4-H Newsletter January 2021
Project Books
Packets with project books were mailed December 11. If you did NOT receive a packet, please let us know.
Also, we are happy to take back project books with which you are done.Thank you!
Become an Ambassador!
The deadline for ambassador applications has been extended to January 15, 2021.If you are 14 years of age or older and want to learn more about the ambassador opportunity, please contact Jane at 590-2492.
The Office
The MSU Extension Office Teton County is OPEN most of the time event though the window is down. Please come into the Administrative Office (Jamie and Sharla's office) when you need assistance. If you don't find someone there, please check Karen and Jane's offices. Thank you!
All the News!
In order to limit "touch points," we have stopped printing and mailing the newsletter.If you are absolutely unable to print it for your use but want a hard copy, please contact the Extension Office.Thank you.
The Next 31...and Beyond
January 4 Deadline for Beef Possession, Paperwork and Photos
January 15 Deadline for Ambassador Applications
All scheduled activities subject to change due to COVID!
Are You Enrolled in Teton County 4-H?
Below is a list of youth and adults enrolled in each club. If your name is not listed below, you are not enrolled. Please enroll as ssoon as possible. An order for project books will be placed soon! If you need assistance enrolling, please use the Chat feature in ZSuite or contact the office.
Challenging Champs
Amara Bodkins
Deanna Burgmaier
Antonia Diekhans
Benjamin Diekhans
Calvin Diekhans
Kelsy Diekhans
Tyler Ellsworth
Cameron Keel
Madison Keel
Remington Licht
Ruger Licht
Kristen Martinez
Sammy Martinez
Zoe Martinez
Cathy Maurer
Tessa McFarlin
Kamri Neuman
Kinlie Neuman
Claire Pfeifle
Ethan Pfeifle
Sydney Simons
Jersey Somerfeld
Leona Somerfeld
Jordyn Stengrimson
Terrance Stengrimson
Cannon Stewart
Christina Stewart
McKenzie Stewart
Paisley Stewart
Abigail Toeckes
Caleb Toeckes
Grace Toeckes
Isaac Toeckes
Jackson Toeckes
Jessica Toeckes
Laura Toeckes
Laura L.N. Toeckes
Maggie Toeckes
Mikayla Toeckes
Doug Ulsh
Dylan Ulsh
Jennifer Ulsh
Hendrika Willekes
Tanner Willekes
Colin Woodhouse
Eager Eagles
Logan Becker
Kyndal Becker
Kamber Bender
Kaylie Bender
Keira Bender
Kinsey Bender
Caden Brooks
Ayden DeBruycker
Kelly DeBruycker
Nolan DeBruycker
Kingston Egbert
Clayton Forseth
Justin Forseth
Nolan Forseth
Harper Hirst
Annika Konen
Heidi Konen
Madeline Konen
Michael Konen
Waverly Konen
Emilee Lear
Angus Lidstrom
Kameron Lidstrom
Elexis McCann
Alexis Morris
Ashle Morris
Katy Morris
Cari Ostberg
Luke Ostberg
Shea Ostberg
Stephen Ostberg
Aundra Passmore
Addie Pearson
Heidi Pearson
Korbin Pearson
Ronnie Pearson
Taylee Pearson
Caleb Rammell
Hunter Rammell
Jeremiah Rammell
Leisal Rammell
Tristan Rammell
Trever Severinsen
Pete Townsend
Tammy Townsend
Chelsee Yeager
Cyler Yeager
Justyce Yeager
Kande Yeager
Kyona Yeager
Rusch Yeager
Old Agency
Jason Asselstine
Jennifer Asselstine
Taylor Asselstine
Bellamy Beadle
Darren Beadle
Kayla Breen
Cathy Campbell
Addi Christensen
Rachel Christensen
Ainsley DeBruycker
Sadie Grove
Blake Gunderson
Kale Gunderson
Dillon Harrell
Blake Hodgskiss
Grant Hodgskiss
Hayden Hodgskiss
Leane Hodgskiss
Natalie Hodgskiss
Atha Johns
Charlie Long
Claire Long
Laudi Long
Lauren Long
Andrew Major
Carolyn Major
Jacob Major
Katie Major
Mark Major
Abram Martin
Hannah Martin
Ledger Martin
Pax Martin
Callie McLaughlin
Seeley Neal
Becky Preston
Tevyn Schwenke
Trent Taylor
Prairie Stars
Lynda Allen
Myles Allen
Saber Allen
Ariana Banner
Avery Banner
Gage Banner
McCoy Banner
Bryce Bedord
Debie Briscoe
Kwin Briscoe
Jeffery Burton
Abigail deVos
Cole deVos
Josh deVos
Salina deVos
Ashley Heagy
Eden Heagy
Kimber Heagy
Golden Holmquist
Presley Holmquist
