MSU Extension in Broadwater County is a partnership between Broadwater County, Montana State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture. This partnership provides educational outreach in the areas of Agriculture/Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Community Development, and Family Consumer Sciences. The office in Broadwater County houses one MSU Extension Agent and an Administrative Assistant who also serves as the Fair Manager.

Broadwater County is a fast-growing county with a population of 7,793. The county encompasses 796,000 acres of agricultural land, small acreage subdivisions, rural communities, and range or forested land. With about 45% of the county in public land, the area is a popular choice for recreation especially around Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Primary industries include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services. Townsend is the county seat and home to the MSU Extension office.

 
 

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

The 4-H Livestock Pavilion: A Dream into Reality

In 2018, Broadwater County 4-H was feeling the pressure of a growing 4-H program, which had grown by 67% and was starting to strain facilities at the fairgrounds. As a result, the 4-H program developed a plan to expand fairgrounds facilities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 4-H program to put plans on hold and adjust 4-H programming and the fair amid a public health crisis.

One of the pandemic solutions turned into the answer to the “growing” problem. The 4-H Showring moved from the barn to underneath a tent. The change was well-received and caused the 4-H program to re-evaluate previous plans. The new vision was a 4-H Livestock Pavilion that became reality in 2023. 4-H members enjoyed the pavilion during its very first fair. This project was successfully completed due to the hard work of 4-H Livestock Committee Chairman Jason Noyes, and with support of the Broadwater County Commission, County Trust Board and private donations.

 

 

 

Broadwater County 4-H members underneath the 4-H Livestock Pavilion at the 2023 Broadwater County Fair.

Caption: Broadwater County 4-H members underneath the 4-H Livestock Pavilion at the 2023 Broadwater County Fair.

Credit: Allison Kosto

 

Agriculture & Natural Resources

 

Digging into Soil Health

A Crop School is held annually near Three Forks, hosted by Broadwater, Madison/Jefferson and Gallatin County MSU Extension offices. It provides tools for agriculture producers to maintain a profitable and environmentally-sustainable operation. One topic that continues to generate interest is soil health. A grant was received through the Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education (SARE) program to bring new and diverse speakers on soil health to Crop School. Through the grant, the program invited Anthony Bly, Extension Soils Field Specialist with South Dakota State University to discuss fundamentals of soil health and best management practices for integrating manure into cropping systems. These topics, paired with a cropland insect update and pesticide and water quality issues, made for a dynamic event in February 2023 with 80 participants. Upon program evaluation, all respondents strongly or somewhat agreed they had increased knowledge of soil health principles and how to apply them to their land as a result of the program.

 

 

 

Anthony Bly speaks to a large crowd on soil health at the 2023 Crop School.

Caption: Anthony Bly speaks to a large crowd on soil health at the 2023 Crop School.

Credit:

 

Community Vitality

 

Action Planning to Build a Better Broadwater County

In the fall of 2021, the Broadwater County Development Corporation and MSU Extension in Broadwater County partnered with statewide organizations and the University of Idaho Extension to plan a community review. The second phase, which focused on action planning, took place in March 2022. Several action teams formed to focus on housing, a community center, childcare, senior services and trails. Allison Kosto, Broadwater County Extension Agent, took the lead on the childcare action team. Broadwater County is considered a childcare desert and less than 15% of need was being filled. The group focused on developing community-based childcare solutions. One outcome of the action team is encouraging the creation of Townsend’s first childcare center, expected to open January 2024. It plans to serve at least 20 children, which will double Townsend’s current childcare capacity. The group continues to be actively engaged to improve the childcare situation in the community and received a $5000 grant to enhance their efforts.

 

 

 

Lori Higgins, University of Idaho Extension, leads a discussion during phase two of the community review.

Caption: Lori Higgins, University of Idaho Extension, leads a discussion during phase two of the community review.

Credit: Allison Kosto

 

 

 

 

 

Contact

416 Broadway St.
Townsend, MT 59644
406-266-9242
https://www.montana.edu/extension/broadwater/

 

Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and provider of educational outreach.