PDF of newsletter

A Letter from the Extension Agent
 

It’s wonderful to look at the newsletter and see so many activities!  Two years ago, we were in the middle of “shelter in place” at the start of what would become a very long pandemic.  All 4-H activities were halted, and we had no idea if we’d be able to have Fair.  Last year, things were looking better but there was a still an air of uncertainty with some activities still on hold.  Here we are in 2022.  The pandemic is certainly not forgotten and is still influencing our lives in some ways.  However, I feel like the 4-H program is finally back on track.  State 4-H events are happening again.  Montana 4-H Rec Lab happened for the first time since 2019, pre-pandemic. Workshops are in full swing, and things are busy, busy, busy!   This month, I’ll attend my first MSU Extension Conference in over two and a half years!  I’m afraid to get too optimistic because, if the pandemic has taught us nothing else, it’s taught us things can change in an instant.  However, for now, I’ll enjoy the sense of normalcy and watching our 4-H program blossom again!  Thank you for being a part of it!  

 

Sincerely,

Allison Kosto, Extension Agent - MSU Extension Broadwater County

 
County 4-H Contest Extravaganza

We all had a ‘SUPER’ time at the County Contest. Thank you to all the contestants who challenged themselves and signed up. Thank you to all of the clubs for helping with the contests and organizing judges. See our results on page 8.

 

2022 Broadwater County 4-H Fair

Believe it or not, we only have 4 months until Fair! This may seem like a long time, but it will be here before we know it! A copy of the Fair Book is attached to this newsletter email. It can also be found on the Broadwater County 4-H website.  In the Fair Book you will find the Fair schedule, classes, rules and entry instructions.  Please take the time to look through the Fair book, as there have been some changes to the schedule and some of the livestock sections. Now is the time to start planning your fair entries! Online fair entries will open May 15th and close July 6th.  No late entries allowed.

 

Swine Tagging

IMPORTANT:  All market hogs must be in your possession by April 15th.  Due to biosecurity measures, no tagging and weigh-in will be held.  It is your responsibility to get tags from the Extension Office to tag hogs by April 29th.  A Market Swine Form needs to be turned into the office by that date.  There is no limit to the number of hogs tagged, but only two hogs can be entered in the Fair. Every hog tagged must be assigned to a designated 4-H member. Fair entries must match the tagging form and all animals who are housed in the Livestock Building at Fair must be entered in the Fair. Tagging forms are attached to this email, available online, or can be submitted via google form. Contact the Extension Office or Hugh Braaten at 406.439.8873 if you have any questions.

 

Project Add/Drop Deadline

Don’t forget to add or drop projects by May 1st! You can do this online through Zsuites or through the Extension Office. Project meeting and workshop information is only sent out to the members who are currently enrolled in a project. Make sure that your project list in Zsuites is accurate so that you don’t miss out on any information!

 
Multi-County 4-H Camp

Registration opens this month for 4-H Camp on June 7-10 near Monarch. Registration will be done via ZSuites.  Watch your email for more information.  4-H members in grades 3-6 are eligible for camp.  We have many fun, interactive activities planned to challenge you and help you learn as an individual. The registration fee for Broadwater County 4-H members is $70, thanks to a contribution from the 4-H Council.  Campers, counselors and chaperones must register online by May 13th as well as submit payment and medical form to the office.

 
New 4-H Club Needed

Did you know that all the Townsend area clubs are full and overflowing?!?!  If a new member joins that lives in Townsend, they must go to an outlying community to join a club.  We have a growing thriving 4-H program and need your help to continue to grow!  We are looking for parents or leaders who are interested in starting a 4-H Club.  Starting a 4-H Club is a process, but it is a worthwhile effort knowing that you can truly make a difference in the lives of youth. As a club leader, you can grow the enthusiasm for 4-H and create a positive youth development environment. You can help shape the club into its own style and personality to fit your members.  The Extension Office and current clubs are dedicated to help you succeed in any way.  Contact the Extension Office if you are interested or want more information!

