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A report released by a Montana farm group says climate change is costing the state jobs and revenue, in addition to having a devastating long-term impact on Montana's most vital crops.

Agriculture experts are calling on big and small farmers to find strategies to adapt.

The report predicts the impact of a warming climate will cost the state at least 9,500 jobs and more than $181 million in earnings in Montana's farming and ag sectors by mid-century.

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Farm Connect Montana Executive Director Bonnie Buckingham said current weather patterns could have a dramatic impact on the state's overall economy - as much as 20 percent.

"In thinking about the future - 20, 30 years from now," said Buckingham, "a 20 percent decline across the board in agricultural products is really significant to our economy."

Because they often don't have as many resources to adapt to a changing climate, the report predicts Montana's rural areas and small towns will feel the impacts of climate change more severely.

More specifically, Buckingham said climate change is taking aim at Montana's most vital crops, including those that account for more than three-quarters of the state's agricultural sales.

"Especially hay, wheat and barley," said Buckingham, "and also in rangeland cattle."

Buckingham said smaller ag operations are often more nimble, and able to adopt different strategies more quickly, but don't always have the resources to make needed changes.

So, she and other farm and ag advocates are calling on Congress to take a more active role in protecting farmers and ranchers in the next Farm Bill, which remains on hold in Washington.