Marla Holmquist
Hillary Killorn
Taela Knable
Trinity Knable
Haven Murphy
Walker Murphy
Weston Murphy
Wyatt Murphy
Brent Roeder
Tracie Roeder
McKinlee Winston
Natalee Winston
Rocky Mountain Top Shots
Connor Beachy
Josh Beachy
Colter Dowdy
Fred Ginther
Dakota Gibson
Jason Gibson
Cord Gough
Ephriam Gough
Tana Gough
Riley Gough
Jonathan Harris
Alan Peace
Spring Creek
Payson Allaire
Rylynn Allaire
Carson Crary
Danelle Crary
Dusty Crary
Ed Garon
Kyle Haas
Lisa Haas
Matthew Haas
Bo Lytle
Jo Lynn Miller
Maili Miller
Nick Miller
Sareena Murnane
Anna Paulson
Leah Paulson
Cynthia Rice
Linda Rice
Susan Snyder
Colin Trahan
Harlee Trahan
Hunter Watkins
Summer Watkins
Teton County Horse Club
Kate Banner
Todd Banner
Samantha Brooks
Elisabeth Brown
Ava Currey
Cora Dowdy
Cale Fryberger
Carter Fryberger
Clancy Fryberger
Connor Fryberger
Ella Fryberger
Jimmy Fryberger
Madelena Preston
Scotty Sivumaki
Dusty Weaver
Kody Weaver
Sara Weaver
Montana Winter Fair Ag Ambassador Competition 2021
When:Saturday, January 30, 2021
Where:Virtually
Who:Open to ANY student in grades 7-12.
There are no separate divisions and younger students may end up competing against high school students.
As part of the event, students are asked to tell the story of agriculture through a variety of methods. The topic this year is Diversity in Montana Agriculture. The topic is intentionally broad, because we want to encourage creativity, but students can focus on diversity as it relates to people in Montana agriculture, types of crops/livestock, new or innovative production/management ideas, or even diversity in end products from Montana agriculture.
There are minor changes to components, so please review the contest requirements below:
1)Newspaper Article – 500-800 words, will be sent to event organizers ahead oftime
2)Radio Spot – 50-60 seconds long, pre-recorded and sent to event organizers ahead of time
3)Social Media Posts & Marketing Plan –3 posts on any appropriate platform, including a picture or video (max.30 sec.), and posts written using 40 words or less; sent to organizers ahead of time
a.Marketing Plan: submitted with posts and defines target audience by location, age, gender, interests, etc.
4)Interview – mock TV interview happening day of competition
5)Prepared Speech – 7-12 minutes, delivered on day of competition
Cash Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 competitors. Students must participate in all 5 contest components to be eligible for awards.
Clubs and Committees
Challenging Champs
Submitted by Amara Bodkins
The Challenging Champs 4-H Club met on November 1, 2020 at 2 pm. Sixteen members, two Cloverbuds, and six adults were present. Calvin Diekhans led the American Pledge and Jessica Toeckes led the 4-H pledge. Secretary Amara Bodkins led roll call and wrote down members' names to be documented for the 4-H year. The minutes were read from the special Webex meeting with Jack Toeckes moving to approve the minutes, and Jessica Toeckes seconding the motion. The motion carried. October’s meeting minutes were approved as well. Laura Toeckes stated the treasurer’s report which is $3892.42 with no bills to be paid at the moment and a closing balance of $3892.42. Smoot Honey Company donated $48 in cash to our club, and the money needs to be deposited. Jack made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report with a second from Jessica, and the motion carried.
For old business, leader Kelsy Diekhans, provided a template for our 4-H meeting committee with monthly demonstrations and activities. President Jersey Somerfeld reminded everyone that December 1st is the deadline for signing up for 4-H or else a fee is to be paid. Claire Pfeifle reported that cleaning the gym went well after basketball games and that many younger 4-Hers participated.
