People and Jobs
Farmers and ranchers make up about five percent of the total population in Montana and 17 percent hold agriculture related jobs.
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Mining
Montana's mining industry is vital to the state's economy.
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Tourism Industry
Tourism is one of the leading industries in the state.
Farm Animals
Agriculture is an essential part of Montana's economy. It contributes over 2.4 billion dollars to the state annually. Of that two billion, livestock contributes about half.
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Crops
An approximate 17.5 million acres of Montana’s land is used for cropland. On this land a wide variety of crops are raised.
Farm and Ranch Land
Montana has 59.7 million acres of land used for farm and ranch production.
Timber
What do you think of when you first hear the word ‘timber’? Do you think a burly bearded man, sawing determinedly and then triumphantly yelling “TIMBER”?
Montana enjoys a rich agricultural heritage. Ranching and farming has always been an important part of the State’s economy. Livestock and crop production contributes close to two billion dollars to Montana’s economy annually.
Montana's food products are winning the trust of consumers around the world. Montana's clean environment and its reputation for hard-working, honest people has increased its product visibility among the growing number of consumers interested in healthful and hearty foods to add to their diets.
A growing interest among producers to supply distinctive products to a specific segment of a market is emerging. Organic and gourmet foods are gaining popularity among producers and consumers alike. A commitment to provide high quality specialty products fosters the recognition among consumers that Montana-made products are the best of their kind.
A diverse climate and fertile soil helps Montana farmers and ranchers produce a wide variety of high quality food products. While beef and wheat are the two largest commodities, many other products contribute to the state’s agriculture, including cherries, sugar beets and sunflowers to name a few. (Learn more about Montana's crops >>)
Montana’s food processing industry is a major part of Montana’s agricultural sector. Processed foods are called value-added products.This means taking a raw product, like wheat, and adding value to it by making something else with it; making it worth more. For example, if wheat is worth $3.67 per bushel, we can turn that wheat into flour and make it worth $15 a bushel. If we take that flour and make it into bread, the same bushel of wheat becomes worth $111.00.
Other Montana made food products include ice cream, beer, food seasonings, baked goods and mixes, meat snacks, boxed beef and pork, candy, smoked fish, pizza crusts, pasta, safflower and canola oil, breakfast cereals, jams and sauces. People aren't the only ones eating Montana made food. Montana crops are also used to make feed for farm animals.
Thanks for visiting the Montana Kids' Site! We hope you've found the information both educational and entertaining. If you have comments or suggestions on ways we can improve the site please send us email at montanakids@visitmt.com.
You can also help your family plan a trip to Montana. Have your folks request a statewide travel packet by clicking here.
