PDF of May Newsletter

 

A Letter from the Extension Agent
 

This month, I’d like to recognize and congratulate our four graduating seniors!  Gabriella Rauser is a 10 year member of the Crow Creek Clovers 4-H Club and will be graduating from Three Forks High School.  Lucas Roberts has been in the Crow Creek Clovers 4-H Club for 4 years and will be graduating from his homeschool program.  Our Broadwater High School graduates and members of the Toston Blue Ribbon 4-H Club are Colton Noyes, a 10 year 4-H member, and Bailey Taves, a 7 year 4-H member.  Congratulations!  We wish you the very best in your future endeavors! It has been my pleasure to work you in the 4-H program and watch you grow into young leaders. I have no doubt you will go far in whatever you decide to do! Once again, congratulations! 

 

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

2022 Broadwater County 4-H Fair

Believe it or not, we only have 3 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 our 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 16th and close July 6th.  No late entries allowed. Instructions on how to enter are on page 4 of the Fair Book.

 

Project Add/Drop Deadline

Don’t forget to add or drop projects by Sunday May 1st! You must be enrolled in a project by the deadline in order to enter that project into Fair. 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 is now open for 4-H Camp on June 7-10 near Monarch. Registration is done via ZSuites.  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. Contact the office with any questions.

 
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.  

 

                                                                                                                                                           

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. 


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!

 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.


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 $45. 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. A registration form is attached to this email. There are only a few spots remaining, so do not wait to get registered! 

 

Record Book Workshop and Help Session

The Teen Club will be hosting another record book workshop on Thursday May 12th at 7:00 pm at the Kockler’s home (130 Hilltop Vista Loop, Three Forks). 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!

There are some tutorial videos, link to an example record book and answers to the common record book questions on the Montana 4-H website. Please RSVP for this workshop to Renee at [email protected] or 406-220-2820.

 

Broadwater County 4-H Scholarship

Congratulation to our 2022 4-H Leaders Scholarship recipients- Colton Noyes, Bailey Taves and Gabriella Rauser who have all qualified to receive the scholarship this year. Way to go seniors!

 

Countywide 4-H Activities

Committee & Council Meetings
 

INDOOR COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 31st 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, May 31st 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 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: Teens will be putting on a Record Book workshop on May 12th.  They are also planning a Game Night for 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

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.

Fair T-Shirts 

Club leaders will be collecting 4-H members t-shirt sizes this year. T-shirts are provided for all members through a donation from Northwest Farm Credit Services.  If a nonmember would like to purchase a shirt, please contact the office. T-shirts are $20 each this year. Orders need to be in and paid for by May 25th, 2022.


Interstate Exchange

The Little Ceasar’s pizza kits will be delivered on Thursday, May 2nd. Members will be arranging pick-up and delivery with those who ordered from them. The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 18th 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 last workshop will be on Saturday, May 14th 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

 

Shotgun Workshop

The Shotgun project will meet on the Sunday May 1st at Noon 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.

 

Leathercraft Workshops

There are two workshops scheduled for May. They will be on Thursdays May 19th and 26th at 6:00pm at the McDaniel’s house (168 Lower Confederate Lane, Townsend). If you have any questions, contact Tancy McDaniel at 406.980.0456

 

Photography Workshops

Lee is working on scheduling the make up workshop from April. He will be emailing the photography members once the date and location are decided. Watch your emails!

 

Entomology

There will be a workshop on Thursday May 19th at 4:00 on Lower Deep Creek Road. Katie Mumford will be teaching the workshop. For exact location and any questions, please contact Jennifer Beatty at 406.490.1362

 

Robotics Workshops

There will be a robotics workshops on Saturday May 7th and May 21st from 10:30-Noon at the Extension Office. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Kirksey at 503.899.0566. 

 

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


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! 

 

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

 

Cat Workshop

There will be a cat workshop on Tuesday, May 3rd at 6:30 pm at the Kockler’s home. There is another workshop scheduled for May 24th at 6:30. 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.