Members Jessica, Calvin, Zoe, Isaac, and Jack reported on highway cleaning from last meeting and stated their interesting finds. Laura Toeckes brought templates to consider for our 4-H merchandise to be purchased for our members by our club. For new business Jersey told us about caring tree tags and asked members if they wanted to do them as in previous years. Jack moved to do caring tree tags, and Jessica seconded it. The motion carried. We scheduled our Christmas party for December 6 at 2 pm with our meeting included. Leona will call to reserve the hall, and the Somerfelds will be in charge of the activity for the party. Jack motioned to have the Christmas party and Jessica seconded it. Motion passed. Deanna told members of some projects that could be done for beginner sewers and quilters if they wanted to join sewing or quilting. Maggie Toeckes will compete in Make It With Wool November 7. Maggie was in the paper for her art during National 4-H week. For project reports, Annie told us about her scrap quilt she is working on, and brought the blocks she finished to show.She will either use the quilt for her bed or as an ambulance quilt. Jersey told us about how her grandma and she made a long twin quilt and about the 25 lap robes she completed that will be going to Butte for veterans. Our next meeting will be December 6, at 2 pm. Jessica moved to adjourn the meeting and Annie seconded.Sammi Martinez demonstrated how to decorate cookies and let members decorate their own. Cloverbuds Ben and Abigail learned about the 4-H Pledge and recited it in front of the club, and showed the Lego parts they made for each part of the 4-H Pledge.
4-H Council Meeting
4-H Council Meeting Minutes
Monday November 23, 2020
Online WebEx Meeting
The 4-H Council meeting was called to order by Vice President Taylor Asselstine at 6:09 p.m. on Monday November 23, 2020. President Madeline Konen was unable to join the meeting due to internet connection complications. In attendance were Taylor Asselstine, Kelly DeBruycker, Jane Wolery, Leona Somerfeld, Danelle Crary, Kwin Briscoe, Debbie Briscoe, Shea Ostberg, Atha Jones, Karen Forseth, Maggie Toekes, and Jen Asselstine.The pledges were not recited.
Introductions:We welcomed Karen Forseth as the new Teton County Ag Agent.
Roll Call:Roll call was taken by Taylor Asselstine.
Voting members were established as follows
Teton County 4-H Council voting members
Vice president:Taylor Asselstine, Secretary: Kelly DeBruycker, Treasurer: Jen Asselstine, President: Not present
Club voting members
Challenging Champs: Leona Somerfeld (leader), Horse Club: Kwin Briscoe, Eager Eagles: Shea Ostberg, Prairie Stars: Debbie Briscoe (leader), Old Agency: Atha Jones (left early), Spring Creek: Danelle Crary (leader), Sun River Rough Riders: Not present, Top Shots: Not present, Audit & Budget: Not present, Awards: Not present, Communications: Not Present
Presentations:No presentations
Minutes:
The previous meetings minutes from Monday May 18th, 2020 were made available to those in attendance as an attachment to the online meeting for review.There was no discussion or changes made to the minutes.Kwin Briscoe moved to approve the minutes as presented.Atha Jones seconded the motion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Report:
Taylor Asselstine gave the treasurer’s report
Savings account: $25,607.72
Checking account: $27,287.79
Correspondence & Announcements: None
Committee Reports:
Livestock: (Report by Danelle Crary & Karen Forseth)
The Livestock Committee has met.They welcomed Karen Forseth as the new Teton County Ag Agent.The committee is working on getting things in place for the 2020-2021 Teton County 4-H Fair in June.The committee is continuing to plan as last year and hoping to have a fair without restrictions this year.Danelle states that at the meeting a motion was made that second, third, and fourth animals, that pay a full assessment fee, would be able to be shipped and eligible for the carcass competitions just as first animals have been in the past.Arrangements are being made to investigate possible processors.Danelle and Karen both state that the committee is in the preliminary stages of set up for fair and prepared to go in different directions if needed due to possible Covid-19 restrictions.
Exchange: No report
Fair: No report
Awards: No report
Budget & Audit: (Report by Jane Wolery)
Jane Wolery and Jen Asselstine have met and reviewed the budget.A preliminary proposed budget will be reviewed later in the meeting.Jen Asselstine states that it has been difficult to formulate the 2020-2021 budget due to the many restrictions and budget adjustments during the 2019-2020 4-H year because of the Covid-19 situation.She states that she has prepared the 2020-2021 budget based on a couple of years past.
