Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection April Edition

Alternatively, download a printable version of the April 2023 Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection

Newsletter Scavenger Hunt

Everyone who emails Allyssa ([email protected]) by Friday, April 7, with a description of the page containing the flower 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. Allyssa just replenished the box of prizes. Please include a description of the page you found the symbol, something you learned from the newsletter, and the name(s) of the 4-H’er(s) to be entered in the drawing. Congratulations to the February Newsletter Drawing winner, Esther 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 in the last month!

Greg & Erin Doyon
Associated Veterinary Services
Pinion
4N Farms
Frank & Nichole Pieper
William & Holly Kessler
Tiger Butte 4-H Club

Nation-Wide 4-H Impact Survey

National 4-H is conducting a nation-wide 4-H impact study to obtain data on 4-H youth outcomes related to Positive Youth Development. The data will be used to report back to program stakeholders and to make data-driven decisions about the 4-H program. The survey information was sent to all qualifying youth and parents by the Montana 4-H Center. Youth ages 13-18 are asked to complete the survey found in the information sent from the 4-H Center. Email Todd Kesner at [email protected] with any questions about the survey.

Montana 4-H Congress

Mark your calendars! Montana 4-H Congress will be held on the MSU Bozeman Campus July 11-14. Registration will open on ZSuite May 1!

Montana State Fair

Thank you to everyone who took the survey to choose the theme of the Montana State Fair 4-H Building. This year’s theme is “4-H is All the Buzz”. The focus of the theme is on bees and nature. Registration for the 4-H static exhibits and domestic and small animal shows will open on FairEntry on May 1.

Project Day

The last Project Day of this 4-H year will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Available workshops include Gardening, StarBase 2.0 STEM, Goat Milking and Cheeses, Cloverbuds, Sewing, and Record Book Office Hours. Registration for the May 6 Project Day will open in ZSuite on April 19.

Cascade County 4-H Ambassador Application

The application to be a member of the 2023-2024 Cascade County Ambassador Team is now open on ZSuite! The Ambassador program provides opportunities for youth to represent 4-H through leadership and service at the county level. Ambassadors must be 14 years of age and a freshman in high school by October 1, 2023. More information and requirements can be found at Cascade County 4-H Ambassadors - MSU Extension Cascade County | Montana State University. Applications are due by April 19 at 11:59pm.

Montana 4-H State Leaders Council Opportunity

The Montana 4-H State Leaders Council is going through a transition and needs adult volunteer and youth members. The Leaders Council works to provide opportunities for Montana 4-H volunteers to learn, network, and grow as leaders. This year, the Leaders Council planned the Montana 4-H Volunteer Institute in February. The Leaders Council meets quarterly throughout the year virtually with one in person meeting. Allyssa is a current Extension Agent representative on the Leaders Council and would be happy to discuss details. The application to be a member of Leaders Council can be found at Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management.

Montana 4-H International Exchange Student Hosting Opportunities

Montana 4-H is looking for families to host delegates from Norway and Japan this summer. Apply to host a delegate at Apply to Host (states4hexchange.org). For more information about hosting opportunities, contact Christine Sommers-Austin at [email protected].

Cascade County 4-H Camp – Camper Registration

Camper registration for the 2023 Cascade County 4-H Camp is now open on ZSuite! Registration is due May 14 by 11:59pm. This 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 11-14. The cost of camp is $60 per camper. The fee covers all food, workshops, and a camp T-shirt. This fee can be paid online via card with an added fee or by exact cash or check made out to Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council at the Extension Office. Cloverbuds are not allowed to attend camp.

Babysitting Basics Class

Join MSU Extension Cascade County Agents Katrin Finch and Allyssa Peak on Saturday, May 20, 2023, to learn babysitting basics. Lunch will be provided. The class is open to youth 11 years and older. 10-year-olds may attend but may not be old enough to start babysitting on their own. The cost for lunch is $10 payable by card online with an added fee or by exact cash or check made out to Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council. Youth are also permitted to pack their own lunch. We have a refrigerator and microwave available for use. Registration will close on Thursday, May 11 at 11:59pm.

