Governor Gianforte Highlights Importance of Agricultural Exports

Recognizes the role of Montana farmers in global markets

Governor's Office

POWER, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today visited Dahlman Farms to celebrate Montana Agriculture Week and highlight the importance of international trade to Montana farmers and ranchers.

"Montana farmers and ranchers produce some of the highest quality wheat, barley, and beef in the world," Gov. Gianforte said. "Montana farm families like the Dahlmans not only grow crops here at home, but also help tell Montana agriculture's story abroad, strengthening relationships with trading partners and opening new markets for our producers."

Lee Dahlman speaks with Gov. Gianforte

The Dahlman family has a long history in Montana agriculture. After emigrating from Germany in the late 1800s, the family settled in the Power area as early homesteaders in 1910. In 1958, Lee Dahlman's parents started the farm, which he continues to operate with his daughter Breanna, son Brody, and their families. Today, the family raises winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, malt barley, lentils, peas, and commercial beef cattle, including registered Red Angus.

In addition to running the farm, Lee holds leadership roles in advancing Montana agriculture. He serves as vice chair of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, is active in U.S. Wheat Associates, and the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.

Last fall, Dahlman joined Gov. Gianforte and other agricultural leaders on a trade mission to South Korea and Japan, focused on expanding export opportunities for Montana products. In Japan, the group met with flour milling companies and baking industry representatives who rely on high-quality wheat from Montana and the Northern Plains. And in South Korea, the delegation met with importers and food companies that use Montana wheat in noodles, baked goods, and other products, as well as organizations that promote U.S. grains in international markets.

"These trade missions give farmers like me the opportunity to meet directly with the customers who buy Montana wheat," Dahlman said. "Seeing how our grain is used overseas and building those relationships helps ensure strong markets for Montana producers for years to come."

In addition to joining the governor's trade mission, Dahlman has hosted multiple trade delegations from Asia at his farm and most recently returned from a North Asia board visit to South Korea and Taiwan.

Korea and Japan are consistently in Montana's top five trading partners. In 2024, Korea was the second largest trading partner, purchasing over $335 million in industrial machinery, coal, beef, and wheat, while Japan was the fourth largest, purchasing over $265 million in exports including agricultural products, wheat, and coal.

"Trade missions help connect Montana farmers and ranchers with customers across the globe," Gov. Gianforte said. "When we expand markets for Montana agriculture, we support jobs, strengthen rural communities, and keep our number one industry growing."

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