Textiles: No report
Record Books: (Report by Leona Somerfeld)
Leona Somerfeld states that she and Susan Snyder reviewed and judged the record books submitted for quality judging.The winners were sent their award letters and checks.
Horse: (Report by Kelly DeBruycker)
The Teton County Horse Club met on October 31, 2020 at the 406 Arena for a kickoff riding meeting. At the end of the riding meeting a short and informal informational meeting was held.It was decided that riding meetings will now be held separately for Western/English Horsemanship members and Working Ranch Horse members.This will give each discipline more specific riding and instructional time.Western/English Horsemanship and Working Ranch Horse will hold meetings once a month to be scheduled on rotating Saturdays and Sundays at the 406 Arena.Some members will overlap.Salina deVos will be dedicated to the Western/English Horsemanship members and Samantha Brooks will be dedicated to the Working Ranch Horse members.
Communications: No report
Other Business:
Coding for Kids:
Coding for kids met through the spring with Jamie Smith and Ed Garon.They stopped meeting in June.Even with the restrictions, the program was successful.They are hoping to start the program again in the next couple of months.
Unfinished Business:
PA Policy -- $3000 value, stickers made:
A new PA system was purchased last year with the $3000 grant money from Sun River Electric.The old PA system is still in working order.In the past the PA system has been loaned out for use in the community.The discussion now is whether the Teton County 4-H Council wants to loan out the new PA system or the old PA system for community use.Leona Somerfeld asked how often someone asks to borrow the system. Jane Wolery stated about 3-4 times per year.Leona Somerfeld made a motion that the Teton County 4-H Council loan or make available the old PA system for community use and only allow the new PA system to be used for 4-H and Extension activities.Kwin Briscoe seconded the motion.There was no further discussion. The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Money for Weatherbeater Window
Jane Wolery states that the 4-H Council discussed this last year.There is a broken window at the concession stand that is used by 4-H members/clubs during the annual 4-H Fair.Jane states that the Weatherbeater board has met twice and has not decided how to proceed with fixing this window.They received a bid from Christensen Construction for last year for $1130.00 to replace the entire window with slides that slide sideways.Jane is wondering if the Teton County 4-H Council wants to put money toward the window or table this?Leona Somerfeld asked if the Teton County 4-H Council pays a fee to use the Weatherbeater facility during the fair.Jane replied, no.Jane states that any money allocated toward this project could come out of last years budget since there is a surplus.Danelle Crary made a motion to table this discussion until the 2020-2021 budget has been reviewed and the first reading accepted.Leona Somerfeld seconded.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.After the 2020-2021 budget was reviewed and accepted later in the meeting the Teton County 4-H Council returned to this agenda item.Danelle Crary made a motion to table the discussion again about allocating funds from the Teton County 4-H Councilbudget to assist in fixing this window due to more improvements needed at the Weatherbeater to be discussed at the next Weatherbeater board meeting.Leona Somerfeld seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Awards Policy: No discussion
Other: None
New Business:
Enrollment – Committee enrollment:
Enrollment for the 2020-2021 4-H year will be through ZSuite.The enrollment period ends on December 1.Currently enrolled iin Teton County:
Youth 125 enrolled 59 not yet enrolled 193 enrolled last year
Adults 46 enrolled 26 not yet enrolled 77 enrolled last year
COVID and Event Planning: (Report by Jane Wolery)
Jane states that the Teton County Extension office is forwarding all information from the State MSU Extension Office to all clubs and members and following the guidelines as best they can.She states that the Extension Office is taking each event as it comes in regard to restrictions.Jane states that the Extension Office can be of assistance to clubs by helping set up virtual WebEx meetings.She is also looking for volunteers to conduct project meetings via the WebEx platform.
New in 2021: (Jane Wolery)
All 4-H volunteers will need to complete training prior to certification.This is from the State MSU Extension Office.The modules for training will be available to complete online or in person.
Advertising expense report from fair: (Jane Wolery)
Due to the Covid-19 situation and restrictions that affected the 2019-2020 Teton County 4-H Fair, expenses were spent from different entities than originally planned when the 2019-2020 budget was accepted. For example, the Extension Office paid for the auctioneer at the virtual sale and Double Arrow Veterinary Clinic paid for the Stage Stop Inn meeting room rental.Jane Wolery states that this year we will need to be more strategic in terms of how advertising dollars are spent. We may want to spend with the Choteau Acantha and the Fairfield Sun Times proportionally to subscriptions base.See line item “publication for newspaper costs” in the minutes below.
