Musselshell-Golden Valley County

Musselshell and Golden Valley counties are in the South-Central region of the state of Montana. As of July 1, 2022, Musselshell County had a population of 5,197 and Golden Valley County had a population of 835. The Musselshell Valley has an exciting history which may be learned about at the local museum open May through September. The Heritage Trail and River Walk follows the Musselshell River which offers beautiful scenery of the Musselshell County Fairgrounds. Ryegate is the county seat for Golden Valley County and includes the town of Lavina. Roundup is the county seat for Musselshell County and includes the towns of Melstone and Musselshell. The major industries for both counties include cattle production, crop production, and coal mining. MSU Extension continues to foster the positive relationship with county commissioners in each county to communicate emerging programming needs for area communities.

Spring Workshop Series

Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension offered a three-part spring workshop series focused on different topics. The series was held on April 17, April 24, and May 1. Topics included spring preparation regarding cut flowers and vegetable, insect identification and garden issues, and intensive gardening methods. MSU Extension partnered with Andi Thatcher, President of the Montana Cut Flower Association to speak on the first topic of the series. Andi discussed key growing tips for cut flowers which participants could use for the Roundup area. Marni Rolston, the Insect Diagnostician from the Schutter Diagnostic Lab presented on basic insect identification steps and discussed some common garden issues to be aware of. Participants were able to practice their newly learned identification skills with several specimens which were provided by Marni. Jennifer Solf, Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension Agent, spoke on intensive gardening methods for the final part of the series. The square foot gardening method was discussed, and participants mapped their own square foot gardening grid in preparation for planting. This series served as an opportunity for participants to learn and share their own experiences with all levels of gardeners before the growing season.

Caption: The Montana Cut Flower Association Logo

Credit: Andi Thatcher

Water Bath Canning Salsa Workshop

Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension partnered with Yellowstone MSU Extension to offer a water bath canning workshop in May. This workshop focused on making and canning salsa using the water bath food preservation method. Sara Fluer, Yellowstone County MSU Extension Agent, and Jennifer Solf, Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension Agent, co-taught the workshop. General high acid canning information and food safety was covered through a presentation. Participants prepared the salsa and gained hands-on experience during each step of the way. This workshop served as an assessment opportunity to determine the need for additional food preservation education for the Musselshell and Golden Valley County area. Participants shared their increased interest and need in additional food preservation topics which will be an added focus to MSU Extension programs throughout Musselshell and Golden Valley Counties.

Caption: Jennifer Solf discussing food safety for water bath canning

Credit: Sara Fluer

4-H Legislative Breakfast Attendance

The Musselshell-Golden Valley 4-H Program had two youth members attend Montana Citizenship Seminar and the Biennial 4-H Legislative Breakfast in Helena in January. These events served as a great opportunity for youth members to connect with other 4-H members from across the state, learn more about our government, and meet with area legislators. Youth delegates included Remington Hiester and Russell Lang. These delegates sent a personal invitation to area legislators, Senator Barry Usher and Representative Greg Oblander, to the Biennial 4-H Legislative Breakfast. Both legislators were able to attend the breakfast and visit with the youth delegates. The Musselshell-Golden Valley 4-H Program looks forward to sending additional youth members to future state-wide 4-H events.

Caption: Pictured left to right: Senator Barry Usher, Remington Hiester, Jennifer Solf, Russell Lang, and Representative Greg Oblander

Credit: Jennifer Solf

Contact

204 8th Ave East
Roundup, MT 59072
406-323-2704
https://www.montana.edu/extension/musselshell-goldenvalley