Gallatin County

Gallatin County, located between the Bridger Mountains and the Spanish Peaks, is home to Montana State University. It has become one of the most rapidly growing counties in Montana with the county population skyrocketing to approximately 127,000 residents, with over 57,000 living within the city limits of Bozeman. Gallatin County attracts people from all over to enjoy winter sports, summer recreation activities, MSU sporting events and community hospitality. As part of Montana State University and with support from the Gallatin County Government, the Gallatin County MSU Extension office has been dedicated to meeting the needs of their ever-changing community by providing unbiased, research-based resources in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, horticulture, and 4-H youth development.

Agriculture is Back

Elizabeth D’Imperio joined the Gallatin County MSU Extension office as the new Agriculture and Horticulture agent in January of 2023. She filled the vacancy when Agent Molly Yurdana transitioned to become the 4-H Agent in 2022. D'Imperio is a graduate of Montana State University, with a master’s degree in Land Resources and Environmental Science and brings to the office her experience working as a researcher in agriculture and natural resources, as well as an educator. She has worked on projects ranging from invasive weeds to soils at MSU, and has experience teaching preschoolers through adults in Bozeman as well as on the East Coast. With prior experience in Gallatin County she jumped right into her new role working with producers, assisting landowners and offering community programming.

Caption:Elizabeth D’Imperio, Gallatin County MSU Extension Ag/Hort Agent

Credit: Montana State University Communications

Reaching New Crowds

As a new agent, D'Imperio put a focus on being present in the community and increasing the office’s visibility through educational programs and community events. In support of large-scale producers, former Ag Agent Molly Yurdana worked with various Ag Lenders to provide an educational luncheon for the Gallatin Beef Producer Association during the first week of the year. In February of 2023, MSU Extension offered programming to crop producers, agricultural businesses and industry employees through the annual tri-county Crop School seminar in conjunction with Broadwater and Madison/Jefferson counties. 

In the spring, Gallatin County MSU Extension co-hosted a garden workshop with MSU Extension Yard and Garden at the Museum of the Rockies. Over 70 individuals signed up for the four-hour event to hear from MSU specialists and professors. This fall, staff wrapped up horticultural classes with a program on winterizing gardens and a visit from the Master Gardener Roadshow.

Other programs included presenting to 80 seventh graders at the Gateway Youth Environmental Summit on local foods, and talking to fourth graders about invasive weeds at the Gallatin Farm Fair at the Brainard Ranch. Gallatin County MSU Extension and Master Gardeners had information tables at several community events including the Belgrade Library Garden Party, The Gallatin Earth Day event, and Gallatin Valley Farm to School Harvest Festival. These events were a great time to partner with community organizations such as Gallatin Valley Farm to School, the City of Bozeman, and the Belgrade Public Library, and we were able to reach nearly 2,000 community members. With the support of Master Gardener Volunteers, we also provided information at three different Farmer's Markets throughout the county.

Credit:Elizabeth D’Imperio, Gallatin County MSU Extension Ag/Hort Agent

Fielding Gallatin County Needs

One-on-one and in-person support was a major part of the Agricultural and Horticultural program this year. The cold and long winter prompted numerous questions regarding tree health early in the season and throughout the year. Of the more than 100 questions that came in, the majority were related to trees on disease, care, and management. Other frequently asked questions related to weed identification and weed management, general yard and garden questions, and soils. Pasture management, haying, invasive weed control and agriculture rates were common topics from small acreage and agricultural clientele.

Twenty-nine soil samples were sent for testing, 58 plant and insect samples were submitted to the Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory, with many more diagnosed in-office, and seven producers had hay tested for nitrates. Site visits and noxious weed-free hay inspections were also an important part of the growing season. Seven producers participated in the Montana Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Program, totaling 449 acres inspected. Agent Elizabeth D’Imperio went on 24 site visits in spring and summer with requests for assistance ranging from tree care to weed control. These visits provided support to homeowners, agricultural producers, homeowner associations, and community gardens.

Caption:Montana Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage inspection site visit

Credit:Elizabeth D’Imperio, Gallatin County MSU Extension Ag/Hort Agent

Rooted in 4-H

Since 1917 4-H has had roots in the Gallatin Valley. To honor and grow the ‘roots’ of our program, “Rooted in 4-H” became the theme of our year as we focused on volunteer and leadership development, youth record keeping and workshops, and engagement in community service and outreach activities.

In the 2022-2023 4-H year, the Gallatin County 4-H program had 568 active youth members (ages 5-18) and 117 adult volunteers. With the addition of new volunteer leaders, sewing and leathercraft projects were established, the dog obedience and cake decorating projects were reinvigorated, and a new county contest (Better Batter Baking) was founded. With an active group of teen 4-H members, Gallatin 4-H had representation at the National 4-H Congress, National Shooting Sports Championship, the biennial Citizenship Seminar/Legislative Breakfast, Rec Lab, Montana 4-H Congress and 25 teens served as camp counselors for our annual county 4-H Summer Camp.

Gallatin 4-H had the unique opportunity to partner with MSU to serve concessions at university events such as Bobcat Football, Volleyball, Basketball and various concerts and shows. In 2022-2023, 4-H members raised over $22,000 for clubs and projects by working concessions. To round out the year, the Gallatin 4-H/FFA Fair had 329 youth participants and again set county records by selling 348 animal lots that grossed almost $1.4 million. The success of the program would not be possible without the generous support from those in our community who are rooted in the mission of the 4-H program and invest in our local youth in Gallatin County.  

Caption:2023 Montana 4-H Congress attendees from Gallatin County 4-H

Credit:Montana 4-H Center (Erin Bush Photography)

Hands to Larger Service

Just before the New Year in December of 2022, the Montana 4-H Center partnered with Gallatin County 4-H to be the host location for a "Gift of Learning and Service" event. Montana 4-H Foundation staff facilitated workshops for youth 4-H members from Gallatin and six neighboring counties. Special guests, Governor Greg Gianforte and first lady Susan Gianforte, made an appearance at the event as part of their 12 Days of Giving campaign.

The governor interacted with 4-H members during hands-on workshops such as pie-making, tie-blankets for children in need, and goal-setting. Youth members had the opportunity to share about the skills they have gained through projects, ways they have given back to their communities across southwestern Montana, and the positive impact 4-H has had on their lives. Governor Gianforte chose the statewide Montana 4-H Foundation to donate a portion of his yearly salary to as part of their campaign to support non-profit organizations. His generous donation will be used to support the almost 20,000 youth that are enrolled 4-H across Montana. It was a great honor to host the Monana 4-H Center, MSU Extension administration, and the Governor of Montana at our county 4-H office in Bozeman.

Caption:  Governor Gianforte donation to Montana 4-H at the Gallatin County 4-H Office

Credit: Montana State University Communications

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