Glacier County

Of the various educational programs offered by Montana State University, the county extension agent has earned a place of respect among the state’s residents throughout the last one-hundred-plus years of our existence. Such tempered admiration may be well deserved. Whether helping a rancher manage pasture rotation, recruiting judges for fair competitions, or helping families preserve their cache of venison, Glacier County’s extension agents serve where needed. With arid High Plains stretching mile after mile eastward from the Rocky Mountain Front Range and along the bottoms of the Marias and Two Medicine rivers, our office provides county residents with research-based curriculum and field-tested methodologies to meet current needs. Working in tandem, the Agriculture and Family Consumer Science agents offer a variety of programs to county supervisors, townships, or the kitchen table—as needed. Our SNAP-Ed instructor rounds out a multifaceted community effort. Looking forward to the new year, we want to deepen our commitment to land stewardship and improve the utilization of the abundant natural resources in Glacier County. To achieve these goals, we continue to help the people who work in our shops, fields, and classrooms meet their bottom line. MSU Extension was founded with such priorities in mind. With ever-increasing economic and civic challenges for business leaders, entrepreneurs, ranchers, and families, we serve best when working together.

Montana’s Next Generation Conference features ag and succession planning knowledge for Montana ag producers

For nearly ten years, Montana’s Next Generation Conference has been reaching north-central Montana producers and beyond with crops, livestock, business, and succession planning knowledge. The conference is unique in that it provides both beginning and advanced level agriculture and succession planning classes to aid with the planning of and transition of the ag business to the next generation. The conference fulfills Farm Service Agency borrower training requirements as well. After two post-Covid years of virtual programming, the in-person conference January 28 in Shelby was a great hit. Nearly 200 farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals packed the classrooms of the Shelby High School for their choice of six different workshops every hour throughout the day. The Saturday event and on-site babysitting allows producers with off-farm jobs and young families to fully participate throughout in the event. While many conferences provide only a few topics for all participants, this conference is unique in the incredible variety of topics offered. Many operations strategize about how to ‘divide and conquer’ between family members to hit the greatest number of workshops topics possible throughout the day. A few popular 2023 topics included Oil and Gas updates, Crop Insurance, Entity Selection and Tax Updates, Livestock Marketing, Agri-Tourism, Calving Topics, Market Outlook, Preparing for Retirement, Ag Negotiation Strategies, Bull Selection, Regenerative Ag, Direct Marketing, Communication in the Family, and more. There were three financial recordkeeping classes offered throughout the day, along with related workshops such as, ‘Making your Financials Work for You.’ As a result, many producers planned to improve their bookkeeping and financial records to make better decisions. Because of the conference, producers noted they planned to purchase recordkeeping software, improve their finances and recordkeeping, update their bookkeeping practices, become more familiar with online bill pay, and better understand the cost of running cattle, for example. On the production side, producers noted that they now planned to replant their fields with a new forage mix, would decrease the amount of herbicide they use, would apply calving chains differently when pulling a calf, research cover crops, and incorporate variable rate fertilizer applications. A local producer who shared his Regenerative Ag experiences was a highlight to many producers to consider how to decrease inputs on their own operation, especially given current rising input costs. In addition to the knowledge gained, producers found networking particularly beneficial as well. One producer noted, “The best thing about the conference was talking to neighbors,” while another said, “Getting to know new people and gain valuable information,” was their highlight. Overall, participants rated the day 4.5/5. The conference attracted producers from across Montana with the average attendee making a 145-mile round trip to participate in the event. In addition to the impact on ag producers, the event created additional stays at the local hotels during a typical slower time of the year. At the conclusion of the conference, each attendee received a $15 meal voucher, redeemable at any of the four participating local restaurants, which encouraged additional spending in the local community. The annual event, held the last Saturday in January in Shelby, MT, is a collaboration of local Montana State University extension agents, Farm Service Agency staff, NACDC, Marias River Livestock Association, and Farm Bureau. The conference is heavily supported by local ag businesses and lenders who have bought into the mission and see the value for their producers, which consequently allows for providing such a high caliber event at a reasonable price for all producers.

Caption: It was a packed house for Bob Welker’s, ‘Expanding the Pie’ presentation at the 2023 Montana’s Next Generation conference.  Welker is a part of the popular YouTube channel, Welker Farms Inc. and also serves on the Toole County FSA committee locally. 

