Farewell by Karen Forseth

As some of you already know, I am no longer working for Extension in Teton County. My last day was March 15. Extension is a whirlwind of many different and ever-changing tasks. While 4-H was a small piece of the job, it was one of the most memorable for me.The positive impact 4-H has on the youth of this county was one of the many rewards of this position. Volunteers play a big part in the success of 4-H in Teton County. I am grateful to have had the chance to work with so many dedicated families in mycapacity as an agent. The decision to leave was not easy. In the end, my family and I decided that my time and energy were needed more at home. I wish you all the absolute best in your future endeavors!

What's NOT Happening at Fair

At the March 8 Livestock Committee meeting, a motion was made, seconded and passed to drop RoundRobin and Buyer's Appreciationfrom the 2022 Teton County 4-H Fair.This decision was made due to the resignation of Ag Agent Karen Forseth, the current Vice President vacancy on the Livestock Committee Executive Board and a lack of volunteers to help with these events.The committee was in agreement that if any volunteers did come forward to manage either of these two events, they would consider offering them this year.The Livestock Committee will concentrate their efforts on a safe outcome for the main components of the fair.

The Next 31

March 31

  • Boe Brothers & Anne Wiprud Scholarship Deadline

April 1

  • Montana 4-H Foundation Scholarship Deadline

April 4

  • Swine Possession Deadline (paperwork, fee, photos due)
  • Extension Office at 5 p.m.

April 7

  • Livestock Committee Meeting
  • 6 p.m.
  • Location TBA

April 7

  • Camp Counselor Meeting
  • 7 p.m.
  • Location TBA

April 14

  • Swine Late Fee Deadline

April 15

  • Drop/Add Project Deadline

April 18

  • Lamb & Goat Possession Deadline (paperwork, fee, photos due)
  • Extension Office at 5 p.m.

April 28

  • Lamb & Goat Lat Fee Deadline

Call First!  We Are at 50% Staffing

Due to our current staff vacancies, there will be times when the office will not be open.Jamie will be in the office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Please call to ensure someone will be in the office prior to coming in.Thank you.

Another Farewell by Sharla Hinman

March 25 will be my last day working with MSU Extension Teton County.I will be leaving to provide full-time caregiving for my dad who has dementia.My nearly six years in the office have provided many learning opportunities for which I am very appreciative.I've met great people and had some fantastic adventures (Jane letting a wolf spider loose in the office was NOT one of them!)Thank you for brightening my days and I wish all of you the very best now and into the future.

Congress:  July 13-16

Montana 4-H Congress provides youth from across the state an opportunity to come together on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman for four days and participate in an event like no other. Congress offers both youth and adults a venue in which to learn, be challenged, and most of all, have a great time with their peers.You must be 13 as of October 1 of the current 4-H year in order to attend Congress.The following are the contests for Congress:

Career Communications

Demonstrations and/or Illustrated Talk

Fashion Revue

Gavel Games (Parliamentary Procedure)

Horse Judging

Horse Hippology (Horse Skill-a-Thon)

Livestock Judging

Public Speaking

Quilt Contest

Stir‐Up (foods)

Video

If you are interested in attending Congress, please let the Extension Office know either by texting 406-350-5373 or emailing [email protected]

You can check the Facebook page under "Montana 4-H Congress" or find the latest 4-H Congress information.

Camp Counselors are needed for what will be the greatest 4-H camp the world has EVER seen!Camp will be held July 25-29 and counselors must be 14 as of October 1, 2021.There will be a camp planning meeting April 7 at 7 pm, location to be determined (yes, there is a Livestock Committee meeting at 6 pm the same evening).Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested in being a camp counselor.So far, Myles Allen, Golden Holmquist, Presley Holmquist, Madeline Konen, Shea Ostberg, Maggie Toeckes and Mikayla Toeckes have contacted us.

