PDF of Newsletter

A Letter from the Extension Agent
 

First, I’d like to start by welcoming our summer intern, Tyler Noyes!  His face is probably familiar to many of you, and I’m excited to have him back in the office working on projects this summer.  Check page 5 for an update on what Tyler has been up to since high school.

Now who is ready for a fun-filled and busy summer?!?!  We have lots of big things happening in 4-H…  Babysitter Training, Camp, Congress, Interstate Exchange and Fair.  Also keep a plus on deadlines throughout the summer months so they don’t sneak up on you.  Things to watch for include Fair entry deadline, market poultry and rabbit forms, market livestock activity requirements and Congress registration.  Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have ANY questions.  Enjoy the summer!

 

Sincerely, Allison Kosto - Extension Agent, MSU Extension Broadwater County

 

2022 Broadwater County 4-H Fair

Fair is around the corner! A copy of the Fair Book is attached to this newsletter email. It can also be found on our Broadwater 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.  Fair entries are due July 6th and are done online through FairEntry.  Enrolling in 4-H does not automatically enter you in Fair so much sure to do your entries as well.  Instructions on how to enter are on page 4 of the Fair Book.

 
Multi-County 4-H Camp

Camp is coming up on June 7-10. Participants should have received an emailed letter with details, directions and a packing list.  Counselors arrive on Monday.  Campers need to be at camp by 3:00 pm on Tuesday and depart by 11:00 am on Friday. Please contact the Extension Office if there are any questions or concerns.

 

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! 

 

Market Rabbit & Poultry

If you plan to take market pens of poultry or rabbits to the Fair, you are required to complete and turn in an identification form, due June 25th. Since there is no official tagging for these animals, we use a form. The form is included in this newsletter email and an online google form is available.  This form is not needed for pet rabbits or poultry, laying hens or breeding projects.  It is only necessary if you plan to take a market project to Fair and sell it through the livestock auction.

 

Market Livestock Activity Requirements 

To show and sell market livestock (including poultry and rabbits) at the Fair all 4-H members must complete seven (7) “activity points” for each market project by the Fair entry deadline. One option is to complete 7 activities in your 4-H project book. The activities must be fully completed, dated and signed off by your helper. However, you may also choose other activities such as attending a workshop, livestock judging, outside shows, helping a younger member or organizing a workshop. For each of these items, you should write a paragraph about what you learned in that educational experience. Please use the provided form, which has been attached to the email newsletter to document your points. The form, books and documentation must be turned into the office by the fair entry deadline, July 6th.    No other books are due at this time.

Record Book Forms

Forms can be found on the county webpage on the 4-H Forms & Resources section or from the Extension Office. You can also use ZSuites to complete your record books and simply print a copy at the end of the years.

Types of Forms:

My 4-H Year: One form required each year at the front of your record book. This form summarizes your general 4-H activities & achievements. You can also record non-4-H activities.

Animal Project Journal & Financial Record: Use one form for each animal project (i.e. market lamb, breeding beef, rabbit, horse, etc.). This helps track project specific activities, feed records, financials, & health care.

Non-Animal Project Journal and Financial Record: Use one form for each indoor project (i.e. sewing, foods, leadership, leathercraft, etc.). This helps track your project specific activities & financials.

Cloverbud Record Sheet: 1 set per year for each Cloverbud. This is a journal of your 4-H activities. 

4-H Story: Optional for year-end completion but required to be eligible for awards. This is your opportunity to be creative & share a favorite experience from the 4-H year. This can be completed after Fair.

Record book covers are available from the office. Contact the office or club leader if you have questions.


4-H Strategic Planning

Broadwater County has a growing and thriving 4-H program.  As a result, the 4-H Council is hosting a strategic planning session that will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:00 pm.  There will be a taco bar!  The purpose of strategic planning is to set priorities, focus energy and resources and develop common goals and strategies.  In order for this event to be successful and truly align with our program needs, we need YOU!  That means we need 4-H youth, parents and leaders.  Therefore, YOU are invited to participate!  Mark your calendars now and save the date for this important event.  

 

FAIR! Indoor Auction Reminder

For those in Indoor Projects this year, don’t forget that you can sell up to two items at the indoor silent auction at the fair. Start planning now! Examples of sellable indoor project items include woodworking, framed photos, quilts, leathercraft, sewing and visual arts. For more information, visit the Silent Auction webpage of our Broadwater County 4-H website.

 

Countywide 4-H Activities

Committee & Council Meetings
 

INDOOR COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 28th 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: The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 28th 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, June 7th 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 13th 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 Teen Club will be hosting a Game Night on Tuesday, June 21st! 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, June 15th 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.

 

Shotgun Workshop

The Shotgun project will meet on Thursdays in June. June 2nd will be at 4:30, and the rest of the meetings will be at 5:00 pm at the Broadwater County Rod and Gun Club (96 Canton Lane, Townsend). If you have any questions, contact Todd Beatty at 406.490.1361 or Daniel Truesdell at 406.980.0640.