 

Statewide Survey

MSU Extension is gathering feedback from community members to inform and improve programs for Montanans. Please take this survey and tell us what you think. At the end of the survey, enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Your feedback is important and I hope you take the time to do the survey! Click here to take the survey. 

 
Shiloh Rifle Raffle

Our 4-H Archery and Shotgun programs are selling tickets for the statewide Shiloh Rifle Raffle. The drawing will be held on June 19th at the Quigley Shoot in Forsyth, and you do need not be present to win. First place prize is a $2500 gift certificate toward a Shiloh Sharps Rifle. Other prizes include a CZ-USA Custom Bronze 1012 12 gauge shotgun, a Sitka Stormfront Gore-Tex Jacket, Vortex Viper HD 10x42 binoculars and a Vortex Ranger 1800 range finder. There will be only 1000 tickets sold, statewide and each of our programs only have 50 to sell, so hurry! Tickets are $20 per ticket or 6 for $100. Contact Todd Beatty 406.490.1361 or Daniel Truesdell 406.980.0640.

 

Babysitter Training 

Looking for a summer job or a way to make extra income?  Become trained to be a babysitter and help fill the need in the county!  There will be a Babysitter Training on June 1-2 and the cost is $40. This class covers safety, first aid, CPR, child development, nutrition, entertaining children and marketing your business.  You do not need to be in the 4-H babysitting project to participate in the training.  Registration opens in April.  Watch for more information soon!

 

Record Book Workshop and Help Session

The Teen Club will be hosting two record book workshops. The first is Thursday, April 21st at 6:30 at the Extension Office. There will also be one on May 12th in Three Forks- time and venue still to be determined. Bring your books and questions! This is a great opportunity for all members to get some guidance and new ideas on filling out record book forms!

 

Rec Lab

We had three attendees and one chaperone from our county recently attend the Rec Lab in Hobson in March. Rec Lab is a rotating state event (meaning it is hosted by different districts around the state each year). The event is a time for 4-H teens to get together and socialize, attend workshops and develop new leadership skills. I asked our attendees to submit a couple sentences on what they did and what they learned.

“I had the privilege of chaperoning three great young ladies from our county to the annual 4-H Rec Lab that was hosted by Fergus-Petroleum counties in Hobson, Montana.  I think all four of us were a little intimidated and unsure of what to expect.  As a chaperone, I got to enjoy and learn in the same workshops right along the youth leaders of our state.  We met leaders and kids from all over the state from Glendive to Deer Lodge, Troy to Big Sandy, Great Falls to St. Regis…and everything in between.  It was a great experience to see how many other 4-Hers there are across the state, learn about their projects and activities, and build relationships.  I enjoyed attending workshops about cross stitch, parliamentary procedure, using technology in 4-H, and leadership.  In between, I learned from Grace, Scarlett, Anna, and new friends from around the state how to play a mean game of Trash, hear from some fun guest speakers, and be entertained by line dancing.  We all went home with new contacts in our phones to text, Facebook, and Snapchat with in the future.  It was a great experience and I hope other 4-Hers in our county will participate in a next year's Broadwater County delegation to leave our mark!” – Jennifer Beatty, chaperone

“Overall, Rec Lab was an excellent opportunity for anyone who is looking for new friends and/or skills! My favorite parts were the dancing and leathercraft workshops and I encourage anyone who is even considering it to go.” -Grace K.

“I had fun at Rec Lab. There were a lot of new people to meet and I had fun. My favorite thing I learned was the Real Colors workshop that told me more about my personality type and about other people’s personalities.”- Anna B. 

Countywide 4-H Activities


Committee & Council Meetings


INDOOR COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 26th at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). We will be discussing workshops and fair. Contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852 if you have any questions or agenda items. 

4-H COUNCIL: Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 26th at 7:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). We will start discussing fair. Contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852 if you have any questions or agenda items. 

LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE:  The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). If you have any questions or agenda items, please contact Jason Noyes at 406.949.4851. 

