Due It!

Record books are due to your club leader by August 15 so they can be checked for completion. Your local club leader may set individual club deadlines. Guidelines for what is considered a complete record book, forms and other information can be found on our webpage.

Did you do a great job completing your record book?Ask your club leader about turning in your record book to be judged for quality.

You can complete your record book in ZSuite or by using a paper copy. A complete record book must be submitted in order for 4-H members to exhibit, show or sell at next year's fair.Find out more on page three.

Treasurers' Books Due

ALL club and committee treasurer's books are due to the Extension office by October 31. They can be turned in earlier, including in the month of September, if there will be no banking transactions that month.Items that must be submitted with the treasurer's book are:

  • Checkbooks
  • Receipts
  • Financial records
  • Bank statements

Clubs and committee that do not comply risk losing their charter and association with Montana 4-H and/or Teton County 4-H. 

4-H Fair Awards-Sweatshirts

One of the choices of awards for Division winners (Pavilion) & Grands (Weatherbeater) is a sweatshirt.Kelly Bakken will be at the 4-H Fair with examples of shirts.If you choose a sweatshirt, you will be able to personalize it.Clubs may be interested in getting club sweatshirts made and individuals can check out having sweatshirts made, too.

The Next 31

August 15

  • Record books due to club leaders to check for completion

August 16

  • Record books due to Extension Office for quality consideration

October 1

  • 4-H Enrollment Begins

New Friends and Old, Like Silver and Gold

This year, two valued team members of the Teton County Extension office moved on to different adventures. Former Agriculture agent, Karen Forseth, left in the March to focus on the family ranch, and Jane Wolery transitioned to the 4H Foundation in June after 24 years of service as the Family & Consumer Science (FCS) agent. They are certainly missed! But the work of the Extension service must go on, and we are pleased to announce that we have hired a new Agriculture agent, Jenn Swanson. Jenn and colleagues from MSU Extension and Teton County are now in the process of interviewing candidates for the FCS position.

A bit about Jenn: Jenn has a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in plant physiology, a master's degree in education, and a doctorate in clinical pharmacy. Prior to joining the Extension team, she was a science writer as well as a faculty member at the University of Providence, teaching molecular biology, microbiology, and anatomy & physiology.Over the 20 years she’s lived in Choteau, agriculture has become a passion. In recent years, Jenn has worked part-time for multiple agriculture businesses, and is particularly interested in livestock health, grazing strategies, and noxious weed management. She says that a pharmacology background is proving helpful in the pesticide realm, and the anatomy & physiology is helpful with animal health issues. For Jenn, joining the Extension team represents a way to bring her passion for science and agriculture together in service to her home county. According to Jenn, “I have a lot to learn, but I’m really excited to do it – and working with the 4H families is a joy and a true bonus of this position.”

Carcass Awards

Congratulations to the carcass award winners who were announced at the carcass award event Tuesday, July 21, at Morel's Chop Shop. The grand in beef carcass was awarded to Kinsey Bender, reserve

went to Blake Hodgskiss and third place was Kingston Egbert. In lamb carcass, the grand carcass belonged to Boaz Lytle's lamb with Audrey Lobdell getting reserve. Swine carcass grand

went to Natalie DeBruycker while reserve carcass was awarded to Hayden Hodgskiss and Addie Pearson took third. The goat carcass grand went to Nick Miller.

Record Books:  Is Your Record Book Complete?

All 4-H members in Teton County must submit their 4-H record book to their club leaders to be reviewed for completion. Record books are due to your club leader by August 15.

Download and print record books.

Each 4-H member will need:

One “My 4-H Year” journal,

One “Project and Financial Journal” for every non-animal project taken

One “Animal Record” journal for each animal project taken.

Please contact the Extension Office if you are unable to print the forms, or if you have questions.

Criteria for a Complete 4-H Record

  • Enroll in and complete at least one project.
  • Identify at least three goals for the 4-H year. Clearly record achievements.Did you meet your goals?
  • Identify at least three goals for each project completed. Clearly record achievements.Did you meet your goals?
  • Submit your book which includes, as a minimum, the My 4-H Year journal, followed by the 4-H Non-Animal Journal, and if an animal is owned, the 4-H Animal Journal. You are encouraged to include other things to personalize your book like photos and articles, while still maintaining a professional record.
  • Complete all sections of the “My 4-H Year” journal.
  • Participate in at least three additional learning activities during the 4-H year and record them in your journals. Examples include the fair, speeches, demonstrations, judging, public presentation, tours, workshops and camps.
  • List any awards and honors, both 4-H and others, received.
  • Complete one 4-H Non-animal Journal for each non-animal project in which you are enrolled.
  • If an animal is owned, keep records for it on the 4-H Animal Journal according to the type of project carried. Examples include breeding, market, and companion animals, including pets.

4-H members must COMPLETE their record books according to the completion criteria or they will not be allowed to exhibit or sell any item at the following Teton County 4-H Fair.

Record books are used to determine years completed in 4-H. The number of years a 4-H member has completed may affect scholarship selection results.