 

Robotics Workshops

There will be a robotics workshop on Sunday, June 12th from 1-2:30 pm at the Extension Office. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Kirksey at 503.899.0566. 

 

Scrapbooking Workshops

There are two workshops planned for June. Monday June 6th at 7:00pm at the Extension Office. The next one will be on Tuesday, June 14th at 7:00pm at the Knaub’s home (28 Sharon Loop, Townsend). If you have any questions, please contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852.

 

Avian Flu Update

The Avian Flu spreading across the country and our state in both wild and domestic birds.  It has been found near us on a snow goose from Canyon Ferry Lake among others across the state.  In domestic flocks, it has been found in backyard flocks and commercial producers.  

The Montana Department of Livestock issued an official order that prohibits all poultry shows, exhibitions, swaps and public sales for the next 60 days to reduce the risk of spreading the Avian Flu.  This order will expire on June 7th but may be extended if the disease continues to spread in Montana.

This disease has a high mortality rate and should be taken seriously.  You can do your part to limit spread of the Avian Flu by following these biosecurity measures:

·         Prevent contact between wild or migratory birds and domestic poultry, including access by wild birds to feed and water sources. 

·         House birds indoors to the extent possible to limit exposure to wild or migratory birds. 

·         Limit visitor access to areas where birds are housed. 

·         Use dedicated clothing and protective footwear when caring for domestic poultry. 

·         Immediately isolate sick animals and contact your veterinarian or Montana Department of Livestock. 

More information can be found from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the United State Department of Agriculture.

4-H Animal Project Activities

Beef Project Update

All members are welcome to weigh their steers/heifers at John & Samantha Ferrat's anytime.  Just call to set up a time. Midyear weigh in for all species is Thursday, June 2nd 6:00 pm 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


Dog Workshops

Dog workshops are planned for Thursday nights in June and July. The dates are June 16th, 23rd and 30th and July 7th, 14th and 28th. . All practices will be held at Sorenson’s Barn (200 Flynn Lane). Please bring doggie bags to clean up after your dog. Also- bring treats (and/or toys for agility), dogs must remain on leashes unless specified, bring water for yourself and your dog. Agility members please arrive 10 minutes early or stay 10 min late to help set up or take down equipment. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Flynn at 406.439.1471 or [email protected]

 

Horse Workshops

The Horse project will start riding practices every Monday in June 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. Please watch your emails the day of practices for weather cancellation notices. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Finn at 406.266.4992 or Donna Richards at 06.521.0717.

Statewide 4-H Opportunities

Montana 4-H Congress 

Montana 4-H Congress is scheduled for the week of

 July 13-16th, 2022 on campus at MSU. Congress is open to all 4-H members age 13+. 

Registration is open NOW through June 15th via Zsuites. 

For more information, visit the Montana 4-H website. 

Windy City Classic Jr Livestock Jackpot

The Windy City Jackpot is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th at the Park County Fairgrounds in Livingston. There are showmanship classes as well as market classes for hogs, lamb, goat and beef. Entries should be postmarked by June 10th. For more information, please contact the office for the flier and entry form.

 
Montana Make It With Wool Contest

It is time to start preparing for the Make It With Wool contest to be held the Fall. Get out your favorite pattern and start hunting for that perfect wool fabric. Wouldn’t it be great to make a wool outfit for the contest and then already have an outfit finished for your sewing project next 4-H year?  Entry forms are due by October 1. There is also a Quilt/Applique Project/Afghan Contest this year. The fabric or yarn needs to be at least 60% wool. Contact the office for more information.

 

State Horse Show Information – Opportunities for Non-Horse members to participate too!

The State Horse Show is scheduled for September 9-11 at the Cottonwood Equine Center in Joliet.   A NEW feature this year is the "horseless" Horse Competitions that are open to any 4-H member.  You do not have to be enrolled in the horse project to participate.  There is a t-shirt design contest.  Entries for this contest are due July 15th.  There is also an essay contest which is due August 15th.  The newest competition if a photography contest.  Contact the Extension Office for more information about any of these opportunities.

 

NEW – Horse Ambassador Team

This is a new program that is open to Horse Project participants who are 14 or older and Riding level 3 or above. Horse Ambassadors will help throughout the season with educational workshops and events for the State Show. For more information on any of the contests, please contact the office.

 

4-H Carnivore Conflict Reduction Program

The USDA Wildlife Services has started a new program to help youth protect their livestock from conflicts with large carnivores. The program is meant to fund 4-H/Youth conflict prevention projects in high conflict areas and reduce the financial burden on youth producers. For more information on how to get started, please contact the office for the brochure.



National 4-H Opportunities


2022-2023 Exchange Program Opportunities

Dive into the “…my World” portion of the 4-H oath by hosting an international student for either a short-term (3 week) or academic school year (10 month) cultural experience!