Dog Obedience and Showmanship Classes

4-H Leader, Ashely Adkins, will teach youth dog obedience, training, and showmanship skills to help prepare them for the Dog Show at the Montana State Fair. Registration can be found on ZSuite and is due April 27, 2023, by 11:59 pm. Classes will be held at the Extension Office Mondays and Wednesdays, May 1-24 from 5:00-5:30 pm rain or shine.

Fashion/Sewing Revue and Quilt Show

The Cascade County 4-H Fashion/Sewing Revue & Quilt Show are open to all Cascade County 4-H members, including Cloverbuds! The event will take place on Thursday, April 20, starting at 5:30pm at the Extension Office. Registration is due by Sunday, April 16 at 11:59pm. More information can be found in the events section of ZSuite.

Cascade 4-H Foundation Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade 4-H Foundation will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00pm on WebEx ONLY.

Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Committee will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office. The committee is still looking for volunteers to serve as committee members and officers.

Montana 4-H State Shooting Sports Invitational Results

Congratulations to all Cascade County 4-H youth who competed in the Montana 4-H State Shooting Sports Invitational in Bozeman in March. The following youth took home awards in their respective divisions.

Schafer G., Great Divide – Unlimited 14-18 – 1st place
Logan N., Trouble Shooters – Primitive 14-18 – 4th place
Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – Limited 14-18 – 3rd place
Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – Bare Bow 14-18 – 4th place
Mitsuru B., Montana Sunsets – Bare Bow 14-18 – 5th place
Schafer G., Great Divide – 3D 14-18 – 2nd place
Logan N., Trouble Shooters – 3D 14-18 – 3rd place
Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – 3D 14-18 – 2nd place
Mitsuru B., Montana Sunsets – 3D 14-18 – 4th place
Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – Air Rifle 3P – 4th place
Victoria K., Trouble Shooters – Air Rifle Silhouette – 4th place
Mitsuru B., Montana Sunsets - .22 Pistol – 5th place

Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame inducted Alan Dennis “Skip” Joseph at their annual induction ceremony in February. Skip is a long-time 4-H volunteer in Cascade County and still offers education and judges local shows. Congratulations, Skip!

Livestock Leaders Meeting

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

Beef Project Workshops

After a fun and exciting 4-H beef workshop on March 11, Cody Loch will host three more 4-H beef project workshops for 4-H members enrolled in 4-H market beef or breeding beef projects. Dates and locations are April 1 at Newman Stables (625 40th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405) at 9:00 am, May 13 at Newman Stables (625 40th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405) at 9:00 am, June 3 at Cody Loch’s residence (54 Fort Mountain Road, Great Falls, MT 59404) at 11:00 am. 4-H members are welcome to bring their beef so they can start working on showmanship and setting up for the April 1 workshop. Bring your animal again for the May 13 workshop where special guest, Doreen Gillespie will present. The June 3 special guest is Dan Vanek. Dan has clipped thousands of beef over many decades. Cody and Dan will assist 4-H members to clip their beef. Also remember to bring yourself, 4-H member, record book, and notepad for all the workshops. Registration is by logging into ZSuite events. 4-H members can register for all three workshops or individual workshops. The workshops are named, “April 4-H Beef Workshop,” “May 4-H Beef Workshop,” and “June 4-H Beef Workshop” in ZSuites. All workshops are free. Thank you to Cody for organizing these great learning opportunities!

Golden Preview Show

The Golden Preview Show for cattle will be April 29 at the Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls. Exhibitors can register at The Golden Cattle Jackpot Show | Showman. There are classes for heifers, NILE Merit Heifer, showmanship, steer, and registered angus. Contact Alena at 799-9955, Todd at 868-4893, or Jodi at 214-7253 for more information.

