Farm Animals
Agriculture is an essential part of Montana's economy. It contributes over two billion dollars to the state annually. Of that two billion, livestock contributes about half. The primary type of livestock in Montana is cattle. There are 2.7 million cattle in Montana: about 1.68 million head are beef cattle and 20,000 are dairy cows. Montana is known for its excellent quality of cattle. Sheep are the second most numerous type of livestock in the state. Montana ranks sixth in the nation for sheep production. Montanas sheep provided 4.4 million pounds of wool to the nation in 1995. Additional livestock in the state include swine, llamas, and horses. But not all livestock have four legs! Birds and bees also hold their share of the industry. Emus, ostriches, and rheas are developing a market in the state, poultry has long been established, and bees are kept to produce honey.