Green clover with white "h"'s in each leaf, Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection and another green clover with white "h"'s in each leaf

 

CURRENT EDITION

Alternatively, download a printable version of the May 2025 Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection

Thank You!

Thank you to the following people and businesses that donated to the Cascade County 4-H program over the last month!

William Kessler
Susan & George Drummond
The Paard Yard, LLC
Bob & Nancy Lemire
Krebs Ranch
The Fagenstrom Co.
The Celtic Cowboy
Jona McNamee
Dick Quinn
Gallagher Family
Galloping Guns
Great Falls Americans Hockey Club, Inc
Judy & Fred Olness
Vonnie & Dave Brown
Sheryl Knowles
Farrah McGregor

Office Closure

The Extension Office will be closed Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day.

4-H Volunteers

Do you know someone that would like to help with project areas of 4-H? Our county is always looking for new volunteers. Please have them contact Jenn at Jennifer.volkmar@montana.edu

Project Day

Registration is open on ZSuite for the May 10th Project Day and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 7th. Some workshops have limited availability, so be sure to sign up early. Check Zsuites for descriptions

Workshops include:

  • Livestock - Meats ID, 9:00-10:30 am
  • Sewing, 9:00-10:30am and 10:30am-12:00pm
  • Cloverbuds, 10:30am-12:00 pm
  • Sport Fishing: 10:30am-12:00pm
  • Shooting Sports Record Book Help: 9:00-10:30am
  • Cake Decorating: 9:00-10:30 am

Notes: The sewing project is a continuation of the Baby Blanket Countywide Service Project.

4-H Registration & Add/Drop Deadline

The 4-H registration deadline and last day to drop/add projects is May 1st. If you haven’t gotten your enrollments updated yet, make sure to do so by May 1st. If you have questions, please call the office at 406-454-6980 before May 1st.

Shooting Sports 10 Gun Raffle

The Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports is selling 10Gun Raffle Tickets to support the Shooting Sports program. Drawings will be May 5th-9th.

4-H Green Clover Fundraiser

The Annual Green Clover Raffle Tickets are ready to be picked up by club leaders at the office. Office hours: 8am-12pm and 1-5pm daily; Closed Memorial Day.

Cascade County 4-H Stir Up, Foods Festival Contest

Mark your calendar for May 20th at 5:30 pm. Stir Ups is a qualifying contest for Congress. Register now on ZSuite.

Fashion/Sewing Revue & Quilt Show

Join us for a showcase of creativity and craftsmanship! Participants will present their sewn garments and quilts for judgining and display. These events are qualifiers for congress

Montana 4-H Congress

Mark your calendars! 2025 Montana 4-H Congress will be held July 8th-11th in Bozeman.

Montana 4-H invites all members 4-H age 13 and older from across the state an opportunity to come together on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman for four days and participate in an event like no other. Congress offers both youth avenue in which to learn, be challenged, and most of all, have a great time with their peers.

4-H Camp Information

4-H Camp Registration Open Till May 16th

Registration will open April 1st through ZSuite Events and end May 16th at 11:59 PM This year’s theme is Hawaiian. Camp is a four-day event, held at Camp Rotary in Neihart, MT, provides a variety of workshops such as crafts, dance, games, shooting sports, and activities such as recreation, hiking, and campfires. Campers sleep in cabins with an adult chaperone and teen director. Camp dates are June 8-11th. Cloverbuds are not allowed to attend camp.

Camp Chaperones Needed
Registration Open

Cascade 4-H is looking for active Cascade 4-H adult volunteers in good standing to be camp chaperones. Camp is from June 8-11 at Camp Rotary in Monarch. Chaperones support the efforts of the camp director, Junior Directors (JDs), and the Extension Agent(s) throughout camp. You will be a role model and mentor for campers and JDs. You will share your cabin with 6-8 campers and 1-3 JDs. Cascade 4-H would love for you to attend all camp workshops, activities, and dance. Cost is free to attend camp, all meals and drinks are provided. Register by May 10th through Z Suite Events.

Around the State

Carbon County will be hosting a Livestock Judging Camp open to the whole state from May 23-25th in Red Lodge. Open to all members and coaches so keep your eyes out for registration coming soon!

The Intermountain Livestock Judging School will be May 8, 9, and 10 in Spanish Fork, Utah. There will be a youth track and contest and an Adult /Coach track. Registration is open now.

The following events serve as the qualifier to participate in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in June. Age Requirements - Participants must have passed their 14th birthday by January 1 of the current year and may not have passed their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current year in which the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are held.

  • Archery Qualifier - Sunday, May 18th, 2025
  • Shotgun Qualifier - Saturday, May 3, 2025

Club Attendance Sheet

Club Leaders, here is the link to the attendance sheet for club meetings: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ d/1JD3whjpESrnNeuuteKTweufkkxqtA49KMDnNa7WCVY/ edit?usp=sharing Please be sure to update your club's tab after each meeting. If you need your club secretary added, please email cascade@montana.edu with the email to be added for access.