Beef Education Workshop Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

Educators: Lidstrom Family & Kwin Briscoe

Where: Lidstrom Ranch, 451 2nd Road SW, Fairfield, MT 59436

What to Expect:

  • Talk about how animals are progressing
  • More advanced training session
    • Leading, Feet set up, Showmanship skills, What to expect from a judge, etc.
  • Tips on washing, hair care, brushing, trimming
    • Examples of products & equipment used
  • Discuss feed schedules as animal grows
    • How to meet optimal weights/muscle, etc.
  • Check in on project books & record books
  • Question & Answer

Swine Education Workshop Friday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Educators: deVos Family

Where: 285 Ashuelot Hill Rd, Fort Shaw

What to Expect:

  • How animals are progressing with socializing and growth
  • More advanced training session
    • Getting pigs out of their pen, no running, how to drive, how to turn, how to keep heads up, how to stop, etc.
  • Tips on washing, skin care, brushing, trimming etc.
  • Discuss feed schedules as animal grows 
    • How to meet optimal weights/muscle
  • Check in on project books & record books
  • Question & Answer

Goat Education Workshop Saturday, May 7 at 1 p.m.

Educators: Bender & Pearson Families

Where: Pearson Home, 560 Hwy 413, Fairfield, MT 59436

What to Expect:

  • How to start socializing your animal
  • When & how to start basic training.
  • Maintaining housing/shelter for your animal
  • Equipment needed for the project (collars, brushes, etc.)
    • How to use items
  • Feeding & watering your animal
  • Vaccination/worming schedules
  • Discuss healthy vs. unhealthy animals.
    • When to call your vet?
  • Discuss project books & record books
  • Question & Answer

Lamb Education Workshop May 14 at 1 p.m.

Educators: Brent & Tracie Roeder

Where: Roeder Ranch,950 County Line Road,Fort Shaw, MT 59443

What to Expect:

  • How to start socializing your animal
  • When & how to start basic training.
    • Halter breaking, feet placement, leading etc.
  • Maintaining housing/shelter for your animal
  • Equipment needed for the project (halters, ties, brushes, show sticks)
    • How to use these items
  • Feeding & watering your animal
    • Feeding schedule & how to progress as animal grows
  • Vaccination/worming schedules
  • Discuss healthy vs. unhealthy animals. When to call your vet?
  • Discuss project books & record books
  • Question & Answer

Beef Education Workshop Sunday, May 22 at 3 p.m.

Educators: Morris Family

Where: Location TBA

What to Expect:

  • Animal progress with training and growth
  • Continued discussion of feed
  • Continued discussion about care of animal
    • Brushing, bathing, clipping, etc.
    • Getting animal ready for the show ring
  • Advancing showmanship skills to be ready for fair
  • Talk about expectations for fair
    • Dress code
    • 7 options in project books completed
    • Animal Journal record book review
  • What to bring to fair for your animal
    • Feed pans, water buckets, bedding, skin/hair products , brushes, etc.
  • Expectations from weigh-in, to show, to sale

Lamb Education Workshop Saturday, June 4 at 1 p.m.

Educators: Brent & Tracie Roeder

Where: Roeder Ranch,950 County Line Road,Fort Shaw, MT 59443

What to Expect:

  • How animals are progressing with training and growth
  • More advanced training session
    • Leading, set-up, showmanship, judging, etc.
  • Tips on washing, hair care, brushing, trimming
  • Discuss feed schedules as animal grows
    • How to meet optimal weights/muscle, etc.
  • Talk about expectations for fair
    • Dress code
    • 7 options in project books completed
    • Animal Journal record book review
    • What to bring to fair for your animal
  • Expectations from weigh-in, to show, to sale

Swine Education Workshop Sunday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m.