HORSE COMMITTEE:  The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 20th at 5:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). Any horse project members and parents are welcome to attend. If you have any questions or agenda items, please contact Jan Finn at 406.266.4992 or [email protected] 

TEEN CLUB: The next meeting will be April 21st at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office. Teens will be putting on the Record Book Workshop directly following this meeting. They will also be hosting a Record Book Workshop in Three Forks on May 12th.  Teen Club is open to all Middle or High School aged members. If you have any questions, contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852.

4-H Non-Animal Project Activities


Interstate Exchange

The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 20th at 6:00 pm at Infinite Hope Counseling (108 N Front St, Townsend). If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Beatty at 406.490.1362 or Todd Beatty at 406.490.1361.

 

Sewing Workshops

The next workshop will be on Saturday, April 9th at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend).  Level 1 members will meet from 9:30-11:30 am and Level 2 will meet from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Please bring your sewing machine. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Holland at 406.266.3473

 
.22 Rifle Workshops

The .22 rifle project will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.  April dates will be the 14th and 28th at the Broadwater County Rod and Gun Club Indoor Range (96 Canton Lane, Townsend). Participants are welcome to bring their own rifles (no scopes) or use rifles provided by the Rod and Gun Club. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice gun and shooting safety, develop your shooting skills, and have fun. This project is led by John Pavao, Courtney Pavao, and Todd Kitto.  Please call or text John at 406.422.9590 if you have any questions.

 

Woodworking Workshop

There is a woodworking workshop scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th at 6:00 pm at the Cadillac Custom Cabinets shop (7Hunters Trail, Townsend). There is one more workshop scheduled for April13th. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Harrigfeld at 406.980.0388.

 

Photography Workshops

There will be Photography workshops on April 3rd and 24th (1 pm – 2:30 pm) at the Extension Office. We will use these indoor workshops to explore camera functions and use, photo composition and editing, to look at some interesting and fun pictures, and to share several on-line photography resources where students can dive deeper into their areas of interest.  We will also discuss ideas and dates for outdoor workshops where we can put our cameras into action.  Please bring your camera to the workshops, and contact Lee Nelson at 406.521.0748 if you have any questions

Entomology

Save the date a workshop is being planned for Thursday May 19th afterschool. Watch for more information in the May newsletter! 

Robotics Workshops

There will be robotics workshops on April 2nd, 23rd and 30th. Workshops will be held from 10:30-Noon at the Extension Office. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Kirksey at 503.899.0566. 

 

Vet Science Field Trip

There is a field trip planned to go to Chuteside Vet Service in Three Forks (2520 Bench Rd) on Tuesday, April 19th. Please arrive at the clinic between 4:15-4:30pm. If anyone needs to carpool, please call Samantha Ferrat at 406.949.0869.

4-H Animal Project Activities


Market Lambs and Meat Goats 

IMPORTANT:  All Market Lambs and Meat Goats must be in your possession by May 15th.  There will be a Mandatory Sheep/Goat Weigh-In and Tagging on Monday, May 16th at 6:00 pm at Galor Genetics (8393 US HWY 287, Townsend).  All market lambs and goats must attend the tagging.  If you cannot attend, then you must make arrangements for someone else to bring your animal.  No exceptions.  Breeding animals are welcomed to get weighed but are not required to attend.  Also please be prepared to share information about your animal including breed, breeder and date of birth.  If you have any questions, contact the Extension Office, Lori Sayers at 406-539-0366 or Tancy McDaniel at 406-980-0456.  

 

Mid-Season Livestock Update

Come weigh your animals and work on your showmanship skills at the Mid-Season Livestock Update on Thursday, June 2nd at 6:00 pm at the fairgrounds. Hog wormer and lamb/goat wormer will be available (fee applies). We are also working on setting up a sheep shearer for those that are interested.  Watch for more details.  Hope to see you there! 