Intent to Enter for Market Swine, Sheep, Goat, Rabbit, and Poultry

4-H members wishing to intent their market swine, sheep, goat, rabbit, and poultry will be able to do so through ZSuite events. There will not be paper forms this year. Ear tags (goats, sheep, and swine), a tattoo kit (rabbit), and leg bands (poultry) are also available at the Extension office. Animals must have a form of identification (ear tag, tattoo, or leg band). FULL BODY PHOTO(S) showing the ear tag for goat, sheep, and swine in the animal is required with the Intent to Enter form. Intent to Enter does not automatically enter your market animal in the Cascade 4-H Show and Sale. You must enter the Cascade 4-H Livestock Show separately.

*IT IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED THAT EXTRA ANIMALS ARE INTENTED DUE TO LIVESTOCK SICKNESS AND DEATH. LIVESTOCK NOT INTENTED WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SHOW. 4-H SIBLINGS MAY JOINTLY INTENT TO ENTER ONE MARKET BEEF, GOAT, SHEEP, OR SWINE.*

Intent to Enter Dates:

Market Sheep and Market Goat are May 12. No forms accepted after May 19th

Meat Pen Intent to Enter for turkey, rabbit, chicken, and duck due May 2. No forms accepted after May 9.

Late Intent to Enter will be charged $25 per animal fee

Poultry Members:

Thank you to those that attended the Western Feed Corral additional poultry days, we had a great time-sharing knowledge and the winner of attendance was Tre Butcher!

Thanks also to those who helped create these opportunities and partnered with Western Feed Corral.

Western Ranch Free Weigh-ins

Western Ranch Supply is offering free weigh-ins on Saturday, May 10th 10am-2pm, and a feed seminar with Livestock Experts sharing nutrition insights on Friday, May 9th 5pm-7pm.

4-H Camp Cleanup

As reminder that this weekend is the camp cleanup Saturday, May 3rd with a backup date of May 10th starting at 9:00 am. Volunteers should bring work gloves and appropriate clothes. Wet weather or too much snow on May 3rd would move the date to May 10th. As usual, we encourage returning campers to participate with the cleanup. Wear last year's Camp Rotary T-Shirts if you can still find them. We'll take a group photo. No new t-shirts this year.

State Fair Updates

The theme for the fair club booths this year is Christmas in July. The same theme is being used by the Livestock Show and Sale so clubs could reuse some from that event to help with costs. More updates will come on Fair activities in the coming month. Fair dates are Friday, July 25th -Saturday, Aug 2nd with booth clean up on the morning of Sunday, August 3rd.

Club Leaders

Please make plans to attend the May Leaders Council meeting. Important 4-H, planning, and fundraising information will Shared that all organizational leaders need to know and will be responsible for in the upcoming months. Your participation is essential. If you cannot join in person, please log on the WebEx.

Summer Opportunities

Chatcolab in Bloom

If you're interested in leadership training, community building, escaping routine, exploring new self-expression, and trying exciting activities in a summer camp setting... The 2025 program is designed with two groups in mind - a formal camp will include tracks that will inspire, educate, and re-charge adult-sized needs and is open to ages 14 and older, and a less formal, half-day experience for children that will encompass STEAM and recreation activities for children 8 and up. All ages, however, are invited to join us with familial supervision. 2024 CHATCOLAB PROGRAM -CHATCOLAB Please check out the link if you think you want to learn more.

Montana Natural Resource Youth Camp

Save the Date: July 13-18, 2025 Lubrecht Experimental Forest, Greenough, Montana Questions? Please call (406) 243-2773 or send an email to christina.oppegard@montana.edu Application and $150 deposit is due July 1st (deadline). The balance is due by start of camp. Core Program: $300 Program costs are all inclusive. Please inquire about educational and travel scholarships. montana.edu/extension/forestry/mnryc/in dex.html If there is any unforeseen circumstances involving the ability to run camp, a written notice and full refund will be issued.

Scholarships and Other Financial Opportunities

Montana Department of Agriculture

Now available contact Jenn at the office if you are interested. Rural Community Development Grant applications are open now for 4-H Clubs. Postemark for qualifying no later than June 2, 2025. The purpose of the grant is to assist funding community development projects conducted by Rural youth organizations. The projects should help to improve the quality of life in rule Montana communities. $500 per organization.

Montana Farmers Union 4-H Sentence Grant

Montana Farmers Union is awarding $100 grants to 4-H clubs to further their project work. All you need to do is submit one sentence on how you would use the funds! Apply at montanafarmersunion.com

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Youth Loans

FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H, FFA, tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills. Call the Great Falls FSA office at (406) 727-7580 for more information.

Russell Country Federal Credit Union

Russell Country Federal Credit has developed a program to assist youth and young adults from 8-19 years of age, who are actively participating in 4-H to learn financial responsibility and good saving habits. Visit https://www.russellcountryfcu.org/4-h-suite/ for more information.

Montana Department of Agriculture Junior Agriculture Loans

The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are provided by the MSU Extension Service, Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions. Visit https://agr.mt.gov/Topics/E-G/Grants-Pages/Junior-Agriculture-Loans for more information.

