4-H Newsletter May 2021

Moooving Towards Fair!

Fair is only a couple of months away.For 4-H members enrolled in livestock projects, time is running short to have your project ready! Remember, your animals MUST be well-behaved and safe at the fair. Working with them everyday is the best way to accomplish this.

You will also need to have seven activities done from your project books. You will be questioned on these during the interview judging portion of the fair.This is required to show and sell your animal and one of the things you committed to when you signed your Market Animal Agreement Form.Even better, it is a great way to tell a judge some of the many things you have learned with your market animal.

If you are on the list for needing LQA this year, you have been sent a link for a video that you will need to watch.The video contains questions for you to answer.It only takes an hour and will qualify you for the carcass contest.You have until May 17 to watch the video and answer the questions.

Lastly, start marketing your animal to buyers now! Many businesses require advance notice for making donations and this can take some time. We will be selling online as well as live at this year’s sale. There is always the possibility that your buyer will bid online and you may not see them the day of the sale so don’t wait! Approaching buyers might feel scary so here’s some advice:Look them in the eye.Smile.Speak up and speak clearly. Tell them about what you have learned. Show them pictures.Invite them to the fair or the online sale. Always, always thank them!

If you are an older member, reach out to those new to the project and offer to help. Market animals are a lot of work but the lessons learned are well worth the effort.

The Next 31 Plus

May 17                Deadline for Watching LQA Video

May 28                Fair Registrations Due

June 10               Communications Day

July 27-29            4-H Camp

All scheduled activities subject to change due to COVID!

Congratulations, Seniors!

Justin Forseth, Fairfield High School

Sareena Murnane, Central Catholic High School

Luke Ostberg, Fairfield High School

Caleb Rammell, Choteau High School

4-H Congress

Join us for Camp Congress!July 13 - 16, 2021MSU Campus - Bozeman

We won't be sleeping in tents or cabins, but we will be focusing on all of the things that make 4-H Camp great, like being outdoors, friendship and getting to know people, fun food and just spending time being together with your 4-H peers.

4-H Congress will not look too different this year, but we are making some adjustments just to make sure everyone stays safe. You can expect sleeping in your own room in the Yellowstone dorm, spending a little more time outside than we have in the past, a more casual environment with less sitting at tables and in chairs in a ballroom, working together in small groups and wearing a mask and social distancing. What is important is we will be together and be able to learn, compete and build lasting relationships.

Registration for 4-H Congress will be done through ZSuites this year. To participate in this event please contact your MSU Extension county office as soon as possible for county specific dates, deadlines and participation requirements. Look for registration to open on your ZSuite dashboard in May, 2021.

What about the contests?

Like everything else we are working on the specifics of all of our state contests offered during Montana

4-H Congress, but they will all be offered. Members will register to participate in a contest during registration for the event.

What about Pre-Congress?

We will be having a pre-congress component for those youth that would like to have a leadership role in the event. Pre-Congress applications will be due June 15 along with event registration.

Can I still apply to be an Ambassador Officer?

YES! The Ambassador officer team is a vital part of the Montana 4-H program and we are looking forward to another great team and another great year. Applications will be due June 15 and officer selection will take place July 11-13.

You can find more information about 4-H Congress here.

It has been Teton County policy that first-year attendees do not need to compete, however, given the difficulties of the past year, if you have attended previously and would like an exception to this policy, please contact Jane.Also, 4-H Council will pay 1/2 of the registration fee for participants.

Clubs and Committees

Challenging Champs

Submitted by Amara Bodkins, secretary

The Challenging Champs 4-H club met in person on April 25, 2021 at 2 pm. Thirteen members and 8 adult/leaders were present. Caleb Toeckes led the American Pledge and Jessica Toeckes led the 4-H Pledge. Secretary Amara Bodkins led roll call asking members what their favorite thing was about spring. Jessica motioned to approve the minutes and Cameron Keel seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Treasurer Maggie Toeckes reported that our club had paid $1015 to Kelly Bauchin for our 4-H sweatshirts, and that we now have a balance of $2895.26 with no bills to be paid. For old business, members gave project reports. Jessica reported on the apron she made with Annie for sewing. Caleb and Annie spoke about the deviled eggs and hot chocolate mix they had made for cooking. Calvin Diekhans spoke about his family’s trip to San Antonio. Kinlie Neuman reported on how her pigs were doing. Isaac Toeckes reported on the belt and dog collar he made for leatherwork, and Amara reported on the t-shirt quilt she made. The 4-H sweatshirts are in and members who haven’t gotten them can pick them up. Some members joined the Remind app for notifications. President Jersey Somerfeld reminded livestock members to take LQA training classes to be eligible for carcass awards. Members signed up for Demo day for May 2 and some families signed up for the Community Garden schedule. For new business Jersey asked how members were doing on record books. Our club needs to bill Power Schools for the gym cleaning done after games. Jersey spoke about her experience at 4-H Congress which is scheduled for July 12-16 this year. She strongly encourages members 14 and older to attend. Maggie and Jersey went to the Camp Counselors Meeting and told us the theme for 4-H camp is movies. Leader Leona Somerfeld told members that if they wanted to learn how to decorate cakes she would meet after school on days when people were free. Annie, Jessica, Cameron, and Zoe all wanted to learn how to decorate cakes. Our next meeting will be June 6, 2021. Jessica motioned to adjourn the meeting with a second from Cameron. Amara demonstrated how to make an Eggcellent Snack, and Maggie demonstrated on how to model clothing for textile judging.

