4-H Newsletters

CURRENT EDITION

Alternatively, download and print the March 2023 Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection.

Newsletter Scavenger Hunt

Everyone who emails Allyssa ([email protected]) by Friday, March 10 with a description of the page containing the pot of gold symbol above will be entered in a drawing to win a 4-H themed prize. The winner will be able to choose from multiple awesome 4-H items. Please include the description of the page you found the symbol, something you learned from the newsletter, and name(s) of 4-H’er(s) to be entered into the drawing. Congratulations to the February Newsletter Drawing winner, David P. from the Big Sky Explorers 4-H Club!

Thank You!

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

Cascade Farmers Mutual Insurance Co.
Jamie Williams & Cory Hessel
LeVeque Ranch
William & Holly Kessler
The Ulm Pishkun 4-H Club
Coya Williams

Montana State Fair 4-H Building Theme

The 4-H Building at the Montana State Fair is in need of a theme for the 2023 Montana State Fair! Take the survey found at https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bl3XsQtktoAj50W to help choose the theme.

Fashion Revue and Quilt Show

Calling a who sew! The Fashion Revue and Quilt Show will be held at the Extension Office on April 20, so mark your calendars and start sewing!

Camp Chaperones Needed!

We are still in need of male and female chaperones for 4-H Camp. Camp will be held from June 11-14 in Neihart, MT at Camp Rotary. Camp chaperones are responsible for ensuring campers and Junior Directors are safe and accounted for. Chaperones must be certified Cascade County 4-H Leaders. There is no camp fee for chaperones. Register on ZSuite today!

Project Day

Registration for the March 4 Project Day closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 1 on ZSuite. Registration for the April Project Day will open on March 15. Project Days are held on the first Saturday of the month through May.

Upcoming Project Day Workshops

April 1 – Astronomy, Gardening, Cat, Cloverbuds, Livestock Meat Cuts and Cooking, Horse, and Sewing.
May 6 – Poultry, Star Base STEM, Goat Milking and Cheese, Cloverbuds, Record Book Office Hours, and Sewing.

Cascade County 4-H Communications Contest Results

Congratulations to the following youth who participated in this years Communications Contest! Thank you to our volunteer judges for taking the time to judge this contest.

Career Communications

Levi B., Creative Clovers – Blue
Greta G., Running Free – Red
Haylea G., Running Free – Red
Reece H., Ulm Pishkun – Blue
Seth J., Ulm Pishkun – Blue*
Hudson L., Running Free – Red
Leann M., Ulm Pishkun – Blue*
Taylor S., Ulm Pishkun – Red
Tristen S., Ulm Pishkun – Blue*
Courtney S., Trouble Shooters – Blue*
Maverick S., Trouble Shooters – Blue
Sapphire S., Trouble Shooters – Blue

Cowboy Poetry

Aiyana H., Big Sky Explorers – Red
Ailya H., Big Sky Explorers – Blue
Ethan H., Big Sky Explorers – Red
Seth J., Ulm Pishkun – Blue
Leann M., Ulm Pishkun – Blue

Demonstration

Levi B., Creative Clovers – Blue
Emily C., Great Divide – Red
Asher K., Trouble Shooters – Blue
Lucia L., Creative Clovers – Blue
Caleb L., Running Free – Red

Illustrated Talk

Kiah K., Trouble Shooters – Blue
Aliona L., Creative Clovers – Blue
Adison P., Circle S – Red
Harper R., Great Divide – Red

Impromptu Speech

Cayden S., Ulm Pishkun – Blue*
Tristen S., Ulm Pishkun – Red
Courtney S., Trouble Shooters – Blue*

Prepared Speech

Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – Blue*
Cayden S., Ulm Pishkun – Blue*
Taylor S., Ulm Pishkun – Blue
Courtney S., Trouble Shooters – Blue*

Video

Madison C., MSDB – Red

*Qualified to compete at MT 4-H Congress

Scholarship Opportunities

Cascade 4-H Foundation Scholarship

Applications for the 2023 Cascade 4-H Foundation Scholarship are open. Applicants must be or have been Cascade County 4-H members at the time of their high school graduation or equivalent; eligibility extends up to six years after high school graduation or equivalent. The application can be found at https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RYbZ9TWMrQRrHE. Applications and supplemental materials are due by March 31, 2023, at 11:59pm.

