Rosebud-Treasure County

Rosebud and Treasure Counties represent a diverse and expansive landscape and population. Covering over 6,000 square miles, the two counties’ vastness includes three incorporated cities, Forsyth, Colstrip and Hysham, as well as several additional communities. The county also borders the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The most northern portions of both counties provide wide open prairies which are met by the Yellowstone River, a resource that runs through both counties. The southern portion of both counties offers more rugged, pine-covered hills. Farming and ranching as well as energy development and railroad make up the majority of the economic drivers in the two counties. The Rosebud-Treasure County Extension office is largely funded by the taxpayers of Rosebud and Treasure Counties. Your local support of Extension services and your financial support is greatly appreciated.

“Forward Forsyth,” a community development corporation, quickly became the Forsyth branding effort's long-term vision, a Reimagining Rural Project spin-off. The idea of a permanent non-profit organization that focuses on creating community improvements started taking root when the group applied for and received a $50,000 grant from the Montana Main Street Program. The funds are being utilized to develop a local branding effort that can be implemented in town, specifically in wayfinding, welcome signage, and downtown beautification, like street pole banners. The group has hired a marketing firm to assist in brand development. However, with the grant and additional project ideas on the horizon, the group is now working to develop the non-profit for future, additional grant funds. Under the leadership and guidance of local MSU Extension staff, the effort is gaining momentum, and the community will soon be seeing real, tangible improvements.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Rosebud CattleWomen, local ranchers, the 4-H Council, and stock sale buyers, the local Beef-to-School program is thriving in Rosebud and Treasure Counties. In 2021, the 4-H Council agreed to buy back a steer from the annual fair’s livestock sale and donate it to the Beef-to-School Program. This action set off a tremendous ripple with other buyers joining in. Since the effort’s start, the Council has donated three steers, and others have donated 14 to the growing program. Managed by the Rosebud CattleWomen, livestock are processed locally and divided amongst area schools. A new addition this year, two hogs were purchased at the county fair and donated to the Forsyth School. Forsyth School received so much beef they had to purchase a new freezer for storage. School lunch programs are able to stretch dollars because of the donations and students enjoy eating local beef, raised by local 4-H’ers.

For 12 years, local women have been gathering twice a week to visit, socialize, and lift weights. While the Strong Women program has changed locations and seen faces come and go, the exercises remain constant. It is one of the longest-running, most successful Extension programs available. Designed as a community-based strength training program for older women from Tufts University, Strong Women is so much more to these locals. Many original participants still attend on a regular basis, and the core group has battled cancer and other health issues, as well as faced the loss of loved ones and some members. The physical health benefits have been measurable, and many note it has helped keep them vibrant as they age. The emotional and social connections have been just as important as participants face life’s many ups and downs. The Strong Women program is planned to continue: as long as the group keeps meeting, they’ll keep lifting.