2021 Friends of 4-H: (Jane Wolery)
Friends of 4-H for 2019-2020 were Choteau Fire Department, 3 Rivers Communications, and Kayla and Jerry Breen.Who should we give this award to in 2020-2021?Jane Wolery asked that council members and clubs be thinking of suggestions.Suggestions can be given to the Extension Office.A few suggestions were made at this meeting.Teton County 4-H Council secretary, Kelly DeBruycker, will have the ideas for future reference.
4-H Banner for 406 Arena -- $300: (Jane Wolery)
As a form of sponsorship, Jane is asking if the Teton County 4-H Council would like to allocate funds for a 4-H banner to be hung at the 406 Arena in Vaughn.The cost is $300 per year.Jen Asselstine stated that she really like the idea and wondered if Cascade County would co-sponsor the banner with Teton County.Kelly DeBruycker like the idea of co-sponsorship with Cascade county since the 406 Arena gives the horse members a discount to ride all winter and that we already co-sponsor the working ranch horse show with Cascade County and have for the past two years.Danelle Crary wondered how this expenditure would fit into the current 2020-2021 budget since we are tabling other expenditures at this time.Jane states that in the past the advertising budget has been $800, and we have only used about $300.She states that the money is there and even better if we split the cost with Cascade County.Jane also states that the livestock committee is shifting to pay more of their share of advertising costs.Danelle Crary noticed that we were $1000 over budget last year for advertising and she is wondering if this was from additional livestock costs in 2019-2020.Taylor Asselstine asked, “what do we do with remaining funds left from the 2019-2020 4-H year”?Jen Asselstine states that the left-over funds have made “padding” in the checking account.There has been no transfer of funds from checking to savings.Jen states that $3000 less was spent on fair expense last year.Also, there was less spent on awards and there was no 4-H camp.More was spent on advertising to get 4-H in front of people during the 2010-2020 4-H year because of Covid-19 restrictions.Fair ads: $424.00 Fairfield Sun Times and $644.00 in the Choteau Acantha.Fair week costs: $392.00 Choteau Acantha and $175.00 in the Fairfield Sun Times.Jen Asselstine made a motion to ask Cascade County to split the $300 cost of a 4-H banner with Teton County to be hung at the 406 Arena as a co-sponsorship for the 2020-2021 4-H year.Each county will pay $150.If Cascade County does not agree the Teton County 4-H Council will re-address at a later date.Danelle Crary seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.Jane Wolery will speak to Cascade County regarding this motion.
Reading of the 2020-2021 Teton County 4-H Council budget:
The proposed 2020-2021 budget was reviewed by all present.See all discussion on various line items in the minutes regarding the budget and questioned answered.Leona Somerfeld asked who pays for WebEx?Jane Wolery responded that the MSU provides WebEx to all faculty.Danelle Crary made a motion to accept the first reading of the 2020-2021 Teton County 4-H Council budget.Leona Somerfeld seconded.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Publications for newspaper costs: (Jane Wolery)
2019-2020 Friends of 4-H Ads:Choteau Acantha = $84.00, Fairfield Sun Times = $78.00
National 4-H Week 2020:Choteau Acantha = $981.84 (includes layout, design, and printing), Fairfield Sun Times = $175.00
Jane Wolery states that these costs could come out of the 2019-2020 budget left over funds.