Credit: Kari Lewis

Eggs, ATVs and Kids – Extension provides ATV and helmet safety for local youth.

In rural communities, all-terrain vehicles (ATVS) are extremely common and popular both on the farm/ranch and for recreation. However, youth are often too young and too small to safely ride an ATV which puts them at increased risk of injuries and even death. Driving an ATV requires strength, skill and sound decision making. It is recommended that children under 16 are not allowed to operate an ATV, but it commonly occurs. To help provide local youth with an understanding of ATV safety, Kari Lewis provided a booth at the local Logan Health Kid’s Safety Fair devoted to ATV safety and the importance of helmets and safety gear. Youth of all ages were extremely excited to have the opportunity to see, touch and sit on a full-size ATV, guess its weight, read the warning labels on it, etc. There were over 60 youth who learned about age and size appropriate 4-wheelers and the dangers of multiple riders, carrying extra weight on an ATV, not having proper safety equipment or clothing, etc. While the station was directed towards youth, parents and grandparents were extremely engaged as well and many shared personal experiences related to ATV related injuries. In addition to learning the parts of an ATV and basic safety, participants also had the opportunity to do an egg toss to learn about the impacts of an unprotected crash on the brain. They tossed an egg back and forth with a partner in a plastic bag and naturally observed the egg breaking once it hit the ground. They then designed their own 'helmet' for an egg with bubble wrap, cardboard boxes and tape and did the toss again to see if it kept their egg safe. The bubble wrap and cardboard box simulated both the hard shell and inner cushioning of a helmet and youth were able to see even when their egg was tossed around inside the ‘helmet,’ it was protected. Through the activity, youth had a physical illustration of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding an ATV (or bicycle, horse, etc.) The success of the booth was due to support from Grace Rooney (intern who designed activity), Kaleb Lewis (providing ATV), and Logan Health (organizing Kid’s Health Fair).

Caption: Participants did an egg toss to simulate the impact of an unprotected crash and then made their own ‘helmets’ for the eggs and did the egg toss again at the Glacier County Extension booth during the local Kid’s Safety Fair.

Credit: Kari Lewis

Bengtson and Morrisett named Glacier County Outstanding Member and Volunteer

Addisyn Bengtson was named the Glacier County 4-H Outstanding Member for 22 – 23, receiving a custom belt buckle and having her name engraved on a plaque in the Extension Office. Addisyn completed Teen Leadership, Market Beef, Beef Breeding, Vet Science, and Cake Decorating projects this year, exhibiting in each project at the fair. At the Marias Fair, she received top interviews for her beef and cake decorating projects, Top Angus and Top Herford influenced steers, a Best of Class with her Teen Leadership exhibit, and a Best of Show with her Decorated Foods exhibit. Addisyn served as the Longview 4-H Club president, has served as county 4-H ambassador the past three years, and has promoted 4-H through window decorating, float design and creating annually. This past year she organized and taught a cake decorating workshop, mentored younger beef members, and completed an extensive teen leadership project fundraising for and installing first aid stations in the 4-H Food Booth and Exhibit Building at the fairgrounds. Addisyn’s record books are neat and detailed and she strives to continually make the best better. She works hard on her 4-H projects throughout the year with a smile on her face, is passionate about 4-H, and is extremely deserving to be the Outstanding Member of the Year. Addisyn was also spotlighted as the Montana 4-H Central Region ‘Spotlight Member’ for September which included a radio interview with Northern Ag Network and social media spotlights. Whenever Eric Morrisett is asked to do something, his typical response is, “I’ll do whatever you need, just let me know.” With that attitude, he has done everything from catching runaway steers at the fair to leading goat workshops to chaperoning 4-H dances and judging events! Eric is a vital member of the Marias Fair 4-H livestock committee, contributing ideas, expertise, reviewing financial records, and helping wherever needed. Eric has taken on the role of hog barn superintendent and also ‘maintenance man’ for the many nuances of the Seewald barn, misters, etc. He’s the first one in the barn and the last one to leave at night, and genuinely connects with the kids throughout the week. Within Glacier County, Eric has led dairy and swine workshops, helped with livestock weigh-ins, and served as an Awards Showcase judge. He has a heart for the kids and has mentored members from multiple counties with their livestock projects including hauling their animals, helping halter break their steer, improve their showmanship, etc. Eric consistently attends 4-H events whether it’s the county Communications Contest, awards interviews, carcass workshops, etc. Because of Eric’s service to 4-H and dedication to the youth, the Glacier 4-H Council has chosen him as this year’s Outstanding Volunteer, and appreciates his continued service!