Eager Eagles

Submitted by Alexis Morris, secretary

The Eager Eagles met on March 8th, 2021 at 6:35 p.m. at the New Life Church in Fairfield. The pledges were said and secretary Alexis Morris read the meeting minutes and took roll call. Nolan Forseth gave the treasurer's report and we have a balance of $477.86 in our checking account.

Ayden DeBruycker gave the cooking report. The cooking members had a contest to see who could come up with the best mock inaugural lunch menu. Annika Konen and Ayden DeBruycker tied for first place. Each of them was presented with a cookbook. For Valentine’s Day the cooking members prepared cookies for the assisted living facility in Fairfield. Karen Forseth gave the Livestock Committee report. She said swine ear tags have been mailed and they are excited to see pictures of them. Lamb and goat tags should be either in the mail or in your possession by now. Swine paperwork and pictured are due April 5th.Lamb and goat paperwork is due April 19th. There is going to be an online LQA format this year. Karen will get it out around the first of April, and there will be one month to complete. She stated that the next Livestock Committee meeting should be around the first part of April. If you have any questions call the Extension Office!

Sewing club met and they made pillowcases at Berry Patch Quilting in Fairfield. Waverly Konen brought her pillowcase to show the club.The next sewing meeting they plan to make table runners. Ayden DeBruycker gave a report on the Horse Club and they will have a meeting on WebEx about their fair and plan it all out. They are having monthly riding meetings at the 406 Arena. 4H camp is still planned for mid-July. Keep watching email and 4H newsletters for more information.

Reminder: there are feed programs with North 40, Mountain View Co-Op, and West feeds. Each program gives a discount on animal feed and some give a discount on clothing and supplies.Mrs. DeBruycker has 4-H membership green cards available. Another reminder: save any Show Rite feed tags and give them to Mrs. Egbert. These tags will go towards funds for the club at the end of the year.

Market Animals : Remember to have your animals ready for the fair. Animals need to be worked with to ensure safety for everyone involved on show day. If you need some help feel, free to reach out.

The nominations for Outstanding 4-H Alumni are due June 1st. Also, the last day to drop or add projects is April 15th.

Last reminder : Dues need to be given to Nolan Forseth. $6 per member and $7 for each leader/volunteer. The snack fund of $5 per family goes to Mrs. DeBruycker.

The next Eager Eagles meeting will be Monday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the New Life Church in Fairfield.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trever Severinsen and seconded by Kameron Lidstrom. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

4-H Council

Submitted by Kelly DeBruycker, secretary

The Teton County 4-H Council meeting was called to order by President Madeline Konen at 5:01 p.m. on Monday April 19, 2021. Attendance in person included Kelly DeBruycker, Jane Wolery, Jen Asselstine, Kwin Biscoe, Bellamy Beadle and David Chalmers. Virtual attendance included Madeline Konen, Leona Somerfeld, Heidi Pearson, and Salina deVos. The American and 4-H pledges were recited.

Introductions: We welcomed newly certified 4-H volunteer David Chalmers

Roll Call: Roll call was taken by Jane Wolery. Voting members were established as follows.