 

Beef Project Update

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

 

Rabbit Workshops

There will be a rabbit workshop tonight, April 29th at 5:00 pm and May 28th at 3:00pm at the Extension Office. 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 Saturday May 14th from 9:30-10:30 at the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds. The May workshop will be about showmanship. Please keep an eye on your emails for updates regarding the Avian Flu and any restrictions that may be set in place. 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
 Riding Workshops

The Horse project will start riding practices on May 9th and 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


Carbon County 4-H 3D Archery Shoot

There will be a 3D shoot at Carbon County archery range (29 Monahan Road, Joliet MT) on Saturday June 4th, 2022. Registration is open April 13-May 31 via bowscore. The cost is $30 per division and includes a t-shirt if registered by May 13th. For more information contact the office.

 
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!

 

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 1st, 2022.

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.

 

Beekeeping Project Opportunity

Participants who wish to complete the Bee Keeping 4-H project can present their displays at their county fair. The project is FREE to join and the curriculum book will be available online. The event Kicks off in Butte Saturday, May 21st at the Butte Vigilante Saddle Club & Rodeo

4-H'ers interested in participating can register in Z suites for the Entomology project or register as an Independent Project. We will roughly be following the beekeeping curriculum from Purdue
The project will kick off with an optional in person event in Butte on May 21st. 
Meetings will be held June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30th at 7:00pm on WebEx. We will learn about basic bee keeping as well as hear from special guests who are experts in the industry each week 
Participants will be encouraged to develop a display and present their new knowledge as an Independent Project for Fair 
 

State Horse Show Information

The State Horse Show is scheduled for September 9-11 at the Cottonwood Equine Center in Joliet, MT.

The committee is so excited to be announcing the "horseless" Horse Competitions for the 2022 Montana 4-H State Horse Show! Some of these competitions are part of a long-standing tradition - T-Shirt design contest (deadline July 15th)

Some of these competitions are part of newer traditions - Essay contest which had awesome participation last year (deadline Aug 15th) 

Some of these competitions are brand new! We'll be hosting our first Horse Photography contest this year!

We're also excited to announce the introduction of the 2022 Horse Ambassador Team. Horse Project participants who are 14 or older and Riding level 3 or above are invited to apply to be a part of this team. Horse Ambassadors will help throughout the season with educational workshops and events for the State Show. We're really excited to begin building this program and can't wait to welcome the inaugural team! 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 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.

 

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. 

Other Opportunities

2023 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. Applicants are not limited to Montana residents.

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, 2022 by 4 p.m. The 2023 recipients will be announced in late summer of 2022. Applications are available online online at the NILE website. .

Application Requirements: 

complete application 
character references
written essay
3-5 minute YouTube video (should include, but is not limited to):
an introduction
facility tour
current 4-H/FFA projects
goals and objectives for the Merit Heifer
voiced by the applicant
 Example YouTube videos are available to watch. 

For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, please email Shelby at [email protected] or call the NILE Office at (406) 256-2499

 

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 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, 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 2022 Fitting Camp and Jackpot Show

Western Ranch Supply will be hosting a show clinic and jackpot in Great Falls, MT. 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 one of our 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 feel free to reach out to 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 tudy in an outdoor classroom the sientific 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 MSU Forestry website. . Questions? Please call (406) 243-2773

 

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.

 

Montana Farmers Union Job Opportunities and Camps

There are a couple of job opportunities for teen leaders 17 years & older to be employed by Montana Farmers Union for their camps this summer. As well as opportunities for youth 7-15 years old to attend the Arrowpeak summer leadership camps in the Highwood mountains outside of Belt, MT. For more information visit Montana Farmer's Union website.

 

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.

Montana Fair Junior Livestock Show 

The event will be August 12th- 20th in Billings. Animals participating in this show must be tagged on the following dates: Swine/Sheep/Goat on Saturday, May 7th from 8:00-11:00 am.  Tagging events are at the Public Auction Yard in Billings. For more information, contact the Extension Office.