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Author - Brian Friess
In an extraordinary mark of divine intervention, Montana's agricultural heartland (sometimes called the “Golden Triangle”) has experienced a remarkable year for grain production, with bumper crops blessing the dryland farms north of Billings. These astounding yields are being attributed to the power of prayer and invoking the blueprint of heaven over the state, as faith and farming seem to intersect in Colstrip, Montana.
Earlier this June and July, members of Montana Intercessors for America engaged in fervent prayer. Among other prayer points, their intentions focused on declaring heavenly blessings for Montana's agriculture, economy, and livestock. Montana's agricultural sector contributes significantly to the state's economy and global food supply. The MT Dept. of Labor 2022 statistics reports that agriculture represents 3.7% of Montana's Real GDP, and according to USDA statistics, Gross Farm Income for the state in 2022 was $5.27 billion.
Tom and Rose Hanser, local residents and active members of the prayer group, have shared their personal experiences and conversations with farming families to shed light on this year's extraordinary agricultural boon. They noted that several farms in the region reported exceptional harvests, far surpassing the average dryland yields.
One family recounted the awe-inspiring sight of fields yielding over 100 bushels to the acre, even nearing 170 in some areas. They mentioned that the average yield was approximately 70 bushels to the acre, a significant departure from the norm.
"We would never have believed it had we not been in the combine watching the gauges at the time!" said one. Other farmers in the area confirmed the bountiful yields, with some approaching 100 bushels to the acre as well.
Leslie Knickerbocker, a Grain Accountant at the United Grain Corporation location in Pompeys Pillar, MT, provided further insights. She indicated that their bins currently hold around 1.5 million bushels of grain, with an additional 3 million bushels of wheat stored on the ground, owing to the current market challenges. The situation appears to be similar in other parts of the state.
The record-breaking yields are attributed to timely rains that supported crop growth, although some reports suggest lower protein content in the Spring Wheat crop, potentially affecting prices. Winter Wheat, on the other hand, showed better protein levels, offering some respite to the farmers.
However, amidst the celebration of this exceptional harvest, the Montana Intercessors for America group acknowledges the need for continued prayers and divine guidance. The current grain prices are less than half of last year's rates, hovering below $6 per bushel. To ensure profitability, farmers need a substantial increase in wheat prices, estimated to be nearly $1.50 to $2 per bushel.
One of the challenges faced by Montana's farmers is the limited export opportunities due to the high value of the U.S. dollar. The result is difficulty in selling their crops, further contributing to the downward pressure on prices. Additionally, transportation issues have hampered the efficient movement of grain to the global market.
In their quest for a prosperous agricultural future, Montana's farmers need increased grain prices and also cost stabilization, efficient transportation, and a more readily available workforce to aid in harvesting and transportation. The prayer group emphasizes the significance of protecting and providing for those involved in crop production in Montana and the impact on the food supply chain, highlighting these challenges as the most pressing concerns at present.
The Hansers, who conducted the research and collected insights from the local farming community, encourage collective prayers and support for the state's farmers. Their experiences and discussions with those on the front lines of Montana's agricultural industry underscore the faith-based hope for a prosperous and sustainable future.
As the harvest season draws to a close, Montana's agricultural community finds itself at a crossroads, where faith, hard work, and prayer may be their strongest allies in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Research provided by Tom and Rose Hanser Colstrip, MT
Thanks Darin!