Danelle Crary made a motion that the Teton County 4-H Council pay for the publications of
2019-2020 Friends of 4-H Ads:Choteau Acantha = $84.00, Fairfield Sun Times = $78.00, National 4-H Week 2020:Choteau Acantha = $981.84 (includes layout, design, and printing), Fairfield Sun Times = $175.00from the 2019-2020 Teton County 4-H Council budget.Leona Somerfeld seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Shooting sports facility rent/donation: (Jane Wolery)
Jane Wolery states that the shooting clubs have been using the Fairfield shooting range facility free of charge for the last few years.It was brought to her attention that they would appreciate a donation to help with heating and electricity expenses.They are asking for $100 - $500.There is currently $250 in the budget for shooting sports.Leona Somerfeld asked if the money could come out of another line item.Jen Asselstine stated that the money could come out of the youth education and travel line item of the budget since she does not see much of that money being used this year.Jen suggested that $500 could be split $250 from each line item of shooting sports and youth education and travel.Leona Somerfeld made a motion that the Teton County 4-H Council donate $500 to the Fairfield shooting range facility with the funds to be split $250 each from the line items of shooting sports and youth education and travel.Kwin Briscoe seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Orange vests with 4-H clover (40 at each location): (Jane Wolery)
Jane Wolery states that more and more 4-H members are participating in activities that require the members to be visible such as 4-H camp, highway clean-up, and 4-H fair set up.She is thinking it would be nice to have #40 vests in each location of clubs, Choteau, Fairfield, and Power.Amazon has #10 vests for $21.47 ($2.15 each).Annie Olson, as a local vendor, can make the vests with the 4-H clover at $11.00 each.We could also check with other local vendors within the county.Jen Asselstine states that the vests do seem to “walk off.”Danelle Crary wonders if the investment would be better made by each individual club.Kwin Briscoe states that Prairie Stars already has their own vests.Jen Asselstine made a motion that it will be recommended that the local Teton County 4-H clubs purchase their own vests, to keep with club leaders, to be used for public visibility and safety reasons.The Teton County 4-H Council will buy #10-#20 vests to keep on hand at the Teton County Extension Office.Danelle Crary seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote. The motion passed unanimously.
Boe Brothers Scholarship: (Jane Wolery)
Jane is asking for volunteers to assist her in formulating a directional pandemic policy to go along with the Boe Brothers scholarship.She would like the policy to be written so that recipients are not penalized for not being a full-time student if they are taking only a couple of classes online due to the pandemic.This would give flexibility to those who have received or applied for the scholarship options to adjust the scholarship based on individual needs during the pandemic.Volunteers interested in helping can contact the Extension Office.
Officer Elections:
Taylor Asselstine was nominated by Kelly DeBruycker for the Teton County 4-H Council secretary position.Taylor declined the nomination.A text nomination came to Jane Wolery nominating Kelly DeBruycker to the Teton County 4-H Council secretary position.Kelly accepted the nomination.
Vice President Nominations:Kwin Briscoe, Shea Ostberg, Maggie Toeckes, Kyona YeagerSecretary Nominations:Alexis Morris, Kelly DeBruycker
Jen Asselstine made a motion to close nominations for Teton County 4-H Council vice president and secretary positions.Kwin Briscoe seconded the motion.There was no further discussion.The motion proceeded to a vote.The motion passed unanimously.
Votes were cast via text to Jane Wolery.Kwin Briscoe is the new Teton County 4-H Council vice president.Kelly DeBruycker will remain the Teton County 4-H Council secretary.
Leona Somerfeld made a motion to adjourn the meeting.Kelly DeBruycker seconded the motion.The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Cascade County 4-H Member Has Sheep to Sell
Three Texel breeding ewes and a Texel/Icelandic ram for sale. None of the sheep have been registered. Two of the ewes are three years old and have both lambed twins twice, the third ewe is two years old and never lambed. The ram is two years and successfully bred last fall. The ram was turned out with the ewes on 10-11-20. The ewes and ram both received ivermectin drench dewormer last fall, as well as booster shots last winter/spring. May be sold separately.
Pictures and more information upon request. Price and pictures for lambing and breeding supplies also upon request.
Email: [email protected]; Phone #: (406) 217-1923-Hannah Rhodesl
2021 Legislative Breakfast
When:Monday, January 18 7-8 p.m. Orientation meeting with participants
AND
Tuesday, January 19, 6:15-7:30 a.m. with Montana Legislators
Where:Virtually
Who:4-H members ages 8 and up
Cost:No cost
How to Register:Login to the primary or volunteer account in ZSuite.Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the event you would like to register for.Click the pink Register Now button.Select the 4-H member you are registering and complete the registration for each member attending.
Legislative Breakfast is a statewide Montana 4-H event hosted by The Montanans for4-H. This event depends on local county participation to bring informed youth and adult participants together with state legislators to communicate theimpact 4-H has on their community and our state. This event is open to active 4-H members and volunteers that are interested in citizenship andsharing positive information about 4-H with statewide lawmakers. This year's event (2021) will be held virtually using the Zoom platform.