Cat Workshop

There will be a cat workshop on Tuesday, April 5th at 6:00 pm at the Three Forks Community Library Conference Room (607 S Main St, Three Forks). There is another workshop scheduled for May 3rd. No cats at these workshops. Please bring project books, record books and a pencil. If you have any questions, contact Renee Kockler at 406.220.2820.

 

Important Market Livestock Deadlines

Swine Posession April 15th, 2022
ID Forms w/ Tag #s (turned in to office) April 29th, 2022
Lambs & Goats Posession May 15th, 2022
Tagging and Weigh In (in person event) May 16th, 2022
Poultry & Rabbits Posession June 25th, 2022
Identification Form (turned in to office) June 25th, 2022

Beef Project Update

There is no workshop in April. All members are welcome to weigh their steers/heifers at John & Samantha Ferrat's anytime - just give them a call to set up a time. Midyear weigh in for all species is Thursday, June 2nd 6:00pm which we highly encourage all to attend. There are multiple Jackpot shows throughout Montana which gives the opportunity to show your animals or just to go watch and observe others showing and fitting their steers & heifers. We highly encourage you to attend especially ones that are close by (i.e. Helena, Livingston, etc). Check your email for more info about upcoming shows & clinics. As always, please call the beef leaders with questions or concerns. John 406.949.7911, Samantha 406.949.0869 or Marlo 406.581.0531

 

Dairy Goat Maintenance Day

There will be a maintenance day workshop on Saturday, April 2nd at 2:00 pm at the Henke’s (100 Greaves Road, Toston). Meat Goat and Vet Science members are also welcomed to attend and/ or give demonstrations at this event. Examples of demonstrations to give on animal maintenance are lice, blood testing, wormer or horns. Please contact Brandon or Danyel Henke with any questions at 406.980.0995.

 

Meat Goat Workshop

There is a meat goat workshop planned for Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 at the McDaniel Ranch (168 Lower Confederate Lane, Townsend). You will be going over basic care and getting started for beginners. Older members are encouraged to attend and assist. If you have any questions, please contact Tancy McDaniel at 406.980.0456.

 Rabbit Workshops

There are two rabbit workshops planned. April 29th at 5:00 pm and May 28th at 3:00pm location still TBD. We will be working on showmanship and will start to work on rabbit agility. Bring your rabbits! If you don’t have a rabbit, still come and you can still practice handling. If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Douglas at 406.465.3318

 

Poultry Workshops

The next poultry workshop will be Saturdays April 23rd from 9:30-10:30 at the Extension Office. There will also be one on May 14th from 9:30-10:30 at the 4-H Building. The April workshop will be about poultry breeds, and the May workshop will be about showmanship. Birds are welcome to the May workshop. Members are welcome to give demonstrations at any of these workshops to count toward project points. Please contact Alice if you plan to do this. If you have any questions, please contact Alice Kroeger at 406.547.4343.

 

Horse Project Update

Horse Identification Form and Vaccination Records: 

Members are required to complete a Horse Identification Form for every horse that you are using for a 4-H Horse project. It is attached to the newsletter email. The Horse ID form is due to the Extension Office on or before May 1st.  Also included with the ID form is the vaccination form.  It is due by the first riding practice or May 1st, whichever is first.  Make it easy on yourself and turn both in at the same time!  If you need to change horses after May 1st, then you need to submit a new ID form along with a statement (written or electronic) of why you are changing horses.

 Riding Workshops

The Horse project will start riding practices in April. They are scheduled for every other Monday in April and May and then will start every Monday for June and July. The April and May dates are April 11th, 25th and May 9th, 23rd at 6:00 pm at the Fairgrounds. Depending on weather, the riding practices will either be in the indoor barn or outside in the arena. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Finn at 406.266.4992 or Donna Richards at 06.521.0717.

Statewide 4-H Opportunities

Virtual Leadership Academy

This fun statewide event is happening again this year.  The Leadership Academy is a network of Montana 4-H members interested in exploring and developing their leadership skills to serve their county in new ways.  The last session will be held on Sunday, April 10th at 2:30 pm and the theme is “Lead with Purpose.”  For more information visit the Montana 4-H website. 

