s end.

General 8 2013 Montana Agricultural Statistics