Educators: Morris Family

Where: Ryan & Kelly DeBruycker Farm, 331 13th Lane SW, Fairfield, MT 59436

What to Expect:

  • Continued discussion of animal progress training & growth
  • Continued discussion about feed
  • Continued discussion about care of animal
    • Brushing, bathing, clipping, etc.
    • Getting animal ready for the show ring
  • Advancing showmanship skills to be ready for fair
  • Talk about expectations for fair
    • Dress code
    • 7 options in project books completed
    • Animal Journal record book review
  • What to bring to fair for your animal
    • Feed pans, water buckets, bedding, skin/hair products , brushes, etc.
  • Expectations from weigh-in, to show, to sale

Goat Education Workshop Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m.

Educators: Bender & Pearson Families

Where: Pearson Home, 560 Hwy 413, Fairfield, MT 59436

What to Expect:

  • How animals are progressing with training and growth
  • More advanced training session
    • Leading, set-up, showmanship, judging, etc.
  • Tips on washing, hair care, brushing, trimming
  • Discuss feed schedules as animal grows
    • How to meet optimal weights/muscle, etc.
  • Talk about expectations for fair
    • Dress code
    • 7 options in project books completed
    • Animal Journal record book review
    • What to bring to fair for your animal
  • Expectations from weigh-in, to show, to sale

Club Hubbub

Old Agency 

Old Agency 4-H Club is organizing a t-shirt drive for Sister Stan’s Children, which is an orphanage in Ghana, Africa. This orphanage serves the "spirit children" who are rejected by their natural parents due to physical or developmental disabilities, death of a mother during childbirth, being born during a period of drought or hardship, or being born as a twin.

We are asking for Montana t-shirts but would accept any that are donated. These t-shirts are for children of all ages. You can find drop-off boxes at various churches and businesses around Choteau. If you have any questions or want to donate money to help our club purchase more shirts, contact Carli Neal at 590-2976 or Janelle Tschida at 590-1126.

Old Agency by Natalie Hodgskiss

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Old Agency had a 4-H meeting at 1:00 pm. It was held at the Choteau Elementary School cafeteria. The American pledge was led by Luis, and the 4-H pledge was led by Kale. There were 19 members present. The roll call question was “What is your favorite sport?”

The secretary’s report was read by Natalie. Bellamy moved to accept the secretary’s report and Taylor seconded. Dillion gave the treasurer's report. Our balance was $3805.18. Charlie moved and Natalie seconded the treasurer's report as read.

Old Business:

Natalie gave an updated report on the CASA committee. She reported the committee had finished the bags and they were given to CASA. She said that moving forward they applied for the People Partner Grant so they could be funded to give bags every year. Hayden reported that the Christmas party went well. She also reported that they watched Despicable Me 2, and that it was really good. Next, we had some reports on the lefse making class. Addi reported that the lesson went well. She also explained what lefse was. Then Charlie reported that it was fun and explained some of the main steps of making lefse.

Just to clarify our minutes, Janelle Campbell and Carli Neal are our 4-H leaders, and Dillion Harrell is the treasurer.

New Business:

The group was told that Communications Day is March 19, and that it is a great way to learn how to speak in front of a crowd.

We also got an announcement that counselors are needed for 4-H camp, and that you must be at least 14 years old by October 1st.

Trent gave us a report on a shirt drive he did when he was in kindergarten. He put boxes around our community for people to donate. He sent the donations he received to an orphanage in Africa called Nazareth Home for God’s Children. We discussed doing something similar to that. We decided to split into groups in the next meeting.

Charlie moved and Seeley seconded to spend $100 on shirts for Nazareth Home for God’s Children.

The group was also told to keep up on projects that we are doing as a 4-H group throughout the year to put in our record books.

Jere Long announced to the group that the Weatherbeater committee was looking for a group to clean up after that Weatherbeater dinner on March 27. They are also looking for people to cater the dinner in years to come.

Charlie moved and Trent seconded to clean up the Weatherbeater on March 27.

Ainsley moved and Dillion seconded to adjourn the meeting. Meeting Adjourned.

