Driving through Billings, it is easy to see the presence of industries like healthcare, oil and gas, and education; however, the equally essential agriculture industry cannot be overlooked.  Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry, contributing more monetary value ($4.4 billion) to the state’s economy than any other industry.  And it’s not just farmers and ranchers that make up the industry. 

This industry isn’t made up of just farmers and ranchers who raise our food and the fiber used in our clothing, but includes businesses like agriculture supply stores, implement dealers, agricultural broadcasting, seed suppliers, banks, agrichemical manufacturers, and others also contribute to the industry. For every 10 jobs on farms and ranches, 14 additional jobs are generated in the county.

Each dollar of value-added in agriculture by a farmer or rancher contributes an additional $3.41 of value-added in other sectors of the county’s economy. This significant contribution to the local economy is because Billings is an economic hub for southern Montana.

Though Billings and our county are rapidly growing, it is important to know that 95 percent of the land is still classified for agriculture use, a majority of which is rangeland or pasture that raises the high-quality beef cattle that Montana proudly raises and provides beef nationwide. Yellowstone County is geographically diverse, with some of the most developed farming systems in the state. The Yellowstone River runs the length of the county and separates the dryland farming areas to the north and south. The areas east and west of Billings, along the river, showcase the fertile irrigated lands. The median farm size is 60 acres. If you live outside the city limits, chances are good that you will be near some form of agriculture.

The primary income drivers of the agriculture industry in Yellowstone County agriculture are crop and livestock production, with livestock-related revenue comprising 80 percent of total crop and livestock sales. Wheat, hay and haylage, barley, corn, alfalfa and sugar beets are the major crops grown in the county. Montana barley is some of the best in the country and used nationwide for products like beer from companies such as Molson Coors whose elevators are located in Huntley. Sugar beets are relatively unique to our area and state. They are made into high quality sugar that can be purchased in grocery stores state and nationwide. Livestock production is comprised of cattle, chickens, sheep, dairy, and hogs; with cattle ranking third in the state. A growing number of restaurants throughout our city and county are serving locally raised meat and vegetables, bringing the farm to fork concept to consumers.

Click here to learn more about joining the Chamber Ag Committee.

Click here to learn more about the Annual Ag Appreciation Banquet.

Click here to learn more about the Ag Tour.