Meagher County

Meagher County, home to about 1,900 residents, spans 2,395 square miles of stunning landscapes, including the rolling hills and rugged peaks of the Little Belt, Big Belt, Castle, and Crazy Mountains. These majestic ranges provide a wealth of recreational opportunities, making the county a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's hunting in pristine wilderness, fishing in clear mountain streams, camping under starry skies, hiking scenic trails, or skiing at Showdown–the oldest continuously operating ski hill in Montana–there's something for everyone. This love for the great outdoors, along with thriving agriculture, natural resource management, tourism, and small business ventures, forms the backbone of Meagher County's economy.

Meagher County MSU Extension plays a key role in supporting the community by delivering unbiased, research-driven information tailored to local needs. With a primary focus on agriculture, natural resources, and 4-H youth development, MSU Extension also extends expertise in community vitality, economics, and food and nutrition, helping to enrich the lives of all residents in this close-knit community.

Educating Producers to Manage Pests

Makayla Paul, the MSU Extension agent in Meagher County, provided impactful educational opportunities to private applicators and producers, addressing issues in pesticide application. She covered crucial topics of managing local weeds, pesticide application in timber, the effect of water quality on pesticide performance, and the innovative use of drones for pesticide application. Workshops equipped participants with knowledge and skills to improve pesticide use, ensuring both effective pest control and environmental stewardship. A total of 74 participants attended workshops hosted by Meagher County MSU Extension.

Producers and applicators have benefited from educational efforts, as effective pest control is directly linked to productivity and profitability in crops and livestock. By understanding best practices, particularly in challenging areas like timber and under varied water quality conditions, local producers can better manage pest populations that threaten their operations. The introduction of drone technology as a tool for pesticide application has provided an efficient and precise approach to managing pests. Overall, the programs have enhanced the capacity of local producers to safeguard their livelihoods while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

Caption: Producers learning at a drone demonstration.

Credit: Makayla Paul

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day for Youth

Meagher County MSU Extension and Meagher County Farm Bureau partnered to host a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. The event hosted 74 youth in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, many of whom live on or often visit a farm or ranch. The event promoted safety awareness and education tailored to young people involved in or living around agriculture. 

Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and informative demonstrations, participants gained practical knowledge on topics such as hand tool safety, chemical handling, livestock interactions, water safety, and emergency response. By fostering an environment where safety is prioritized, the event empowered 74 young participants to make decisions that reduce the risk of accidents on farms and rural properties. The youth left better equipped with skills and understanding to contribute to a safer agricultural community, ultimately helping to instill a culture of safety from an early age. 

Caption: Students learn about safety around livestock.

Credit: Makayla Paul

Strong People, Strong Bodies: Building Strength and Community

Middle-aged and older adults often face increased risks of chronic diseases, falls, and depression. To combat these challenges, MSU Extension hosted the "Strong People, Strong Bodies" exercise program at Stone Temple Fitness. This provided an opportunity for 12 community members to enhance their health and maintain independence. Over eight weeks, participants met twice a week to engage in exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. 

The program went beyond physical fitness; it created a supportive environment that fostered social connections. One participant shared, "I liked the exercises and the interaction with other participants." This sense of camaraderie helped reduce isolation through the winter and kept everyone motivated. By the end of the program, participants were physically stronger and more confident in their ability to stay active and independent. 

Caption: Stone Temple fitness group exercise room.

Credit: Makayla Paul

Contact

15 W. Main St.
White Sulphur Springs, MT
406-547-3042
https://www.montana.edu/extension/meagher/index.html