Challenging Champs by Amara Bodkins

The Challenging Champs 4-H Club met on February 6, 2022, at 4 pm in the Power School cafeteria. Twenty members and nine adult/club leaders were present. Calvin Diekhans led the Pledge of Allegiance and Caleb Toeckes led the 4-H Pledge. President Jersey read the January minutes and they were approved with a motion from Cameron and a second from Isaac. Treasurer Jessica gave the treasurer’s report and stated that we have $3085.39 in checking and owe $306.75 for dues and 1% fee. Annie motioned to approve the treasurer’s report and Cameron seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Cameron, Annie, and Jessica showed members the heart centerpieces and quilt square blocks they made for table decorations to be used at the Senior Center. The decorations will be put up on February 10 after school. Kelsy informed members about sound systems she has found to possibly use at meetings to hear everyone better; however, our club decided we should speak louder on our own before purchasing a sound system.

For new business, our club started thinking about community service activities or upgrades needed to our community. For project reports, Jessica spoke about the quilt squares Annie and she made for the senior center, Madison talked about the coffee filter butterflies she made for the senior center, and Caleb discussed the muffins he made at his baking meeting. Stacy spoke on behalf of Colin and talked about him taking hobbies as a 4-H project and that he learned how sports cards are graded.

For project leader updates a robotics meeting will be Wednesday, February 9 after school at Phil Pfeifle’s, a cooking meeting will be on February 24 and a baking meeting on February 27 at the Martinez’s. On February 17 a crocheting meeting will be at the Martinez’s and Deanna will have young sewers sew on February 10.

Our club was reminded again that we need to do a more thorough job of sweeping the bleachers after games and we discussed buying new trash cans for the gym. Jersey reminded us of Communication Day on March 19, Rec Lab March 18, and 4-H Camp July 25-29. She also spoke about her experience as a camp counselor and encouraged members old enough to become one.

Our next meeting will be on March 6 at 2 pm where we will be bowling. Linda Keel will let us know if we will bowl in Choteau or at Black Eagle in Great Falls. Isaac moved to adjourn the meeting with a second from Cameron.

Jessica demonstrated how to make a crocheted bracelet, Caleb demonstrated how to make deviled eggs, Abigail showed us how to make peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, Jordyn taught us how to make simple Valentine’s/ St. Patrick’s decorations, and Amara demonstrated how to make a Super Bowl dip. Our activity was led by the Neuman family where members made Valentine cards.

Committee Minutes

4-H Council by Kelly DeBruycker

The Teton County 4-H Council meeting was called to order by Co-President, Myles Allen, at

4:37 p.m. on Monday March 7, 2022, via WebEx. In attendance on the WebEx call included: Karen Forseth, Kelly DeBruycker, Jane Wolery, Madeline Konen, Myles Allen, Rachel Christensen, Carli Neal, and Presley Holmquist.

Bleacher Purchase (Report by Karen Forseth)

Karen received the bid to purchase another set of aluminum 5-row bleachers with a transport kit. The cost will be $7,700 including shipping and a surcharge. On March 1, 2022, the cost will go up 25%. The previously, the same 5-row set with a transport kit was $5,000.The 4-H Council decided to look at the purchase of another 5-row set of bleachers at a later date when shipping and material costs may be a lower rate. No action will be taken today, and the topic will be removed from the agenda for the 2021-2022 4-H year.

Awards Sub Committee (Report by Jane Wolery)

The Awards Committee met December 9, 2021, and proposed an awards change. See Awards Committee minutes from that date. The proposed change was then sent to the Budget and Audit Committee for review. See Budget and Audit Minutes from December 16, 2021. The Budget and Audit Committee then decided that a subcommittee within 4-H Council, made up of livestock members, 4-H council members, and a wide range of 4-H members and volunteers, should be formed to develop the process on changes to awards and premiums received at the pavilion and at the Weatherbeater. The proposal was to increase ribbon premiums to $5/blue, $3/red, and $2/white. (Current premiums are $3/blue, $2/red, and $1/white) The proposal was to increase the rosette premium $10 from $25 to $35. Concerns about budget sustainability, distribution time for new awards, and market livestock members already receiving premiums via the sale of their animals were raised. One leader noted that 80-90% of members/volunteers are happy with the current awards process. Rachel Christensen moved and Madeline Konen seconded to table this discussion until the first 4-H Council meeting in fall 2022.Motion carried.