NILE Scholarships

The NILE Foundation has been awarding scholarships to 4-H and FFA youth who excel in the classroom, been a leader in their respective programs, participated in the NILE, and are actively involved in their communities for over 30 years! The NILE Foundation awards five levels of scholarships. More information about available scholarships can be found at Scholarships | NILE (thenile.org). Applications are due March 1.

Kids’ Chance of Montana

Kids’ Chance of Montana provides scholarships for college, university, and vocational education to children of Montana workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident. The application for this scholarship can be found at Scholarships (kidschanceofmontana.org) and is due March 31, 2023.

Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) Summer Opportunities for Teens

MCC is an organization that is focused on conservation work. They offer youth the opportunity to attend 11-day expeditions on a crew of 5 youth and MCC staff to complete work in trail construction/improvement, wildlife fencing, habitat restoration, historical restoration, and invasive species management among others. Projects range around the state from Glacier National Park to the Pryor Mountains. These programs are offered at no cost to participants. More information and the application can be found at Youth Expeditions | Summer Programs for Teens (mtcorps.org).

Cascade County 4-H Ambassador Update

Submitted by Kyona Yeager, Publicity Chair
Hi Everyone, It sure has been a busy time of year! We were able to do another New Family Orientation night and it went very well. The Communications Contest was on February 8th and 9th. There was a Shooting Sports Tournament on the 18th. And there is camp planning February 28th and March 28th. Rec Lab is March 17th-19th in Culbertson; make sure to sign up! It’s crazy to think that us Ambassadors are over halfway done with our year. That in mind, if you think that you would like to be an ambassador, sign up, you won’t regret it.

National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA

Back in November 4-H member Elizabeth D. from the Big Sky Explorers 4-H club and Allyssa had the chance to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA. Elizabeth earned her spot in the Montana Delegation by winning first place in the Fashion Revue at the 2022 Montana 4-H Congress. While at National Congress, Elizabeth and Allyssa went to the Georgia Aquarium, visited the World of Coke, spent an evening of history at the Atlanta History Museum, and met over 800 fellow 4-H members and staff from across the country! Make sure to ask Elizabeth about her trip the next time you see her.

Leaders Council

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at 6:00pm at the Extension Office and via WebEx.

Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Committee will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 6:00pm. Topics of discussion include a recap of the live tournament and setting a Record Book check date.

Shooting Sports Invitational Thank You

Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, and youth that helped to make this year’s Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational a success! We had over 50 youth from across Montana compete at this event. Congratulations to all participants!

Western National Roundup in Denver, CO

Cascade County 4-H alumni, Haley Tompers joined 4-H members from Dawson County 4-H to compete at the Western National Roundup in January in the National 4-H Hippology Contest. Haley had a great showing with placing 9th place overall individual, 9th place individual exam, 8th place individual judging, and 8th place individual stations. The team placed 4th place overall team, 5th place team problems, 4th place team examination, 4th place team judging, and 4th place team stations. Haley earned her spot on this team by placing 1st in the individual Hippology contest at the 2022 Montana 4-H Congress. Congratulations, Haley! Pictures left to right, Corinne Canen, Cassidy Rau, Stephanie Hove, and Haley Tompers.

Livestock Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders will be on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:00pm at the Extension Office.

Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA)

4-H members need to complete Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) to participate in 4-H livestock projects (beef, sheep, goat, swine, poultry, and rabbit). 4-H members who missed the February 11 training must complete the LQA test. Tests must be turned into the Extension Office or emailed to Rose at [email protected] by March 15, 2023.

Market Beef or Breeding Beef Project Workshop

Cody Loch is hosting a 4-H Market Beef or Breeding Beef Project workshop on Saturday, March 11 at Newman Stables (625 40th Ave. S, Great Falls, MT 59405). The free workshop will start at 9:00am. Cody will continue workshops through June. Please bring yourself, Record Book, and a notepad for the first workshop. 4-H members can bring their beef project (market or breeding) to the workshops after March 11. 4-H members will learn how to halter break cattle, the importance of grooming, why spending time with our project is important, beef nutrition with Courtnee Clairmont with CHS, and practice showmanship. You can register by logging in to ZSuite and clicking on events and registering for the “4-H Market Beef or Breeding Beef Project Workshop.”.

