Economy

The Montana quarterThe Montana quarter features a bison skull above a landscape of mountains and plains. The Rocky Mountains cover the western two-fifths of Montana, and the Great Plains stretch from the mountains to the state's eastern border. The bison skull was an important ceremonial symbol for Plains Indians.

Service industries account for the biggest part of Montana's economy and employs most, or about 80 per cent, of the state's workers. Among other leading service industries in Montana are education, business, government, health care, wholesale and retail trade, tourism, hotels, finance, insurance, restaurants, real estate, transportation, and communication. In rural areas of the state, cattle ranching, wheat farming, and the mining of minerals and metals are among Montana's major economic activities.

During the past several decades the production of timber, crude petroleum, and coal and the emergence of manufacturing activities have helped bolster and diversify the economy. They have also helped ease unemployment brought on by the mechanization of farming, ranching, and copper mining. Tourism, based primarily on scenic attractions and sports and recreational activities in the mountains, is of rapidly increasing importance.

Agriculture. Beef cattle and wheat normally account for about three-fourths of all farm income in the state. Montana ranks among the top wheat-producing states in the United States. Barley, dairy products, hay, sugar beets, dry beans, potatoes, and black cherries are also important crops in Montana's farm economy. Farms are highly mechanized and average about 2,500 acres (1,010 hectares)—more than five times the national average. The state's 28,000 farms and ranches cover about two-thirds of Montana's land area. Montana is also home to some of the nation's largest cattle ranches. Farmers raise dairy cattle, hogs, and sheep.

Mining. Montana is an important source of copper, gold, lead, and silver. The Williston Basin, along the North Dakota border, leads in petroleum production in the state. Montana has four petroleum refineries. It also has many sawmills that manufacture much lumber and wood products, such plywood, telephone poles, and prefabricated houses. The southeast part of the state leads in natural gas production; and most of the coal in Montana is obtained from surface mines. Montana is the leading producer of talc in the nation. Talc is used in ceramics, paint and cosmetics. The state also produces sand and gravel, and limestone, which is used in cement. Factories produce aluminum, machinery, and paper products.

A major part of Montana's food-processing industry consists of milk processing, meat packing, grain milling, and the bottling of soft drinks.

Annual events in Montana
January-March
"Race to the Sky" Sled Dog Race in the Helena and Seeley Lake area (February); Winter Carnival in Whitefish (February); C. M. Russell Western Art Auction in Great Falls (March); National Ski-Joring Finals in Red Lodge (March); Butte’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration (March).
April-June
International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula (April); Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (May); Bigfork Whitewater Festival (May); Governor's Cup Marathon in Helena (June); Lewis & Clark Festival in Great Falls (June); Custer's Last Stand Reenactment in Hardin (June); Libby Logger Days (June); Red Bottom Celebration in Frazer (June).
July-September
North American Indian Days in Browning (July); Wild Horse Stampede rodeo in Wolf Point (July); Bannack Days at Bannack State Park (July); Big Skyfest in Billings (July); Montana State Fair and Rodeo in Great Falls (July); Festival of Nations in Red Lodge (August); Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell (August); Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Lewistown (August); Threshing Bee and Antique Show in Culbertson (September); Festival of the Book in Missoula (September); “Running of the Sheep” Sheep Drive in Reed Point (September).
October-December
West Yellowstone’s Rendezvous Nordic Ski Camp (November); Christmas at the Moss Mansion in Billings (December); Mondak Ethnic Christmas Celebration in Sidney (December); Cowboy Christmas Ball in Big Sky (December); Christmas Stroll in Bozeman (December); “First Night,” Missoula’s New Year’s Eve celebration (December).