Second Reading of the 2021-2022 Budget (Report by Jane Wolery)

The proposed budget was reviewed carefully by line item. The only change would be the Capital Expense line item. It is currently listed as $5,000 but could now be $0.00 because the $5,000 will no longer be used to purchase another set of 5-row bleachers. There was no other discussion or changes to line items. Rachel Christensen moved and Madeline Konen seconded to approve the second reading of the budget. Motion carried.

Friends of 4-H for 2021-2022

Secretary Kelly DeBruycker read the nominations for “Friends of 4-H” for the 2021-2022

4-H year that were made at Council meeting January 24, 2022. No further suggestions were made. Of the four suggestions, two were chosen. Madeline Konen moved and Kelly DeBruycker seconded to recognize two recipients of the 2021-2022 “Friends of 4-H” award. Motion carried. Secretary Kelly DeBruycker will will inform the Extension Office of this year’s recipients.

Major Family Benefit

The Major Family Benefit planning committee met Sunday March 6, 2022. The committee decided to have a gun raffle and a gift basket raffle. The particulars of each raffle are being further discussed and raffle tickets are being made. Teton County 4-H Clubs can sell raffle tickets or donate a gift basket. It will be up to each club how they want to participate or donate. Gift baskets must have a minimum $100 value. Please let Jane know if your club will be donating a basket and the theme of the basket. Baskets will need to be completed by the end of April. Baskets will hopefully be displayed atthe 4-H Fair, 4th of July rodeo, and Art on the Green. The drawing date will be determined at a later date.

Rachel Christensen moved and Madeline Konen seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

Livestock Committee by Katie Egbert

The Teton County 4-H Livestock Committee met February 8, 2022 at 7 pm at New Life Church in Fairfield. President Ashle Morris called the meeting to order. Attending members were Todd Banner, Kelly DeBruycker, Katie Egbert, Coy Egbert, Clayton Forseth, and Katy Morris. Attending from MSU Extension were Karen Forseth and Jane Wolery. Attending guest was Mike Morris. The American and 4-H pledges were recited. Secretary Katie Egbert presented the minutes of the previous meeting. Jane Wolery asked that the notation that the county extension office had only had two insufficient funds checks from the Livestock Sale be changed to read “during her time in office.”Kelly DeBruycker moved the minutes be approved with that correction, the motion was seconded and passed. Kelly DeBruycker gave the treasurer’s report in Ryan DeBruycker's absence. The opening balance in checking is $12836.59. No monies were received, expenses paid were $109.00 and closing balance was $12727.59.

Reports: Auctioneer/Sale Clerk: Karen Forseth stated that auctioneer Ryan Perry is booked for the sale. We can wait to commit on livestreaming in March/April. Eliminating livestreaming would not save money but would save time for the auction company. Judges: The small animal has been confirmed as well as carcass judge.

KMON Livestock & Meats Judging: Clayton and Karen Forseth and Kande Yeager took reasons at this event.No 4-H members from Choteau participated. Addie Pearson took 9th individually out of 134 participants. Fairfield’s team took 6th overall and Nolan Forseth placed 8th in meats judging. LQA: The LQA training is posted and four members have completed it. The link will be available until March 4. Enrolled Market Animals: Members who have enrolled in market projects include 23 beef, 44 hogs, 3 lambs and 4 goats. The project drop date is April 15.