Western Ranch Supply Jackpot Show

Western Ranch Supply is hosting a jackpot show for steers, goat, sheep, and hogs on April 20 at the Metra Park’s Super Barn in Billings. The deadline to enter is April 7; a late fee after April 10 will be added. Register by going to Spectacular Jackpot Info | Western Ranch Supply.

Market Goat, Sheep, and Swine Weigh-In

The Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders are hosting a 4-H Market Goat, Sheep, and Swine Weigh-In on Saturday, May 13 at Western Ranch Supply (4000 River Dr. N, Great Falls, MT 59405) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The top three animals in each species with the highest average daily gain will be awarded cash prizes. First place will be awarded $50, second $30, and third $20 at the 2023 Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale. Times are strictly followed! 4-H members do not have to be present on May 13. The second weigh-in will be at the Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show on Thursday, July 6. Monies will be awarded on Saturday, July 8. Western Ranch Supply will give 4-H members who attend the weigh-in a 10% off show supply coupon. Register by going to the events section of ZSuite and selecting “4-H Market Goat, Sheep, and Swine Weigh-In”.
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.

Intent to Enter Forms

Intent to Enter Forms are available at the MSU Extension Cascade County 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 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. Important dates for each species can be found in the upcoming dates section of the newsletter.

Intent to Enter Reminders

• The 4-H member and a 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 installed that clearly shows the ear tag number
  is required. 4-H members are encouraged to get their ear tags early and take pictures before the weather gets bad.
• Intent forms can be turned in before the deadline for all species.
• Note: 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 4-H Livestock Show Entry Form.

Horse Leaders Meeting

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

Horse Identification Card

All Horse Projects shown by 4-H members in 4-H classes must be owned by the member or member’s immediate family, or member must have access to the project horse(s). All project horse(s) must be declared by June 1 to the MSU Extension Cascade County office through electronic submission (ZSuite event) and indicate enrolled projects. The horse(s) must be in the primary care of the 4-H member from June 1 through mid-September. Please go to ZSuite events and register your horse(s) by clicking on “Horse ID Card”. Horse ID cards are due June 1, 2023.

Jan Larsen Clinic

The Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders are hosting a clinic with renown clinician, Jan Larsen. The clinic will be from June 2-4. Jan is a multiple world, reserve world, national, and state champion trainer in many disciplines including western pleasure, hunter under saddle, trail, western riding, working hunters, hunter hack, pleasure driving, halter, youth and amateur horsemanship, showmanship, and hunter seat equitation. The clinic will be at Neversweat Ranch (376 US Highway 87, Belt, MT 59412). The Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders are covering most of the registration cost for 4-H members. A small registration fee of $25 per 4-H member will need to be paid to register for the clinic. Sign up through ZSuite events and register for “Jan Larsen Clinic”. Overnight stalling will be $10 per horse and additional lunches for parents, guardians, siblings, etc. will be $5 per lunch. Registration is through ZSuite events. Families can either pay with a card through ZSuite with a processing fee or write a check payable to Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders. Registration closes on May 24.

Clinic Schedule

• Friday, June 2 at 2:00 pm: Horse Leaders Only
• Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 am: Horseless Horse and Horsemanship Level 1
• Sunday, June 4 at 9:00 am: Horsemanship Levels 2-7

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 Practice

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

Montana Quarter Horse Association Clinic

The Montana Quarter Horse Association Amateurs is hosting a clinic with Taylen Marler at the 406 Arena from April 22-23. Taylen is a NRHA, AQHA, and APHA professional with many world and reserve world championships. He will cover reining, ranch basics, ranch riding, and ranch trail at the clinic. You have a choice to ride or audit. The clinic is limited to 12 riders per session and is open to youth, amateur, and open riders. Registration is online at MONTANA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION.com (montanaqha.com) or call/text Janel at 406-490-6467.

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.