Congratulations to agricultural producers in the Sidney area for another successful harvest and for maintaining excellent crop quality under some unusual and challenging weather conditions.

Northeastern Montana harvested just under 71 million bushels of hard red spring wheat in 2009, an increase from 60 million bushels a year ago. Quality measures such as kernel protein, flour and baking quality also were tops when compared with other regions in the four producing states, according to the 2009 Regional Quality Report just published from USDA data. Durum wheat production also was up significantly in 2009, with pasta yields and quality equal to or better than the competition.

I know sugar beet producers faced weather-related challenges on both ends of the growing season. My office is prepared to assist in requesting natural disaster declarations where harvest data indicate that the federal requirements are met. Such a request for 11 Montana counties with crop damage was sent to the USDA last week. The good news is input costs declined. Unfortunately, so did commodity prices from 2007 highs. However, agriculture remains strong compared to other economic sectors, and that strength has helped bolster the rest of the state’s economy.

The state of Montana is fortunate to be weathering the economic turmoil facing our nation’s economy. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recently said Montana was one of only two states in the nation not facing budget shortfalls in 2010. Montana has more than $300 million in the bank, the largest surplus in state history. But, just like Montana businesses and families that are closely watching their bottom line during this downturn, I know state government must do the same.

I was pleased the federal Food and Drug Administration approved the use of up to 10 percent camelina meal in feed blends for feedlot beef. This decision is very important to our work to develop a bio-products industry in Montana. Camelina promises to be a good broadleaf crop for dryland rotations in Montana’s grain growing regions. Several companies are looking at potential large-scale processing of the crop for jet fuel, bio-diesel and other renewable products. Keeping this kind of commodity processing close to home retains important agriculture production dollars right here in our Montana communities.

Thanks again Richland County for being a significant part of the state’s success. If you have ideas about how we can improve the agriculture industry or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

You can reach me at governor@mt.gov or by phone at 406-444-3111, and if you are ever in Helena, please stop by – my door is always open.