Teton County 4-H Council voting members

Vice President: Kwin BriscoeSecretary: Kelly DeBruycker

Treasurer: Jen AsselstinePresident: Madeline Konen

Club voting members

Challenging Champs: Leona Somerfeld (leader)Horse Club: Salina deVos (leader)

Eager Eagles: Heidi Pearson (leader)Old Agency: Bellamy Beadle (member)

Prairie Stars: not presentSpring Creek: not present

Sun River Rough Riders: not presentTop Shots: not present

Audit & Budget: not presentAwards: not present

Communications: not presentOther: David Chalmers

Presentations: No presentations

Minutes: Bellamy Beadle made a motion to approve the minutes from Monday November 23, 2020 as written. Kwin Briscoe seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Report:

Jen Asselstine gave the treasurer’s report. She states there have been no recent requests for funds and all outstanding bills are paid and up to date. Checking account: $30,968.30Savings account: $25,608.56

Committee Reports:

Livestock: (Report by Jane Wolery)

The Livestock Committee has met a couple of times. The 2020-2021 Teton County 4-H Fair schedule was reviewed. Livestock shows will be at the Weatherbeater. Buyers can participate in the sale live or online. Market animals will be shown and will walk through the ring at the Weatherbeater. Jerry Collins & Ryan Perry will be the auctioneer/management team for the auction. The 2021 Fair Agenda Draft including livestock show schedules was presented to all present at the meeting.

Fair: (Report by Madeline Konen)

Fair Committee has met. A 2021 Teton County Fair Agenda Draft was given to all in attendance. There will be no concessions or Meat & Greet this year. Ideas for a fair theme are needed. Madeline states that the camp committee has a meeting this evening and will be discussing themes for 4-H camp. Sometimes the theme for camp coincides with the theme for fair. They will wait to decide on a theme based on what is discussed at the camp meeting this evening.

Awards: (Report by Bellamy Beadle)

Awards committee has met. They are no longer going to use the metal medallions as prizes. The committee is considering 4-H backpacks instead of the camp chairs. See further discussion about awards under unfinished business and awards policy.

Textiles: (Report by Jane Wolery)

The textiles committee has not met but will soon. Jane states that intern, Hayley Ries will likely be helping with textiles this year.

Horse: (Report by Kelly DeBruycker)

The horse committee has met. Plans for the 2021 horse show have been made. The horse show will take place at the 406 Arena on Saturday June 19, 2021 to begin at 9:00 a.m. A judge, ring steward, and announcer have been solidified.The western ranch horse show is scheduled for Saturday July 24, 2021 at the 406 Arena. This will again be a shared event with Cascade County. There are also a few 4-H members registered in western ranch horse from Pondera and Toole counties that may participate. The horse club received prize donations from North-40 that include gloves, buckets, wave forks, and animal washing supplies. Due to the influx in members in the horse program the horse club may need extra funds from the 4-H Council to cover the cost of additional prizes with no prize to exceed $25. Jane Wolery states to please send a request for funds for the amount needed. The horse club will be hosting the concession stand at the 406 Arena on May 1, 2021 as a fundraiser for the horse club.

Communications: (Report by Jane Wolery)

Communications Day is scheduled for June 10, 2021 at the Baptist Church in Choteau. The committee has added different events such as “exhibition only” and “non-competitive with a helper”.

Unfinished Business:

Awards Policy (Jane Wolery)

The awards policy that was drafted 10-15-18 is now officially being brought to the Teton County 4-H Council for approval. Delays included office vacancies. Now it can be reevaluated and changed if needed. The 10-15-18 Teton County 4-H Awards Policy draft was presented to all those present.The current policy allows for the weight of donations to stay with the 4-H mission. It allows for a process for specialty awards. It was announced that the George Hodgskiss memorial award has been retired. Jen Asselstine made a motion to approve the Teton County 4-H Awards Policy as written.Kwin Briscoe seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously.

Friends of 4-H

Suggestions for recipients of the Friends of 4-H award for 2021 were made at the Teton County 4-H Council meeting on November 23, 2020. Those suggestions were reviewed at this meeting. No other suggestions were made. A motion was made by Kwin Briscoe to approve the suggestions of recipients for the Friends of 4-H award made on November 23, 2020. Bellamy Beadle seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. The names of the recipients of the Friends of 4-H award will not be mentioned in this motion but will be revealed and presented during the 2021 Teton County 4-H Fair.

Money for the Weatherbeater Window (Jane Wolery)

The discussion on this topic was tabled at the last meeting on November 23, 2020. A motion was made by Kelly DeBruycker remove the discussion about money for the Weatherbeater window from table so that the topic can be further discussed at this meeting. Jen Asselstine seconded the motion. Kelly DeBruycker reviewed the previous minutes discussion with those in attendance. There is a broken window at the concession stand that is used by 4-H members/clubs during the annual 4-H Fair. The Weatherbeater board has met several times and has not decided how to proceed with fixing the window. They received a bid from Christensen Construction for $1130.00 to replace the entire window with slides that slide sideways. The discussion tonight is whether Teton County 4-H Council wants to put money towards the replacement of this window. Leona Somerfeld stated that since 4-H does not pay rent to use the Weatherbeater during the annual Fair it might be nice if Teton County 4-H Council offered to give a monetary donation toward the replacement of the window. Jane states the Weatherbeater board may be considering other upgrades to the kitchen at the Weatherbeater. If so, it may be worth waiting until the Weatherbeater board meets again to solidify their plans. Leona Somerfeld made a motion to table the discussion about a monetary donation from the Teton County 4-H Council to assist with fixing or replacing this window until the Weatherbeater board meets and solidifies their plans for improvements. Bellamy Beadle seconded the motion. Call to question by David Chalmers. The motion proceeded to a vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Banner at the 406 Arena (Jane Wolery)

