PDF of newsletter

 

A Letter from the Extension Agent
 

Two months until Fair!  Can you believe it?!  I am reminded as we start the summer of the 4-H slogan, “learn by doing.”  As you enter the final stages of getting your projects ready for Fair, this slogan really comes to life.  It is the opportunity for you to get your hands dirty, test your knowledge and learn as you go.  It’s the beauty of 4-H!  Sometimes things don’t go as planned though…  you put in the wrong stitch, your animal gets sick, or your cake goes flat.  However, as 4-Hers, we also learn to persevere and work through these issues.  4-Hers are problem solvers who creatively work to develop solutions to make the best better.  You are surrounded by a community of caring adults who are dedicated to helping you succeed and are resources to help get your projects to completion.  Don’t be afraid to reach out.  Best of luck and enjoy your summer! 

Sincerely,

Allison Kosto, Extension Agent, MSU Extension Broadwater County

 

Broadwater County 4-H Fair

Fair is around the corner! A copy of the Fair Book is attached to the June newsletter email. 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 6-9. Participants should have received an emailed letter with details, directions and a packing list.  Counselors arrive on Monday at 1:00pm.  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.

 

Market Rabbit & Poultry

If you plan to take market pens of poultry or rabbits to the Fair, they must be in your possession by June 25th and you are required to complete and turn in an identification form, due June 26th. 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. There was a major change this year that sets a limit on the number of activities that senior members (ages 14-18) can complete from their project book.  Junior members (ages 8-13) can complete all seven activities from the project book or choose from a variety of other options. Other activities for both age groups include attending a workshop, livestock judging, outside shows, helping a younger member or organizing a workshop. Details are on the form. For each of these items, you should write a paragraph about what you learned in that educational experience. Please use the form 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.

 

New 4-H Club Needed

Did you know that the Townsend area clubs are mostly full?!  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: One set per year for each Cloverbud. This is a journal of your 4-H activities. 

4-H Story: Optional. 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.

Committee & Council Meetings

4-H COUNCIL: The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 27th at 7:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). Contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852 if you have any questions or agenda items. Agenda items must be submitted by noon the Friday prior to the meeting.

INDOOR COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 27th at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office (Flynn Building, 416 Broadway, Townsend). Contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852 if you have any questions or agenda items. Agenda items must be submitted by noon the Friday prior to the meeting.

 

LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE:  The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 6th at 7:00pm at the Extension Office (416 Broadway, Townsend). If you have any questions or agenda items, please contact Jason Noyes at 406.949.4851. Agenda items must be submitted by noon the Friday prior to the meeting.

HORSE COMMITTEE:  The next meeting has not been set yet. If you have any questions or agenda items, please contact Jan Finn at 406.266.4992 or [email protected]. Agenda items must be submitted by the Monday prior to the meeting.

 

4-H Animal Project Activities

Livestock Quality Assurance

All 4-H members who plan to enter market livestock (beef, sheep, swine, goat, rabbit or poultry) and breeding projects in the Fair are REQUIRED to take livestock quality assurance (QA) every other year in order to participate. There is only one QA opportunity remaining on Tuesday, June 20th at 6:30 pm at the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds.  This session is geared towards all members.  Contact the Extension Office with any questions or to see if it is your year to take the class.  If you cannot make a session provided, contact the office for options.

 

Dairy Goat Workshops

There will be a meeting on Saturday, June 17th for the blood draw testing. Meat Goat members are also welcome! If any member would like to give a demonstration at a meeting, this can be scheduled. If you have any questions, please contact Danyel Henke at 406.980.0995.

 

Dog Project Update

We currently do not have a leader for the dog project.  The good news is, Lewis & Clark County has graciously agreed to collaborate to allow our kids to attend their workshops this summer.  One of their leaders is also willing to travel to Townsend to put on a couple of workshops! There will be workshops on Wednesday nights June 21st-July 19th at 6:30pm at the 4-H Building.

The other option is to travel to Helena. A schedule of the Lewis and Clark workshops is attached to the June newsletter email.  The leaders in Lewis & Clark County are Laurie Sullivan (Obedience/Showmanship) and Catherine LeCours (Agility).  They meet every Thursday for Obedience/Showmanship at the fairgrounds. The first years start at 6:00 pm and the second years and beyond begin at 7:00 pm. Each practice is about 45 minutes long.  They do agility on Sundays starting at 4:00 pm at the North end of the Helena valley.

Important Market Livestock Deadlines
Poultry & Rabbits: Posession June 25th, 2023 Identification Form (turned in to office) June 26th, 2023
 

Rabbit

There are two rabbit meetings scheduled for June. They will be Sundays, the 11th and 25th at 2:00pm at the Extension Office. Please bring your rabbits with you, as showmanship practices will be done during these workshops. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Danielle Douglas at 406.465.3318.

 

Sheep Workshops

The June workshop has been cancelled. The next sheep workshop is scheduled for Thursday July 20th at 7:00 pm at the Greene’s house (35 Legacy Dr #4, Three Forks). If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Greene at 406.491.3303.  