AMTOPP Greens Industry Scholarship

The Montana 4-H Foundation offers a $250 scholarship for 4-H age youth involved in, or wanting to become involved in, a 4-H project or learning opportunity associated with the “greens industry”. In this case, “greens industry” includes areas such as fruit and vegetable gardening, floriculture, horticulture, ornamental and turf grass, arborists (trees), crops and weeds, as well as pesticide application. The scholarship is funded by AMTOPP (Association of Montana Turf, Ornamental & Pest Professionals).  The application is available on the website and must be postmarked on or before April 1.

 

Montana 4-H Scholarships 

Scholarships are available for graduating seniors and current college students.  There is a new supplication process this year!  Go to the Montana 4-H Website to learn more and access the application. Scholarship applications are due April 1st.

 Montana 4-H State Awards

Applications for a Montana 4-H Youth State Award are Due May 1st and recipients are recognized at Montana 4-H Congress. Recipients of this award also earn eligibility to attend National 4-H Congress in November. Members choose a project area where they have the most applicable experience in the areas of communication, leadership, learning (growth of knowledge) and service. The application process is meant to reach those members that have gone above and beyond their own club and project work. Successful award applicants have really mastered their project area and have focused their last few years on using their knowledge to serve and lead at the county, regional or state level. Examples might be youth that are serving on county committees, junior leaders that are mentoring younger members, junior superintendents, etc. More information and the application can be found on the Montana 4-H website . The good news is once a youth has done a state award application, college and scholarship applications are a breeze!

 

Congratulations to those that participated in the 4-H State Shooting matches! Our county was represented with 3 members participating in .22 Rifle contests and 8 members participating in Archery! 

Congratulations Cheyanne Douglas, Cinch Reynolds, Stetson Reynolds, Jeff Klompien, Kayla McDonald, Kyla Meissner, Colton Noyes, Kaitlyn Noyes, MaKenzie Truesdell and Teigen Volkman! 


Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp

For 35 years, the Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp has provided youth an opportunity to study in an outdoor classroom the scientific principles, economic realities, historical heritage, and social perspectives of today, to help these future leaders in their quest to gain a natural resources perspective that is informed and progressive.

We invite youth ages 14-18 and 13 (if graduated from eight grade) to spend one week in the rustic setting of Lubrecht Experimental Forest east of Missoula and learn about Montana's natural resources. The accommodations are comfortable, the food is great, and the instruction and friendships are the best.

Campers learn about forests, streams, soils, geology, range land, wildlife, and recreation, and spend a half-day rafting the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River. In between the field sessions, taught largely by professionals that volunteer from a variety of natural resources-based agencies and industries, specialty evening programs, guest speakers, hands-on learning-through-discovery, and campfires provide for a lasting summer camp experience.

Find more information on the MSU forestry site.  Questions? Please call (406) 243-2773

 

2022-2023 Academic Year Exchange Program

 Host an international high school youth for 10 months and bring the richness of the world to your home! The States’ 4-H Exchange program is looking for host families for the 2022-2023 school year. The students will be form Japan or Korea and are between the ages of 15-18. The program is open to any host family that is able to provide the students meals and a bed! No host siblings are necessary! Host family applications are being accepted now! Visit the States’ 4-H Exchange website for more information.

 

Montana State 4-H Shooting Archery and Shotgun Qualifiers

Archery: 

The national qualifier event will be held May 1st, 2022, at the Park County Rod and Gun Club in Livingston. Entries must be postmarked by April 18th. Members must be 4-H age 13 to compete but must have turned 14 by 1/1/2022 in order to go on to nationals. For more information, contact the office.

Shotgun: 

The national qualifier event will be held April 23rd, 2022, at the Manhattan Wildlife Association and Gallatin Sporting Clays. Entries must be postmarked by April 15th. Members must be 4-H age 13 to compete but must have turned 14 by 1/1/2022 in order to go on to nationals. For more information, contact the office.