Old Business: Animal Safety Qualification (ASQ): Karen reported that the ASQ sheets will go out and half sheets have been created for the superintendents.Clayton moved and Katy seconded that the ASQ forms be printed with additions of no animal abuse will be tolerated and animals left overnight at the facility must have food, water, bedding, etc. Motion passed. Training Opportunities: Kelly, Ryan and Ayden DeBruycker, Ashle and Katy Morris and Todd Banner will develop a list of options to teach and train. A certified volunteer must be present at the trainings. Meat and Greet: Funding for buyer appreciation is $1200. This will no longer be a club rotation duty. There was considerable discussion but no decision. Fair Schedule: The fair dates are June 24, 25, and 26. Tuesday, June 21 is setup. Half the group will be assigned for setup. Wednesday will be interview judging. Friday will have market beef in the morning, then breeding and get through pictures. Lambs and goats have moved up as they are short shows. Hogs on Saturday and then the sale. Kelly DeBruycker moved and Katy Morris seconded that the schedule be approved as presented. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS: Late Assessment Fees: The late fees that were assessed will be deposited into the Livestock Committee account. Round Robin Committee: Requests for volunteers for a Round Robin Committee will be made. Set Up/Clean Up Stall Fee: Karen will check past minutes to ascertain if the $100 stall fee is per member or per animal. Market animal members will be split into two groups: one for set-up and one for cleaning. There was discussion about the process for checking in/out.Resignation: Chelsee Yeager resigned from all committees. We need someone to fill the Vice President position for the remainder of the year. That position must be filled by someone on the Livestock Committee. Karen will send out an email to committee members asking for nominations.

The Teton County 4-H Livestock Committee met March 8, 2022 at the New Life Church in Fairfield. President Ashle Morris called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Attending members were Katy Morris, Katie Egbert, Coy Egbert, Alexis Morris, Kelly and Ryan DeBruycker, Clayton Forseth and Danelle Crary. Representing MSU Extension were Karen Forseth and Jane Wolery.

The American and 4-H pledges were recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were amended to read the large animal judge has verbally confirmed but has not signed a contract. Kelly moved and one of the Morris’ seconded that the minutes be approved as amended. Motion carried. Ryan DeBruycker gave the treasurer’s report. The opening balance was $12727.59. There was one expense of $240 for returned beef assessment fees and the closing balance was $12487.59.

Reports: Buyers’ Appreciation Committee/Round Robin: Karen had requested volunteers via email/newsletter for Buyers’ Appreciation and Round Robin but no one replied. Ryan moved and Clayton seconded to eliminate these for 2022. Motion carried. The donor for buyers’ appreciation is flexible on spending and the committee agreed that if volunteers do appear either or both events can occur.

Vice-Chair replacement: Ryan moved and Danelle seconded to remove Chelsee as a signer on the checking account and add Katie Egbert. Motion carried. Danelle and Todd are signers as well.

Resignation Announcement:Karen Forseth resigned and her last day will be March 15th.

Karen provided a Livestock Committee To-Do List for fair and one for the office as well. The hiring process has been initiated.

Set up and clean up: Members will be assigned to either set up or clean up. Each livestock member will need a check for $100. Members will sign in upon arrival and sign out when they’re done. Once they sign out, their check will be returned to them. Motion was carried for each livestock member to provide a $100 check for clean up.

On-site Veterinarian: There is no need for an on-site vet. Local vets will be notified.

Old Business: Animal Safety Qualifications:Kelly and Ashle met and developed several educational opportunities. Forseths hosted a beef education session but had no attendees.

Beef (Hauling concerns): Families can tie out at the Weatherbeater or haul home. Family is responsible for the animal if hauling to and from fair. Those choosing to leave beef at Weatherbeater will be covered by “site insurance” only.

