What is Extension?

All universities engage in research and teaching, but land-grant universities like Montana State University have a third critical mission - Extension. Extension means reaching out and "extending" resources by assisting in solving public needs with university resources through non-formal, non-credit programs.
Montana State University Extension is an educational resource dedicated to improving the quality of people's lives by providing research-based knowledge to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of families, communities, and agricultural enterprises.
MSU Extension offers university resources for all Montanans to explore, even if they never set foot on campus. We provide access to useful information and expert knowledge via workshops, demonstrations, community meetings, publications, videos and the Web. Extension links a network of MSU faculty topic specialists on the MSU-Bozeman campus and our Wheatland County agent to the communities in our county.
Wheatland County Extension agent, Mandie Reed, is proud to provide services in the following areas:

  • 4-H and Youth Development
  • Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Natural Resources
  • Community and Economic Development

Big Sky, Big Leadership

Big Sky, Big Leadership is a local leadership development program for residents in Wheatland County who want to develop leadership skills, learn about their community, and network with other community members.

A group of 10-15 participants will be selected to participate in Big Sky, Big Leadership.Participants will meet six times between January and August to learn about their local situations, improve their personal leadership skills, and understand more about how people work together to address the complex issues our communities are facing.The cost to attend the program is $125.00 tuition for each participant, due prior to the first meeting.The remaining cost is being paid by a generous grant from the Callant Family Foundation.Scholarships are available.  Applications are due January 16, 2023.

More information about Big Sky, Big Leadership

Downloadable PDF of 2023 application

Nitrate Testing

Wheatland County Extension Agent, Mandie Reed is qualified and ready to help with all your nitrate testing needs.  Contact her at 632-4728 or stop by the office to have a sample tested.