Fergus County

Fergus County is located in the heart of Montana with Lewistown acting as the county seat while Petroleum County sits just east with the county seat in Winnett. Most of the population is located in Fergus County with around 11,617 people compared to the estimated 519 individuals in Petroleum County. These two counties consist of 6,024 square miles, and both are bordered by the Missouri River to the north and the Big Snowy Mountains to the south. The local economy is dominated by agricultural production with approximately $64 million in cash receipts from livestock and crops. Crops like winter and spring wheat, barley, and hay are the major crops produced, with an additional 66,000 beef cows and heifers. Youth development activities are significant, as demonstrated by a 4-H program that includes 277 youth members and 66 adult leaders.

Carcass Crash Course

In anticipation of our annual carcass contest this year, Fergus County Extension put on a Carcass Crash Course for both youth and adults that were interested. The goal of this workshop was to explain what the meat industry is looking for regarding the animal species that are sold at the Central Montana Fair. During this workshop, participants learned about carcass quality and how to calculate yield/lean percentage. The Carcass Crash Course was held on June 30th in Lewistown and had 4 adults and 15 youth attend. Quality grade of beef, swine, and lamb was covered with descriptions of each and was aided with information on how to best achieve a desired carcass while raising their animal(s). Participants were again given the information and formulas to calculate yield grade, % Fat Free Lean, and % Boneless Closely Trimmed Retail Cuts before being given examples that they could practice.

School Traveling Farm

Fergus County 4-H brought back an activity from yesteryear. This past week 9 members of our 4-H community spent an afternoon sharing the love of their animals and their projects with 6 kindergarten classes. We had a kitten, chickens, a goose, a horse, rabbits, a dog, sheep, and a goat. The kids learned a little about each animal and project as they went around as well as getting to pet them and were able to feed some of them. One of our families has a small meal worm business that they also were able to share, showing kids what they can do even at a young age. The traveling farm was a program that has not been done in probably about 5 years ago. I am proud to say it was a hit and we will be doing this again this upcoming week, with 1st grade, and the years to come.

Caption: Kids gathering around chicken

Credit: Chris England

4-H Career Fair

Something new this year was our 4-H Career Fair. We had several kids attend a local Fall Festival, where we set up an area and had posters of welding, skateboarding, and ducks. Displays of silk flower arranging, entomology, felting, quilting and we even had fresh baked bread for people to try. We of course had the petting zoo with chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, sheep, and goats. Our dog group brought some agility course items and let kids and adults run their dogs through teaching how to give commands. We opened some eyes to what 4-H is and that it is not just animals. It was a fun way to begin National 4-H week and get some public speaking in.

Caption: 4-Hers holding up a project idea for new members

Credit: Chris England

Sip N Paint while Learning About Alzheimer’s

Last spring, Fergus/Petroleum Extension teamed up with the Lewistown Public Library and Lewistown Art Center to put on a one-of-a-kind event. The event was created to fit a need for education for aging adults about Alzheimer’s disease as well as a desire to socialize and be creative. This event began with a “mocktail hour” where participants were able to mix their own non-alcoholic beverages and learn about the health benefits of some ingredients. After mixing drinks, participants began a guided painting and were able to socialize and paint with others. In the middle of the session, participants took a break from painting and learned about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and were able to ask questions about the disease. The event was full, with 17 participants. The participants gave positive feedback about the class. One participant said that because of the class “I will help a person I know understand the signs of Alzheimer’s and help someone I know who has Alzheimer’s as much as I can”.

Caption: Community Members paint pictures while learning about alzheimers

Credit: Alissa Wolenetz

Contact

712 West Main Street
Lewistown, MT 59457
406-535-3919
https://www.montana.edu/extension/fergus