Everyone knows that Agriculture is the backbone of Montana. For generations, farmers and ranchers across Montana have been producing and growing products that not only feed their families but the rest of us as well. In fact, maybe you've heard of the three "F's".

Faith, family, and farming.

In an ever-changing world, for many Montanans, the idea of faith, family, and farming still matter and so today we celebrate National Agriculture Day. National Ag Day started back in 1973 and is actually part of National Agriculture Week.

So just how big is agriculture here in Montana?  Let's take a look.

Pouring corn grain into tractor trailer after harvest
fotokostic
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According to montanakids.com, we've seen a decrease in farms and ranches, but the production has stayed high over the years:

"In 1910 there were 57,000 farms in Montana. In 2019, there are 26,800 farms in Montana and 58 million acres within those farms and ranches. Even with half the number of farms Montana is able to produce thousands of bushels more of crops, due to increased technology and better utilization of the cropland."

When it comes to crops, wheat is tops here in Montana (the biggest export of the state).  Of course, that is just one of the many things that we grow.  Montana is also a big producer of other grains as well as potatoes, sugar beets, apples, and of course those world-famous Flathead cherries just to name a few. As far as ranching, of course, Montana produces some of the best beef in the world.

Cows gathering around the feeding trough in winter
Danamallard51
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Montana ranks in the Top 10 states in the production of the following:

  • Honey
  • Beef
  • Sheep
  • Lambs
  • Wool
  • Alfalfa
  • Garbanzo Beans

In fact, Agriculture is the biggest industry in the state, so how will Montanan's celebrate National Ag Day? By doing what we do every day, going to work.

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