Caption: Addisyn Bengtson was named the Glacier County 4-H Outstanding Member for 22 – 23, receiving a custom belt buckle and having her name engraved on a plaque in the Extension Office. 

Credit: Kari Lewis

Katelyn Suta wins Montana 4-H Swine Award and trip to National 4-H Congress

At the 2023 Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman this past July, Katelyn Suta was named the state 4-H swine project winner. She submitted an extensive application detailing her project learning, service, leadership, goals and a creative work and was selected for her outstanding achievements. Katelyn has been involved in the 4-H swine project since she first joined 4-H. Katelyn noted, “For me, 4-H started out in a first-grade classroom once a month going to Cloverbuds doing fun arts, crafts, and other learning activities. At that time, I never would have dreamed of where it would take me. I am at the point in my 4-H journey that everyone questions why I am not taking a steer and while my answer is more complicated than I just like pigs, it is still true – I do like my pigs.” Katelyn began her swine project journey with pigs from the local Hutterite colony. She enjoyed her first year and knew after her first fair that she wanted to be more competitive and talked her parents into letting her buy a show pig. Since then, she has grown in her knowledge of swine selection, nutrition, fitting, and showmanship. A highlight from her project was the 2021 Marias Fair where she finished with the Reserve Champion market swine, Grand Champion swine showman, Grand Champion swine breeding project, and Reserve Champion Round Robin showman titles. As Katelyn’s passion for swine has grown, so has her involvement in the project and beyond. After attending a jackpot show in 2021 and seeing how smoothly the show went because of their ring design, Katelyn brought back an idea to the 4-H livestock committee to redesign the Marias Fair show ring and purchase swine holding pens. She felt the swine holding pens would reduce stress on livestock and volunteers and streamline the shows. With the livestock committee’s support, she took on the project for her Teen Leadership project and gathered nearly $20,000 in donations and grants to make it possible. What she anticipated as a two-year project was financially complete in one year. The result has been less pig fights on show day, less panel set-up and tear down throughout the fair, and a lasting impact for years to come. In addition, Katelyn has mentored younger swine members, taught swine clipping demonstrations, and assisted in the swine barn throughout the fair. The 4-H swine project has not been without its challenges for Katelyn though. Over the years, she has dealt with mites on her pigs that required various dewormers, slow gaining pigs that necessitated individual feeding of her pigs, an uncooperative gilt that was in heat on show day, grizzly bears that got into the leftover show feed at the ranch and more. Through it all, she has learned perseverance, overcoming challenges, and how to be a positive role model for younger members. In addition to the project knowledge she has gained, Katelyn has developed her communication skills through the project. “Through 4-H, I have learned how to network, have realized how important community is and that you build your community by taking time to talk to people,” she said. With her many years of swine experiences to her credit, she took the time to apply for a Montana state 4-H award. “I didn’t expect to get anything. I didn't think I would be competitive enough. It was a lot of effort that I thought might have been wasted,” Katelyn said of the process. At the Montana 4-H Congress awards banquet, Katelyn noted, “I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t get it and when they called my name, I was shocked and overwhelmed.” Now, she will get to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia in November. With only one year of 4-H remaining, Katelyn has thoroughly enjoyed the 4-H swine project and is looking to the future. “I have always had the desire to stay in agriculture and the last few years with my swine project I have found a real interest in animal nutrition,” she said. “I still have a ways to go, but I really am loving the journey I am on with pigs and 4-H,” she concluded. To any younger member considering the 4-H swine project, Katelyn said, “Pigs are a lot of fun and a good introduction to an animal project. It is worth the effort, start early, and ask for help from your breeder, older members, or leaders!”

Caption: At the 2023 Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman this past July, Katelyn Suta was named the state 4-H swine project winner.