Montana 4-H Foundation Grants

The Montana 4-H Foundation supports 4-H initiatives that focus on healthy living, citizenship, leadership, science, engineering, and technology. The mission of the Montana 4-H Foundation is to "help 4-H youth by raising private funds, managing financial resources and partnering with the MSU Extension Service to fund educational opportunities for Montana 4-H youth, volunteer leaders, and staff."

Montana 4-H grants provide opportunities for youth and adults to strengthen their skills and maximize their positive impacts on the communities in which they live. Grants - MONTANA 4-H FOUNDATION

Funding Support for Native American Heritage 4-H Members

The Montana 4-H Foundation is accepting applications for the youth with a Native American Heritage that need funding support to attend Montana 4-H Leadership events. Please see the details below and pass on to qualified youth. We will also be sending this out through ZSuite.
Are you a 4-H member with Native American Heritage who wants to attend Montana 4-H leadership opportunities such as 4-H Congress, Rec Lab, or a local 4-H camp, but need resources to do so? We have funding support for you! We have a donor that desires to support youth with Native American Heritage/First Nations Youth.

Criteria:

  • Must be 13+ as of October 1 of the current 4-H year.
  • Must be a current member of a Montana 4-H program (club, county, tribal area) when applying.
  • Must have the approval of MSU Extension County Agent (or approved substitute if position is vacant).

How to Apply?

  • If eligible, please complete the following application by June 1, 2025.
  • Link to Application: https://forms.office.com/r/2bus1Ls4Ke
  • Link to Website: https://www.mt4hfoundation.org/nativ e-american-heritage-funding-application.html

Are you a Montana 4-H member who wants to gain life and career skills while serving Montana 4-H?

We are seeking dedicated and engaged youth applicants to serve on the Montana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors. You must be at least 14 by October 1 of the current 4-H year and be enrolled as a 4-H member the following year. The position is for youth who are enrolled/active 4-H members during their year of service, which will start at the July annual meeting.

What will you give?

You should be able to give your opinion and perspective. You should be able to share a strong youth voice in our organization.

What will you receive?

An opportunity to “learn by doing” in a youth-adult partnership. Past members have said that serving as a youth on the Montana 4-H Foundation gave them an opportunity to build their confidence, to learn how to work toward common goals as a team, to learn about team dynamics and professionalism. You will gain exposure to non-profit management details and build an understanding that will serve you in your future.

What will you do?

You will be expected to participate in four meetings. The first one will be during Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman. The other three will be during the school year, with video conference available. Traditionally, the meetings have been during the business day. Your travel and lodging expenses will be covered by the Montana 4-H Foundation. You are responsible to organize your travel. You will also be expected to serve on at least one committee during your service.

Other Criteria:

  • Must be a 4-H member in your home county for at least three consecutive years.
  • Must be a current member of a Montana 4-H program (club, county, tribal area) when applying and when serving on the Board.
  • Each teen director shall serve a one-year term. July 2025 to July 2026
  • Must have the approval of MSU Extension County agent (or approved substitute if position is vacant).
  • Those serving as a Montana 4-H State ambassador officer or on the Montana 4-H Council are not eligible to serve simultaneously on the Montana 4-H Foundation Board.

Montana 4-H Foundation

The Montana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors serves to raise private funds to support the Montana 4-H programs. The Montana 4-H Foundation assists with the financial support of the Montana 4-H program for youth members, volunteer leaders and Extension staff.
If you are interested in serving on the Montana 4-H Foundation, please complete the following application by June 1, 2025.
Link to Application: https://forms.office.com/r/Jxktghqnr3 Link to Website: https://www.mt4hfoundation.org/youthrepresentative-
application.html

Meetings & Important Notices

Horse Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders will be on Tuesday, May 6th at 5:30 pm at the Extension Office. The meeting will also be virtual via WebEx.

Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Committee will be held on Thursday, June 5th at 6:00pm at the Extension Office.

Leaders’ Council Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Leaders’ Council will be on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office.

Foundation Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Foundation will be on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00pm at the Extension office.

Livestock Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders will be on Tuesday, May 27th. at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office.

Important Dates

MAY

2-3 - Horse Camp

2 - Rabbit/Poultry Intent Due

6 - Horse Leaders Meeting

10 - Project Day

10 - Rate of Gain Weigh in Small Animals

12 - Goat/Sheep Intent Due

13 - Leaders’ Council Meeting

20 - Foods Festival, Stir Ups, Quilt and Fashion Review

27 - Livestock Leaders Meeting

Camp Junior Directors

The camp cleanup is Saturday, May 3rd with a backup date of May 10th starting at 9:00 am. Volunteers should bring work gloves and appropriate clothes. Wet weather or too much snow on May 3rd would move the date to May 10th.

As usual, we encourage returning campers to participate with the cleanup. Wear last year's Camp Rotary T-Shirts if you can still find them. We'll take a group photo. No new t-shirts this year.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.