Learn more about Legislative Breakfast and the Montanans for 4-H on their website.
Sunday, January 17, 2021 Leadership Academy
This workshop is focused on citizenship and talking with legislators. Anyone 12+ that wants more in-depth workshop on: Zoom etiquette, conversation starters, who are your legislators, 4-H talking points, and talking about your4-H experiences.
Who Can Join? Any 4-H member or volunteer that would like to share with Montana legislators about the positive impact 4-H has on their own lives and their community. There will be a registration process for those that want to participate so we can collect information to send zoom links etc. Sign up If you are interested in participating in this event please contact the Extension Office.
Citizenship Seminar
The 2021 Montana 4-H Citizenship Seminar will take place virtually using Zoom. Participants will interact with 4-H members from across the State as they study the many aspects of citizenship. They will learn how to write a bill and will be part of a “mock” legislature, acting as 4-H “Senators.” Bills will be debated incommittees and on the 4-H Senate Floor.
When:The Seminar will be a 4-week program. It will start on Tuesday, January 19 and continue January 26, February 2 and 9. Each session will be at
6:00-8:30pm via Zoom.
Eligibility:4-H members must be 13 years of age by October 1, 2020 and must NOT have attended Montana 4-H Citizenship Seminar previously.
Registration:Registration deadline is January 8, 2021. County offices must register youth using 4-H ZSuites. Please provide a current e-mail for member participating and a parent. E-mails will be used to send seminar information and the Zoom link for each session.
Bills:Every delegate is expected to sponsor one “bill” suitable for the mock
4-H Legislature. If a delegate already has a bill written it can be submitted electronically to Melody Harris at [email protected] by January 11, 2021. The bills will be reviewed and grouped by topic area prior to the event. If a delegate decides not to write a bill, they will have the opportunity to write a bill at the Seminar.
Forms:There are no additional forms required beside enrollment information, including waivers being complete in Zsuite.
Checklist:Please complete the following by January 8, 2021
_____Registration through 4-H ZSuites
Email Melody Harrisor contact her at 406-256-2824 with questions.
4-H Seniors and Scholarships
Information on scholarship will be sent directly to 4-H seniors.In early December, you should watch for information on the Boe Brothers and Anne Wiprud Scholarships.
The Montana 4-H Scholarship application for statewide scholarships will be posted online in December. The deadline for these scholarships is April 1, 2021. Find out more about the Montana 4-H Scholarships.
4-H Leadership and Community Service
Hi.My name is Hadley Barbie of the Clever Clovers 4-H club in Glacier County. My favorite 4-H project would definitely be the dog project. I showed my dog, Gus, at the Marias Fair in Shelby, Montana, for the past five years and in the fall of 2019, I lost him unexpectedly to stomach cancer. He was only 6 years old. I decided to find a way to pay tribute to Gus through 4-H so I submitted a request to the 4-H Foundation’s People Partner Grant to help me renovate the run-down dog arena and bleachers at my fairgrounds. I was successfully chosen and received $300. I found some amazing businesses and people to partner up with to help me with my project. I successfully completed the renovation amidst Covid-19 and I am very excited to see the arena and bleachers used for many years to come.This project tied in very nicely with my 4-H leadership project and community service goals. I have learned many valuable skills by completing my leadership/4-H People Partner Grant project. It truly was a positive and rewarding experience. I would like to share my experience and encourage other 4-Hers to find projects in their communities by offering a brief presentation for 4-Hers at club meetings or perhaps as a session on a project day. I look forward to hearing from you and visiting with your amazing 4-Hers!Contact Hadley at (406) 229-5505 or [email protected]
People Partner Grants
The People Partner Grants grants provide incentives and financial support to groups and individuals for programs that enhance the quality of living for people in their communities.
Each application is eligible for up to $500.
4-H Groups and individual members may apply. Grants are also open to non-4-H youth groups and individuals. Applications should meet the following criteria:
- Youth should be involved in determining, planning, conducting, and evaluating the project.
- Project will make it possible for people to accomplish something educational and worthwhile that helps them reach a higher quality of life.
- There is community support and acceptance of the project, as evidenced by “partners” listed in the grant application, additional funding sources, and resource persons and agencies involved.
- The project has lasting benefits.
See Grant Application for more details.