Cascade County has agreed to share the sponsorship of a 3x5 ft. 4-H banner to be hung at the 406 Arena. Cascade County sent out an email flyer about a design contest for the banner. Jane states that she has received one design from Teton County and does not know how many designs have been submitted to Cascade County.The deadline for submissions of designs for the contest is May 1, 2021. The banner is sponsorship for one year and will need to be renewed annually.

New in 2021 – All 4-H volunteers will complete training prior to certification (Jane Wolery)

Jane states that this is coming from the MSU Extension state office. She has no further information currently.

New Business:

Fair Planning (Jane Wolery)

1. Theme

The theme for fair sometimes coincides with the theme for 4-H Camp. 4-H Camp committeehas a meeting tonight to discuss themes for 4-H Camp. Fair Committee will wait and see whattheme is chosen by 4-H Camp committee.

2. Schedule

The 2021 Teton County Fair Agenda Draft was presented to all those in attendance. It is up to each member/family to decide what is best for them in choosing whether to attend fair. Remember, fair is not required for a successful project.The main priority of fair is providing an educational opportunity for our members.

3. Pandemic Precautions

The precautions come from the CDC, MSU and the Teton County Health Department. There will be no concessions or Meat & Greet. 4-H families are asked to limit attendance of non-participating family members. Masks will be a personal choice for attendees and staff. Picnic tables and common areas will not be provided. 4-H families and their families must pick up their garbage and clean their areas before they leave. Bleachers may not be available due to inadequate space for social distancing. Livestock bedding will be the responsibility of the members. Round Robin Showmanship to be discussed by Livestock Committee. Ultimately, self-responsibility and self-choice, but no highly congested areas and be respectful of those around you.

4. Static Judge fee increase from $10 to $25

The current static judge fee has been $10 for years. Jane is wondering if we would like to consider increasing the fee to $25 due to the length of time we are asking people to judge. Mileage is still paid at $0.58 per mile.There was discussion that the increase to $25 may entice the judges to take the money. A motion was made by Kwin Briscoe to increase the static judge fee from $10 to $25.Jen Asselstine seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion proceeded to a vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Bleacher Purchase (Jane Wolery)

The bleachers that have been used for the Teton County 4-H Fair have been two sets from the high school football field and one set donated in memory of Floyd Kesler. All the bleachers are very heavy and not easily moved. They are also a safety risk due to their height and incline of step. There is also an issue with unattended small children playing on the back of the current bleachers causing another safety concern. Jane Wolery and Karen Forseth have researched the option of Teton County 4-H Council purchasing two 5 row, 15 ft. aluminum bleachers with a chain link cage along with two 4 row aluminum bleachers without a cage to seat approximately 180 people.Both sets of bleachers will allow for ease of transportability, better incline of step, decreased height, and ease of cleaning. The cost of the two 5 row, 15 ft. bleachers would be about $11,500.00. The cost of the two 4 row bleachers would be $2,500 for each set. Jane suggested that Teton County 4-H Council could allocate $12,000.00 for the purchase of the bleachers and the rest of the money could come from community donations. She states that she has had several community members ask how they could help Teton County 4-H.Kelly DeBruycker asked if the money was allocated by the 4-H Council tonight would the bleachers be delivered by fair time. Jane stated that that is the hope. Leona Somerfeld asked where the bleachers would be stored. Jane stated that she has several ideas in mind. Jane states that the storage issue can be determined after the purchase. Jen Asselstine reviewed the Teton County 4-H Council financials in depth. From 2019 to 2021 income was $35, 528 (minus the catch up from Boe Brothers, the income would be approximately $25,500) and expenses were only $17,032 (including a grant expense of $3,000). This would account for the approximate $10,000 cushion gained last year. The savings balance is $25,608.56 and checking balance is $30,968.30. This is the most surplus in funds the council has had in years. People gave generously in 2020 and, due to the pandemic, expenses were down. It was suggested that funds for the bleachers could be raised at the livestock auction. People would donate money toward the purchase of bleachers and have their names placed on a plaque attached to the bleachers. Kwin Briscoe made a motion stating that Teton County 4-H Council will purchase two 5 row, 15 ft., aluminum bleachers up to a cost of $12,000.00 to be allocated from the Teton County 4-H Council checking account. Bellamy Beadle seconded the motion. Kelly DeBruycker proposed an amendment to the original motion stating that if a more affordable option is found for the purchase of the bleachers the remaining money be used to purchase the additional two 4 row aluminum bleachers.