Credit: Kari Lewis

Glacier County 4-H wraps up a successful year, looking ahead

Within the Glacier County 4-H program, 78 4-H members have been learning to, “Make the Best Better,” this past year under the leadership and guidance of caring adults and the MSU Extension office. Glacier County 4-H is fortunate to have 25 enrolled volunteers serving with the program. Outside of school, 4-H is the largest youth development program in Montana that reaches nearly 20,000 youth in all of Montana’s 56 counties. The Glacier County 4-Her’s have had a year full of learning opportunities, leadership development, and community service. Members honed their project knowledge and communications skills through project days, workshops, and contests. The county communications contest included 18 members participating in demonstrations/illustrated talks, Career Communications, and presenting the 4-H Pledge (Cloverbuds). At the Marias Fair each member competing completed an individual project interview with a subject matter expert in their project. Eighteen members completed 54 Awards Showcase interviews where they interviewed before a judge, explaining their goals, project work, and learning experiences along with presenting their records for the year. Hadley Barbie, Addisyn Bengtson, Katelyn Suta, Ashlyn Brown, and Destini Anderson served as Glacier County 4-H ambassadors with Rachel Brown leading them. Destini Anderson and Ashlyn Brown assisted in teaching a jam-making demonstration to Cut Bank fourth graders as 4-H outreach. Community service is an integral part of the 4-H experience, and members were busy with numerous activities this past year. Clubs assisted with cleaning the library garden beds, picking up trash along the highway with the Lion’s Club, supporting Glacier Care Center residents and Beehive residents, serving community dinners, and much more. The annual Soup and Bread luncheon raised $710 for the Parkview Senior Center to provide meals to homebound senior citizens. Fourteen members, Will Suta, Ethan Brown, Olivia Bradley, and Elyse Bengtson participated in Montana 4-H Rec Lab in Culbertson, MT where they participated in workshops, recreation, and meeting other 4-H teens from across Montana. Fifteen members attended the Multi-County 4-H Camp in the Bear Paw mountains in June, participating in various outdoor activities and making 4-H friends from across the Hiline. Five junior leaders, Ashlyn Brown, Brad Hjartarson, Ken Winkowitsch, Jed Winkowitsch and Morgan Wilder honed their leadership skills by serving as camp counselors for the event. Fifteen Cloverbuds attended ‘Finding your Treasure in 4-H’ Cloverbud day camp in Shelby. Katelyn Suta and Ashlyn Brown attended Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman in July for workshops, competitions, and networking. Katelyn finished third in the Career Communications contest while Ashlyn was very competitive in the Quilting contest. Katelyn Suta was named the Montana 4-H swine winner, earning a trip to National 4-H Congress in November. Hadley Barbie was honored at the Congress banquet with a Montana 4-H Foundation $1,000 scholarship as well. Shooting sports remains a popular project and Brad Hjartarson stepped up to become a certified junior archery leader, assisting with three weekly practices throughout the season, mentoring archery members. There were seven members who participated in the state archery tournament in Bozeman, Brad Hjartarson, Miles Geer, Katelyn Suta, Will Suta, Taos Wellman, Maddie Largo, and Lexi Stubbs. The 4-H program in Glacier County continues to grow, thanks to the efforts of leaders and parents willing to contribute.

Caption: The Marias Fair is a highlight for 4-H, but members are busy year round.

Credit: Kari Lewis

Unveiling Unity: Glacier County's Non-Profit Community Connection Expo

The Non-profit Community Connection Expo co-sponsored by MSU Extension and Glacier County’s Reimagining Rural committee, was held in Glacier County and was a resounding success. The event brought together over 200 individuals from various walks of life, all with a common goal: to make a positive impact on their community. The expo was organized as a trade show, with each non-profit organization setting up colorful and informative booths. Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from different causes, gaining insights into the remarkable work being done within the county. It was a day filled with enthusiasm and a sense of unity, as people explored their options for volunteering, donating, or otherwise supporting these vital organizations. The impact of hosting such a program was profound. Many attendees discovered new passions and interests that aligned with the missions of the non-profits present. Numerous individuals signed up as volunteers, committed to dedicating their time and skills to causes they deeply cared about. Others pledged financial support, recognizing the crucial role these organizations played in addressing pressing issues within the community. For the non-profits themselves, the expo proved invaluable in expanding their reach and connecting with potential supporters, ultimately helping them to fulfill their missions more effectively.

Caption: New residents, Chris and Alissa Hapka and daughter Hannah, enjoyed seeing what all the community offers at the Community Connection Expo, including visiting with FAST Blackfeet.

Credit: Brian Kavanagh

Contact

1210 E. Main
Cut Bank, MT 59427
406-873-2239
https://www.montana.edu/extension/glacier/