New Business:At Fair Committees: Policy Committee (3 adult leaders, 1 junior & 1 agent)

Ashle Morris will take names and contact numbers via email. Committee members need to

have livestock knowledge and background of showing. Committee purpose is to ensure that fair rules are followed.Grievance Committee (2 adult leaders, 1 junior & 1 agent) Send suggested members for this committee to Ashle as well.Superintendents: (certified volunteers) There are 64 certified volunteers who could serve in this capacity. Responsible for: background checks, superintendent list, weigh-ins, weight breaks, class sizes, on-deck help, keep show moving, load-out for trailer, and “coaching” at fair. Swine (2-3), Beef (Need 2-3), Lamb/Goat (1) Brent Roeder/RT Snyder

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 7 at 6 pm

Meeting was adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Benefit for the Mark Major Family

The event is still in the planning stages.  If you are interested in helping with the benefit, please contact Jane at 406-466-2492 or 406-590-2492.

Work You Can Love:  Employment Opportunities!

MSU Extension Teton County is recruiting for an Extension Agent for Ag, Natural Resources, Horticulture, 4-H.This exciting faculty position requires a Bachelor's Degree.Find out more about the position.

We are also recruiting for a part-time (32 hours/week) Administrative Assistant.This position serves clients, assists Extension Agents, works with 4-H programs, does bookkeeping and general office tasks and other duties as assigned. Applicant must have computer skills and be customer service oriented. Position open until filled. Applications and complete job description are available at the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and need to be returned to Teton County Extension Office or the Teton County Clerk and Recorder’s office. The completed application may be mailed to PO Box 130, Choteau, MT 59422. Rate of pay will depend on experience. For more information, call 466-2491. Teton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Drop/Add Deadline:  April 15

Last day to drop/add projects by contacting the Extension Office!

After April 15, you will need to complete anIncomplete Project form.

Thanking Your Buyer

Congratulations!You bought your market animal (or chose it from your own herd) then put the time and effort into getting it ready for the fair.You worked on gentling it, brushing it, walking it, etc.You came to fair, showed and presented your market animal in the show ring.And then...your animal sold!The marketing you did paid off and now you need to thank your buyer.How do you do that?

Thanking your buyer can take many forms.Some members purchase small gifts for their buyers such as plaques with a photo of them with their animal.These plaques have an area for wording so you can put something along the lines of "Thank you for buying my steer "Bandit" Teton County Fair 2022."Other members have baked cookies and delivered them to their buyers with a thank you note.Others simply write a thank you note.

What do you say in your thank you note? See the example below for an example of how to write a thank you note to your buyer.

 

Dear Mr. and Ms. Grocery Store:

Thank you for buying my steer "Bandit" at the Teton County

4-H Fair. Bandit was the first steer I raised for 4-H and I

really enjoyed it.He was fun to work with--once he got used

to his halter.He liked to be scratched on his back and

got used to setting up.

I plan to use part of my earnings from Bandit to buy my next

steer and the rest will go into my savings account for college.

Thank you again for buying Bandit and supporting 4-H.

I think he will provide good beef for you.

Sincerely,

Pat Clover

 

Needs Assessment

Montana State University Extension is currently gathering feedback from community members to inform and improve resources, programs, and services for Montanans. A needs assessment is being conducted statewide. Take the needs assessment survey.

MSU Extension Agent Jane Wolery invites community members to participate in a survey or in individual interviews in order to hear from as many people as possible. Every postal patron in Teton County should have received a postcard with a QR code that can be scanned with a smart phone and takes you to the survey. The link to the survey is included as well. The postcards contain contact information if citizens want to request a paper copy of the survey to complete.

For questions or information about the survey, please email [email protected] or call 406-466-2492

Teton County 4-H Horse Show

June 18, 2022 at 406 Arena at 9:30 a.m.

State Awards

The Montana 4-H State Awards program is in place to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of 4-H members who have reached a standard of excellence in a project area.

Teton County 4-H has a strong history of state award winners who have gone on to National Congress in Washington, D.C. Typically, your intent to apply for a state award must be received by the state office by May 1.You need to let the Extension Office know if you will be applying ASAP!State Award recipients are recognized during the Banquet at Montana 4-H Congress in July and are eligible to attend National 4-H Congress in November. Find out more about state awards.