Livestock at the March 4 Project Day

The March 4 Project Day will feature two amazing livestock learning opportunities! Marie & Adison Powell, Felicia & Tristen Short, and Desiree Roth will teach 4-H members about expanding their poultry knowledge and experience. There will be live chicks and 4-H members will learn how to raise poultry, choose a breed, chick identification, and much more. The time is 10:30am-12pm. The second offering is learning about livestock carcasses. Vincent with L&M Lockers in Belt has been working in the meat industry for many years and is a butcher who processes Cascade County 4-H market animals. Vincent will teach 4-H members how to break down a carcass, learn about primal cuts, and describe which retails cuts come from the primal cuts. The time is 9:00-10:30am. Register through the March Project Day event on ZSuite.

Rabbit Workshops

The 4-H Rabbit Project has 2 wonderful learning opportunities coming up! Cascade County 4-H member, Shea Berner will host a 4-H rabbit workshop on Wednesday, March 15 from 5:00-6:30pm at the Extension Office. Shea has been in the 4-H Rabbit Project for many years and enjoys raising and showing rabbits. Register by going to ZSuite events and register for “4-H Rabbit Workshop”. The second learning opportunity will be during the April 1 Project Day from 9:00-10:30am with Ashley Belanger. Ashley has judged the county 4-H rabbit show in the past and is an expert. Please bring your rabbit to both workshops!

Intent to Enter Forms

Intent to Enter forms are available at the Extension Office for goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry. Ear tags (goats, sheep, and swine), a tattoo kit (rabbit), and leg bands (poultry) are also available. 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 Reminders

• The 4-H member and parent must sign the form.
• Fill out the form completely. Animal descriptions of color, unique markings, and complete mailing address of the breeder. Forms missing information will not be accepted.
• A photo showing the full body of the animal with the ear tag that clearly shows the number is required.
• Forms can be turned in before the deadline.
• The Intent to Enter does not automatically enter your market animal in the Cascade County 4-H Show and Sale. You must fill out a separate Cascade County Livestock Show entry form.

Horse Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders will be on Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30pm at the Extension Office.

Horse at the March 4 Project Day

4-H members will learn how to tie a variety of knots as well as learn about horse markings and colors that the March 4th Project Day from 10:30am-12pm. 4-H members will learn the difference between a star, stripe, snip, blaze, stocking, sock, etc. As well as different horse colors including grulla, bay, sorrel, chestnut, etc. You will also learn how to tie knots and your knots can be entered into the Montana State Fair. Sign up through ZSuite events and register for “March Project Day”.

Horseless Horse Practices

Horseless Horse practices are open to all enrolled in horse projects. Riding will be the second and fourth Sunday of the month at Brook Gerard’s home at 256 Ulm Vaughn Rd., Great Falls, MT 59404. Weather and ground permitting.

Horse at the April 1 Project Day

The April 1 Project Day will feature horse hoof care with an experienced farrier, Cameron Brooks, from 10:30am-12:00pm at the Extension Office. Registration will open March 15 on ZSuite for the April Project Day.

Horse Camp

Mark your calendars for the popular Horse Camp! Dates are May 5-6 at the 406 Arena. Stay tuned for more information!

Working Ranch Horse Practices

Spring Working Ranch Horse practices will be at the Neversweat Ranch (376 US Hwy 87 Belt, MT 59412) on Monday, June 5; Monday, June 19, and Monday, June 26. The June practices will be from 5:30-8:30pm.

Montana 4-H State Volunteer Awards

Earlier in February, two Cascade County 4-H Volunteers were honored for their work with the 4-H program at the 2023 Montana 4-H Volunteer Institute.

Janet Smith from the Running Free 4-H Club was awarded the District 3 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer award. Janet has been the organizational leader of the Running Free 4-H club for many years. She has also served on both the Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council and Cascade 4-H Foundation boards. Janet has been a cook at 4-H camp for multiple years and has also recently worked as one of the Dairy Booth mangers at the State Fair.

Brook Gerard from the Ulm Pishkun 4-H Club was recognized as the District 3 Volunteer of the Year. Brook has been involved in the Cascade County 4-H program for many years. She has been a member of the executive committees of both Horse and Livestock Leaders, served on the Cascade 4-H Foundation board, and is involved in the Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council. Brook has also served as the Horseless Horse Project Leader for many years.

Congratulations to both Janet and Brook! Thank you for your continued dedication to the Cascade County 4-H Program!

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

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.