Submit a completed People Partner grant application available to download below postmarked by February 1st deadline. However, applications submitted by January 10th will be reviewed and returned with suggestions for improvement to the application in order to resubmit.
Proposed 4-H Council Budget
Please contact the MSU Extension Teton County Office for a copy of the proposed budget.
For the Good of the Order
Our 4-H Year
As has been the case all year, items listed in each month may change depending upon the COVID situation. this information is provided so families and members know what is upcoming.
October
- Enrollment begins
- National 4-H Week
- Treasurer's books due 10/31
- Ambassador/Teen Leader training
- Choteau Food Drive
November
- Make It With Wool District contest
- National 4-H Congress
- Enrollment continues (deadline 12/1)
December
- Re-enrollment DEADLINE 12/1
January
- Market beef paperwork DUE
- KMON Livestock Judging Contest
February
- Camp planning meetings for counselors
March
- Boe Brothers/Anne Wiprud scholarship applications DUE
- Rec Lab
April
- Market swine/goat/sheep paperwork DUE
- Project drop/add DEADLINE 4/15
- 4-H Foundation scholarships DUE
May
- State awards due 5/1
- Congress Intent to Enter DUE
- Fair registrations DUE
June
- Camp registrations DUE
- Leadership retreat for camp counselors
- Fair June 21-27
July
- 4-H Camp
- 4-H Congress
August
- Record Books DUE 8/15
- 4-H Congress
September
- Enrollment begins
Dues Increase
Our 4-H dues for members and leaders have remained the same for several years.In order to cover the fees associated with being able to pay dues via ZSuite with a credit/debit card, we have increased dues by $1 for each category.PLEASE NOTE: Duesfor members are now $6 and leader dues are $7.We have had some families pay the incorrect amount which makes our bookkeeping complicated. Thank you for remitting the correct dues amount!
2021 Club Rotations
Weatherbeater Concessions-Spring Creek
Fair Project Display-Pavilion-Old Agency
Buyers' Appreciation/Meat & Greet-Prairie Stars & Challenging Champs
Fair Clean Up-Pavilion-Eager Eagles
Camp Rotary Clean Up-Eager Eagles
Need Assistance?
As a youth organization, 4-H strives to meet our members at their own levels of interest, capacity and capability. All 4-Hers are encouraged to visit with the Extension Agents regarding their goals for their 4-H career, so that we may help link them to activities, events and opportunities that will be of value to them.
If a 4-H member requires adjustments or accommodations – ranging from food allergies to wheel chair accessibility to sign language interpreters – we will gladly try to make those accommodations. We rely upon the members and their families to request these modifications of services. To make such a request, you may indicate in writing, or verbally, that you or your child needs accommodations. We are happy to work with you to adapt the 4-H program to fit your needs.
Welcome to ALL!
Civil Rights Policy Statement: Montana State University Extension is committed to ensuring the civil rights of its clients, employees and volunteers. Every client, volunteer and employee must be treated fairly and equitably, with dignity and respect. This policy applies to all clients, volunteers, employees – regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, citizenship, and marital or family status. Each Extension employee and 4-H Leader has an important role in ensuring that our programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with the goals of the program, and for maintaining a positive and equitable environment. We are all responsible to recruit and retain people who are traditionally underrepresented in our programs and employee groups. We broaden our outreach when we are open to a diversity of ideas, cultures, experiences and backgrounds. Not only are our lives enriched, but we also build healthier communities for learning and living.MSU Extension and 4-H are pleased to partner with you to achieve the important goals of equity and fairness to all.
Calendar
January 2021
4: Market Beef in Possession & Paperwork & Photos Due
15: Ambassador Appications Due
February 20201
1: People Partner Grant Applications Due
Extension Events
YAM: Jane wolery will again be teaching YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) class thiswinter in Chtoeau and Dutton/Brady High Schools.
Cropping Seminar: Karen Forseth will host the Cropping Seminar on January 5 at the Stage Stop Inn. Registration is required for "in-person" attendance and those spots are limited. Please call the Extension Office to register at 466-2491.
Fair Dates
The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes
a Sunday.
2021 June 20-25
2022 June 24-30
2023 June 19-25
2024 June 24-30
2025 June 24-29
MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
Agents:
Karen Forseth: [email protected]
Jane Wolery: [email protected]
Assistants:
Sharla Hinman & Jamie Smith [email protected]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717