Small Animal Judges' Class

April 9, 2022 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

IAGT Building, 15 First St. NW, Harlowton, MT 59036

Register for the Small Animal Judges' Class.

Designed for adults and senior 4-H members who want to become fair judges.  You will learn what it takes, what to look for and how to communicate with participants when judging cats, poultry and rabbits.  Cost is $25 and will be collected at the door.  For questions, please contact Mandie Reed, MSU Extension Wheatland County Agent at 406-632-4728 or [email protected] or Kim Woodring, MSU Extension Toole County Agent at 406-424-8350 or [email protected]

Teton County 4-H Communications Event

Where can you learn how to make ice cream, clean a saddle, make bird food, and get a lesson on DNA?If you were among the lucky attendees at the Teton County 4-H Communications Event on Saturday, March 19, you would have learned about all those topics and many more. Twelve 4-H members ranging from six-year-old Cloverbuds to a 17-year-old senior charmed the audience with demonstrations and illustrated talks. Madeline Konen started the morning teaching a lesson how to braise beef. Exceptionally poised and prepared, Madeline Konen made the audience feel like they’d arrived at a professional cooking show. When she completed and asked the audience if they had any questions, the first hand in the air was that of six-year-old Trigg Killorn, who inquired further about the seasons Madeline suggested. Throughout the day, the audience was intrigued and asked many questions.

After the lone senior presented, 4-H Cloverbuds shared topics of their interest. Benjamin Diekhans showed how to make Christmas tree decorations from pinecones. Trigg Killorn followed by building a tower with Magna-Tiles, introducing the crowd to a new building toy on the market.

In the pre-junior division for ages 8-10, Annika Konen taught about some far-fetched plants, both fictional from a story, and actual. After the botany lesson, Calvin Diekhans gave a demonstration that was really for the birds. He shared how to make bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and bird seed. Weaving through a variety of topics, Polly Lytle had the crowd in stitches as she showed embroidery techniques. Nolan DeBruycker was full steam ahead as he gave a thorough talk on hay steamers. He knowledgably answered numerous audience questions. Boaz Lytle took the crowd from steam to fire as he taught methods for getting a fire started, including a log cabin and a tent technique.

Four members ranging in ages from 11-13 presented in the junior division. The judges were happy to have two foods presentations that started at noon. Waverly Konen was chill as she shared how to make homemade ice cream using a custard method. Annie Diekhans followed with an easy cheesecake in a jar recipe that she topped with strawberries. Addi Christensen taught the audience about DNA, recessive and dominant gene expression. 

Riding in as the final presenter was Ayden DeBruycker who taught how to clean a saddle. She also shared her knowledge of the different types of leather and the importance of cleaning saddles as a way to extend the investment.

Not only did the crowd get to enjoy digesting new information, but they were also treated to a St. Patrick’s themed feast of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, cookies, and some of the treats demonstrated. While the judges, who included Bryan Allegretto, Connor Hodgskiss, and Jessalyn Rondestvedt, completed scoring, the 4-H members had one final treat for the day. They were taught how to use royal icing, an outlining and flooding technique to decorate four-leaf clover cookies.

The planning committee of Heidi Konen and Susan Snyder did a stellar job planning the event. Division winners were Madeline Konen, senior; Waverly Konen, junior; Ayden DeBruycker, junior; and Nolan DeBruycker, pre-junior. The real pot of gold was getting to share the day learning together.

Contact/Resources (Clip and Keep)

MSU Extension Teton County

 

Fair Dates

The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes a Sunday.

2022    June 20-26
2023    June 19-25
2024    June 24-30
2025    June 24-29
2026    June 22-28

Camp Dates

2022    July 25-29

Congress

2022    July 13-16

MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-2491


Agents:

Jane Wolery:  [email protected]

Assistant:

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