Our View: Agriculture still king in Hill County

About 400 people packed the Havre Ice Dome Saturday night for the Ag Appreciation Dinner sponsored by the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce's Ag Committee.

The annual celebration of Agriculture and its way of life is a reminder of what the industry means to Hill County and the Hi-Line.

There are significantly fewer people in agriculture than there were a few decades ago. There is as much land in production as ever, but the farms are bigger. This means that some of the Hi-Line towns that have depended on agricultural producers coming to town to do business are not faring as well.

But the impact agriculture has on the area is as great as ever. Havre's business community would be wilting without the ranchers and farmers coming to today.

Ag business also gives Havre and Hill County its signature products. The area is known for its quality wheat and its great cattle. Farmers and ranchers have made a strong commitment to the county, and they are here to stay.

The agriculture industry provides Hill County with its stability. How many farmers do you know who can trace their heritage back to the homestead days?

Many political, civic and social leaders of the county usually come from the farm fields. Hill County commissioners, state lawmakers, school board members in the county's four school districts and political party activists can trace their roots to the soil.

Tom and Marilyn Jurenka of Hingham were honored for their hard work and commitment to the community, but all farmers should be recognized for the contributions they make to the county and its people.

Havre is busy trying to attract other industries, but the heart of the county's soul and its pocketbook will always be agriculture.

We salute those who have stayed in the agriculture business through the tough times its faced over the years. Technology and innovation will change the face of the farm in the future, but the determination of farmers will not change.