 

Shooting Sports Leaders Training Opportunity

There is a spring Shooting Sports Leader Training scheduled for April 22 and 23, 2022 in Logan, MT.  The disciplines offered for this training are shotgun, muzzle-loader, and western heritage. Registration deadline is April 13th. Training modules must be completed through Zsuites before doing the in-person training. For more information please contact the office.

Other Opportunities


MSU Summer Writing Camps

Registration is now open for Montana State University’s summer writing camps for youths in grades 3 through 12. The camps will be held in July on MSU’s campus.

The Youth Writing Camp is a five-day camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11-15 for students entering grades 5 through 8 and 9 through 12 in fall 2022. This camp offers commuter and resident options. Students in the resident option stay in an MSU residence hall and take meals in the dining hall. The commuter price is $275 through May 30 and $300 after May 30. For residents, the price is $725 through May 30 and $750 after May 30.

New this year, MSU will also offer a Young Writer’s Camp for students entering third and fourth grades in fall 2022. This four-day camp will run Tuesday through Friday, July 12-15, with a commuter option only. The price is $225 through May 30 and $250 after May 30.

These camps are not held in a traditional classroom setting and are filled with activities like walking field trips, writing games and specialized workshops from local writers. Participants receive guidance and feedback throughout the writing process from licensed educators. Participating students will write in multiple genres throughout the camp.

A writing showcase will be held on Friday, July 15, and allow parents to join the campers to celebrate their creativity. The Young Writer’s Camp showcase is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. and the Youth Writing Camp for 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

For more information and to register online, please visit the Yellowstone Writing Project website.

 

Show-Rite Show Livestock Clinic

Show-Rite and Hubbard Feeds are proud to bring Montana show families tow exciting learning opportunities. These events will give families and exhibitors the opportunity to learn in-depth skills involved in raising and showing livestock from some of the country’s top judges, breeders and feeders. The workshops are being offered Saturday April 9th from 8-3 at the Lewistown Fairgrounds and on Sunday April 10th from 8-3 at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Registration Is free and available online at the SHow Rite registration site. .

 

Hog, Lamb and Goat Showmanship Camp

Driven Livestock and Dirt Road Farms are presenting a Hog, Lamb, and Goat Showmanship Camp at the Dawson County Fairgrounds. The Hog camp is May 20th from 2-6pm with a cost of $50. The lamb and goat camp is on the 21st from 8-6 with a cost of $100. For more information contact Heather Bireley at 406.480.2527.

 

Intermountain Judges Training

We are excited to share we have a fabulous team of presenters lined-up for this year's Intermountain Judges Training. After being on hold for the past two years -- because of covid -- we are excited to be back in Spanish Fork Utah May 12-14, 2022. The three-day training will once again offer an adult track and a youth track with a judging contest concluding the camp on the last day. Please note the training is limited to 125 participants and your spot is not reserved until we reserve payment, so don't wait.

If you are interested in more information, contact the office and we can forward you a brochure with more information.

2022 National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leader Institute

The Teen Leader Instute will be held August 2-6, 2022 in Rock Eagle 4-H Camp, Eatonton, GA. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is designed to promote 4-H and 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth selected to serve as Ambassadors will receive training that will allow them to return to their homes and advocate for the program at the county, regional, and state level. Some Ambassadors may be asked to support national events as well. Ambassadors provide public relations support at special events such as donor/sponsor functions and also serve as spokespersons for the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, helping to make 4-H and the     4-H Shooting Sports Programs more visible.  The Ambassador’s further develop their skills in leadership, public presentation, citizenship, community service, public relations and team building.

Important Dates: 

May 20th – Individuals deadline to send in applications to State Shooting Sports Coordinator

June 3rd - State Shooting Sports Coordinators deadline to send in top 1-2 applications to National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leader Committee

June 10th - Youth notified by National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leader Committee

For an application packet, please contact the office.