Phillips County
2023 MSU Extension Highlights
2023 MSU Extension Highlights
Phillips County is in North Central Montana along what is known as the Hi-Line. The county is approximately 5,212 square miles, with 363,000 acres of cropland, and 40,000 acres in irrigated cropland. It is the second-largest county in Montana by land area and the third-largest by total area. Primary crops grown in the county are winter wheat, spring wheat, alfalfa and pulse crops. A few irrigated crops include corn, alfalfa and grass hay. Livestock enterprises are mostly cow-calf beef cattle operations, with a few sheep operations. The Phillips County 4-H program has 150 youth members, 35 volunteers, and five active clubs. The population of Phillips County is approximately 5,000 people. The area offers a variety of recreation from hunting to fishing and boating to riding UTVs.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
We've got water... Well at least some
Over the past four years, Phillips County has dealt with little-to-no moisture during the winter and spring. This spring and summer things were a little different. With decent amounts of rainfall, the reservoirs stayed full until mid-summer and livestock had water. Our crops had a great deal of growth and were looking good until the grasshoppers moved in. Unfortunately, grasshopper control is still an issue to work on. We're hopeful that next year will be another one with good moisture, healthy animals and productive crops.
Caption: South of Dodson, MT.
Credit: Randee Lundstrum
4-H & Youth Development
2023 Phillips County Fair
We had a great turnout at this year’s fair. New scheduling featured the small animal show prior to the fair at our local pavilion. 4-H members showed cats, dogs, chickens, ducks and even a guinea pig. The horse show was held successfully at the pavilion,thanks to a great crew of horse project leaders. As the fair commenced, so did the heat. The hog participant numbers were up by 20 from the previous year. Judge Mark King did a fantastic job, taking the time to give each showman constructive criticism, which provided feedback and learning for all the members and families.
Caption: Lyla Warren with her angora rabbit.
Credit: Christina Murphy
Agriculture & Natural Resources
We Have A New Agent
Christina Murphy said “I am originally from western Montana. I enjoy the outdoors, riding horses, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. I also spend my time doing leatherwork and playing with my beautiful border collie. What I value most about 4-H and Extension is that we are all here for a common goal: to build the agricultural industry. We do this by getting our kids involved in various projects, community service, and engaging them in activities that can lead to career opportunities. Originally working as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor, education is of great importance to me, and I want to continue guiding members to chase their dreams and be involved in the agricultural industry. What I look forward to most about this position is teaching in a different facet, going from teaching in the classroom to teaching members of the community. I want to help members of my community be better stewards of the land and be able to learn new things along the way. I also want to help serve my community by bringing in resources for education that can serve adults and younger members as well.” Welcome to Christina!
Caption: Christina Murphy is the new Phillips County MSU Extension agent.
Credit: Kari Koss
4-H & Youth Development
Starting them young
The Phillips County Fair hosted a handful of young showmen who entered projects through the open class, ranging from a calf to a swine breeding boar and spare show pigs. Most of the showmen were younger siblings of 4-H members, who were waiting to be old enough to enter the showring. These youngsters did a great job, with a deep desire to do well.
Caption: Mark King with Gray and her calf Batman.
Credit: Christina Murphy
Contact
P.O. Box 430 or 10 1/2 S. 4th Street E
Malta, MT 59538
406-654-2543
https://www.montana.edu/extension/phillips/
Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and provider of educational outreach.