Also, Jane Wolery will seek out donations from community members for additional bleacher purchase funds. Heidi Pearson seconded the amendment to the motion. There was no further discussion. The amendment to the motion proceeded to a vote. The vote for the amendment to the motion passed unanimously. The entire motion proceeded to a vote. The motion in its entirety passed unanimously.Jane states that Teton County 4-H Council can discuss other uses of bleacher at a future meeting.

Club Dues (Jane Wolery & Jen Asselstine)

Should Teton County 4-H Council pay the dues for all members, volunteers, and clubs? Currently the dues are $6 per member and $7 per volunteer. Each club in the county pays dues differently. Some have members and volunteers pay individually. Some clubs pay all the dues for their members and volunteers through fundraising efforts. Members can pay online or in person. Ultimately, it is becoming cumbersome for club treasurers, the 4-H council treasurer, and the Extension Office staff to keep track of dues and how they are paid. Kelly DeBruycker asked what the cost to 4-H Council would be if they covered all the dues. Jen Asselstine stated approximately $2,000.00 including the 1% fee from clubs in Teton County. Jane stated that leaders could ask their clubs how they feel about 4-H Council paying for all dues and that 4-H Council could come up with a formula for each club to donate a certain amount back to 4-H Council each year based on individual club enrollment. Kelly DeBruycker made a motion that we table the discussion on Teton County 4-H Council paying for all dues until individual clubs can be notified and can give further input. Jen Asselstine seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion proceeded to a vote. The vote passed unanimously.

Next Meeting

It was discussed that it would be a good idea to have a county-wide, informational only WebEx meeting concerning the 2020-2021 Teton County 4-H Fair precautions and schedule. The meeting will be held on May 3.Jane will call another 4-H Council meeting before Fair if needed, otherwise we will plan for the next 4-H Council meeting to be late August or the first part of September.

Bellamy Beadle moved to adjourn the meeting and Kelly DeBruycker seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

State Shooting Sports Results

Congratulations Rocky Mountain Top Shots!  Great shooting at State!

State 3P

NameRank

Payson Allaire109

Josh Beachy48

Bryce Bedord8

Killian Coy90

Dakota Gibson3

Jonathan Harris52

McKenzie Stewart25

State Pistol

Connor Beachy39

Josh Beachy34

Bryce Bedord14

Khylen Brown16

Killian Coy56

Colter Dowdy4

Dakota Gibson41

Emilee Lear50

State Prone

NameRank

Payson Allaire57

Connor Beachy100

Kylen Brown105

Killian Coy62

Jonathan Harris45

McKenzie Stewart21

Paisley Steward50

State Smallbore Pistol

Bryce Bedord2

State Smallbore Rifle

Dakota Gibson7

Bryce Bedord9

State Standing Match

Dakota Gibson7

Josh Beachy32

Bryce Bedord10

Jonathan Harris33

McKenzie Stewart37

Renegade Jackpot-Choteau

Saturday, May 29-Beef

Sunday, May 30-Goats & Lambs

Monday, May 31-Beef

3 Days, 48 Buckles, 120 Banners

8 Belt Buckles Awarded for residents of Teton County only!

Teton County market Steer class and beef showmanship on May 31.

Grand and reserve belt buckles awarded for residents of Teton county market Steer and Grand and Reserve Showmanship in Junior, intermediate and senior classes.  For more information, contact Chelsee Yeager at [email protected]

Marias Invitational

The Marias Invitational Livestock Judging Contest in Shelby is happening again this year! The contest will be held at the Marias Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 16. Registration starts at 12:30 pm, with judging starting at 1 pm and awards by 5 pm (hopefully).

There will be 10 classes – beef, sheep, swine, goat, and a surprise. Reasons will be given on 4 classes. Individual and team awards will be given for junior (8-13) and senior (14-18) age categories.

All 4-H and FFA members are welcome. Registration fees will be $5 per participant, payable to Toole County 4-H. For registration form, please contact MSU Extension Teton County. Please have registration to MSU Extension Toole County by Friday, May 14.

4-H State Horse Show T-Shirt Design Contest

For the Good of the Order

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 

Calendar

May 2021

May 17:  Deadline to watch LQA video
May 28:  Fair registrations due
June 10:  Communication Day

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