Students from Japan and South Korea are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to learn about American home life and share their own with your 4-H families.  Montana has a strong tradition of hosting international exchanges and we are excited to once again offer that opportunity in our communities across the state.  Attached are flyers and information that you can distribute to your 4-H families who may have hosted in the past or may be interested in trying something new.

The short-term hosting opportunity runs from July 22-August 16 (final dates may change slightly depending upon flight details).  There are approximately 20 Japanese youth, ranging from 12-16 years of age, and two adult chaperones hoping to stay with us in Montana this summer.  Host families must have a 4-H youth sibling within 4 years of age of their hosted youth.  Although the flyer does say that the minimum host sibling age is 9+, this year with the 4 year age gap, there may be some LEX participants in MT that could potentially be housed with an 8+ year old host sibling.  Because this only applies to a few states with 12 year old LEX participants, we are keeping the flyer as is.  A link to the online application site is included on the “General+Inbound+Flyer+2022” attachment.

The academic year program (AYP) call for host families is a longer commitment (mid-August, 2022 to mid-June, 2023) but an equally rewarding experience for families in Montana

Visit the States’ 4-H Exchange website for more information.

 

Other Opportunities
 

NILE Merit Heifer Program

The opportunity for kids to get started in the cattle industry is knocking, and loudly. Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer program are now available for the 2022-2023 year.  The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship, meaning the recipients are given a young, live, heifer calf. The objective is to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business and gain knowledge about the beef industry. Program participants are chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. 4-H or FFA members who are 12-16 years old may apply. During the program duration, participants are    responsible for care-taking, record keeping, breeding, and bringing the heifer back one year later to the NILE Stock Show & Rodeo. The class of merit heifer recipients competes for best phenotype, top showman honors, best record book, best interview and overall top herdsman.

Applications and a link to the YouTube video must be received no later than June 30 by 4 p.m. The 2023 recipients will be announced in late summer of 2022. Applications are available online through the NILE website.   For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, email [email protected] or call (406) 256-2499

 

MSU Summer Writing Camps

Registration is now open for the MSU 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. on 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 $75 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 on 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. For more information and to register online, please visit the Yellowstone Writing Project website.

 

Spectacular Fitting Camp and Jackpot Show

Western Ranch Supply will be hosting a show clinic and jackpot in Great Falls. The event will be June 24th-26th. This is a great opportunity for young stockmen to advance their knowledge in fitting and showmanship by having a MorrMan’s Show Tech representatives demonstrate the product and answer any questions.  Members can fill out their registration form on the Western Ranch Supply website. If you have any questions, contact Courtnee Clairmont or Jena Wagner at (406)252-6692.

 

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 sientific principles, economic realities, historical heritage, and social perspectives of today, to help these future leaders gain a natural resources perspective that is informed and progressive. Youth ages 14-18 and 13 (if graduated from eight grade) are invited 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 website. Questions? Please call (406) 243-2773

 

Did you know?

4-H Scholarship opportunities don’t stop once you have graduated from high school!

Congratulations to Broadwater County 4-H Alumni Taylor Noyes for being selected for the MABA/MGEA Agri-Business 4-H Scholarship from the Montana 4-H Foundation!
 

Montana Conservation Corps

MCC’s High School Expeditions are for Montana Teens aged 14-18. Participants will spend time outdoors working, camping, and exploring. Expeditions are available in 2 or 4 week sessions running from June-August launching from Kalispell and Bozeman.

The Expedition program is available at no cost and financial assistance is available for gear and transportation. For more information visit the Montana Conservation Corps website or call 406.587.4475 ext 220.

 

Welcome Tyler!

Hello everyone! My name is Tyler Noyes, and I am the Montana State University Extension Intern for Broadwater County. It is a great pleasure to introduce myself and share a little bit about my background. I grew up in Toston, Montana on my family’s farm. From a very young age, I was filled with a strong passion for agriculture. I attended school in Townsend, Montana, and graduated in 2018 from Broadwater High School.

During my high school career, I was deeply involved in several extracurricular activities. I was involved in 4-H, Skills USA, Business Professionals of America, Student Council, and was a founding member of the Broadwater FFA Chapter. I found success in all these extracurricular activities and quickly developed leadership and social skills, and a proficiency for public speaking. 

After high school graduation, I continued my education at Montana State University and chose to double major in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Education. I knew I wanted to have a career in agriculture and share my passion for agriculture with the next generation of future leaders and help guide those in the industry that feeds the world. I am headed to Sheridan, MT this fall to student teach and complete my Agriculture Education degree. I will graduate with an Agriculture Business and Agriculture Education degree this coming December.

I am very excited to be the MSU Extension Intern for Broadwater County, and I look forward to being involved with Broadwater County 4-H and assisting members of our communities with whatever needs they have. It’s good to be back home for the summer and look forward to the learning opportunities and chances to serve my community.