 

Horse Project

Riding Workshops

Save the dates for riding practices! Riding practices will be on Monday nights. There will be weekly riding in June on Mondays at 6:00pm. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Jann Finn at 406.266.4992 or Donna Richards at 406.521.0717

 

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.

 

Sport Fishing

The first sportfishing meeting will be on Wednesday June 14th at 6:30 pm at the Indian Creek Campground pavilion (near mile marker 75 US Hwy 287, Townsend). If you have any questions of concerns, please contact Sam Des Chene at 406.223.5718

 

Sewing Workshops

The last workshop will be held Saturday, June 10th at 9:30 am. Sewing workshops are generally held the second Saturday of the month at the Extension Office. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Holland at 406.266.3473

 

Scrapbooking

There will be a scrapbooking workshop on Monday July 27th at 7:00pm at the Extension Office. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852.

 

Robotics

There are two robotics workshops scheduled for June. These will be on Wednesdays the 14th and 28th at 5:30pm at the Extension Office. If you have any questions, please contact Roger Flynn at 651.304.0951.

 

Statewide 4-H Opportunities
 

Statewide Shooting Sports Matches

There are several shooting sports matches scheduled during the next few months. Some are in-person events and others are postal matches. Visit the Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Event page for information, registration materials and instructions, dates and deadlines! For additional information on any particular event, please contact the office.

·         Carbon County 4-H Archery 3D Shoot – June 25th

 

Montana 4-H Congress 2023

Montana 4-H Congress is a high energy event for 4-H teens across the state of Montana and takes place on the MSU campus.  There are fun interactive workshops and leadership activities.  You have the option to participate in statewide contests if you want, but it is not required. Congress is scheduled for July 11th-14th on campus at MSU Bozeman. Registration is open now and closes on June 15th. Pre-Congress will be July 9th-11th. Registration is done through Zsuites.  

 

Other Opportunities 

 

The Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp

The Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp is taking applications for camp on July 16-21.  The camp has provided youth an opportunity to study in an outdoor classroom. Today's scientific principles, economic realities, historical heritage, and social perspectives help these future leaders in their quest to gain natural resources perspective that is informed and progressive. Campers learn about forests, streams, soils, geology, rangeland, wildlife, and recreation and spend half-day rafting the Clark Fork River's Alberton Gorge. In between the field sessions, professionals who volunteer from various natural resources-based agencies and industries, specialty evening programs, guest speakers, and hands-on learning through discovery and campfires provide for a lasting summer camp experience.

More information about the camp can be found on the MSU Forestry website. 

There are many scholarship opportunities available to cover camp fees and/or transportation costs.  

 

Montana Farmers Union Summer Camps

Montana Farmers Union is cultivating the next generation of leaders one unforgettable summer at a time! For more information on their 2023 Stellar Sights camps visit their Montana Farmers Union website. There are camps for different age groups from 7-9 up to 13-17. Registration opens April 18th.

 

International 4-H Youth Hosting Opportunity

Explore, Dream, Discover - Host a Delegate from Norway or Japan!

Montana families have the opportunity to host the following 4-H youth:

·         2 Norwegian Delegates for approximately 4 weeks, arrive end of June 2023

·         13 Japanese Delegates for approximately 4 weeks, arrive mid-July 2023

·         2 Japanese Delegates for the Academic Year Program (AYP), arrive mid/late August 2023 through early June 2024

Experience cultural exchanges firsthand and broaden your global experience!

 Apply to host today!  Contact Christine Sommers-Austin for more information at [email protected] or (406)994-3504 for further information.

 

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.

 

Cow Camp and Show

Two youth members of the Park County 4-H Beef project are hosting a Cow Camp and Show for beginning and intermediate-skill-level beef members on July 1st and 2nd. 

Day 1 of the workshop will cover Clipping/Fitting, Show ring Etiquette, and Showmanship. Day 2 is a small show for them to practice their skills and have some fun. 

The Yeager family from Fairfield is teaching the workshop and will be on hand to help kids Sunday. They have shown across  Montana and the Western US with success and had a lot of fun and gained experience along the way. 

They have set a fee of $75 to cover the expenses of the workshop and to put some money in the pot to be paid out at the show. Max of 20 participants. 

All participants will receive a bucket with goodies, a T-shirt, a BBQ dinner Saturday night,  a lot of fun, learning, and will meet some new people to help them in their beef project! The workshop will be held at The Woosley Ranch in Sedan. Tent/Trailer camping is available and part of the entry. No power or water for hook ups. 

Because this is the first year ever hosting this they are limiting it to Park, Gallatin, Sweetgrass, Broadwater, and Meagher Counties. If you have any questions feel free to email back and I will have the girls get back to you. Enter through this online form.  

 

Tri County 4-H Open Dog Show 

The Carbon County 4-H Dog Club is hosting an show on Saturday June 10th, 2023 at the Red Lodge Fairgrounds. Any active 4-H dog member is welcome to participate. There are classes in showmanship, agility, obedience, rally, conformation and an anythign goes class! The cost is $8 per class or all for $40. Pre-registration is recommended. Please see the registration form attached to the June Newsletter email.