Record books will be reviewed for completion by club leaders. A book will be reviewed for completion by a non-related certified volunteer. If there is not a non-relative within the club, then the books will be submitted to another club leader or the Extension Office for completion review.

A New 4-H Year...2022-2023

What to Know About Enrolling, Re-enrolling and the New 4-H Year

New 4-H Members can enroll throughout the 4-H year.

Re-enrolling 4-H Members must enroll before December 1 each year.

If you re-enroll ON or BEFORE December 1:

  • Project books and materials will be ordered for you by the MSU Extension Office in Teton County
  • Project books and materials will be paid for by the Teton County 4-H Council
  • You can sign up for and participate in 4-H committees.
  • Participate in club activities and educational events.
  • Receive information from the MSU Extension Office in Teton County.

If you re-enroll AFTER December 1, you will:

  • Complete a variance request form explaining why you were unable to enroll by December 1
  • Order your own project books and materials
  • Pay for your own project materials
  • Be unable to sign up for 4-H committees
  • Pay a $25 per member late fee
  • Not receive timely correspondence from the MSU Extension Office in Teton County

Committee Meetings

Most committee meetings for the new 4-H year will be held in October or early November.

Fair Rule Changes

If you have suggestions please submit in written form by September 1 to the MSU Extension Teton County Office.

2022 Montana 4-H Congress

The 2022 Teton County 4-H delegation to Montana 4-H Congress included graduating seniors, Kwin Briscoe and Madeline Konen, and members Maggie Toeckes and Jersey Somerfeld. Rounding out the delegation were Ayden DeBruycker and Grace Toeckes who both took advantage of attending 4-H Congress while they were still in the 13-year age group in 4-H. The delegation was chaperoned by Jane Wolery, formerly an MSU Extension agent in Teton County and now with the Montana 4-H Foundation. The delegation was also joined for part of Congress by Heidi Konen, who is a 4-H volunteer.

Kwin Briscoe arrived in Bozeman early and served on the pre-Congress committee that gives youth a chance to enhance their leadership skills by planning and conducting many of the Congress events. He competed in the career communications contest. Judges complemented his submitted materials that included a cover letter, resume, and job application. The event coordinator said that Briscoe performed very well, barely missing the cut-off to be called back for finals.

Maggie Toeckes competed in the fashion revue contest, which she won last year. Toeckes attended National 4-H Congress last fall because of her win. This year she modeled a full-length, lined gray wool coat that featured a bound buttonhole and sash. Beneath the coat she donned a navy blue, classic, fully lined wool dress. The dress featured a blue belt at the waist completed by a round rhinestone buckle. Toeckes placed second in the competition.

Jersey Somerfeld competed in the quilt contest with a quilt pattern that was called, “Ferris Wheel,” though she renamed it to be “Rollercoaster.” Under the tutelage of Deanna Burgmaier, 4-H volunteer, Somerfeld spent 55 hours constructing her quilt. Though it was a kit, something was off in the cuts, which required a retooling of the pattern and a template for the center diamond so that all squares would finish the same size. Though Somerfeld did not place in the judged event, it seemed clearly evident that she won the “unofficial people’s choice award.”

Madeline Konen and Ayden DeBruycker both competed in the demonstration and illustrated talk category. Konen demonstrated how to make the best braised beef and looked like a cooking show pro as she explained culinary techniques, food safety, and cuts of beef. She was called back for finals where she repeated the demonstration for a new slate of judges.

Ayden DeBruycker demonstrated how to go from “Drab to Fab” with saddle cleaning and care techniques. She gave a clear and logical demonstration.It was a good thing she hadn’t cleaned her saddle too well in the first round because, she was called back into the finals round.

Konen and DeBruycker placed second and third in the demonstrations contest. Members placing first through third in this event win the right to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia; however, they must be fourteen by October 1, 2021. Konen will be able to attend National Congress, but DeBruycker, due to age will not. It was an outstanding showing and is likely the first time a 13-year-old placed in the top-three.

Grace Toeckes rounded out the delegation. First-year attendees in Teton County are not required to compete and can participate during the contests as helpers. Grace Toeckes selected the stir-ups contest, which is a cooking contest, to assist. Toeckes said the contest was interesting to watch and she thinks it may be her area of competition next year. She said it was a good one to help with because she was able to sample most of the dishes that were prepared.

 

In addition to competitions, 4-H Congress featured numerous workshops, leadership, and service activities.

Club Hubbub

Eager Eagles Club Minutes by Taylee Pearson

On June 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. the Eager Eagles 4-H club had a meeting at the Faith Bible Youth Hall in Fairfield. Korbin Pearson led pledges. Korbin Pearson motioned to accept the minutes from our May meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Alexis Morris. The motion proceeded to a vote and passed unanimously. Ayden DeBruycker read the treasurer's report. We currently have $213.14 in our saving account and $952.82 in our checking account. There were no meetings for cooking, camp, and sewing. There was a horse meeting on June 5 for assessments. The horse show will be Saturday, June 18, at the 406 Arena in Vaughn. There will be a livestock meeting on June 15, to finish up loose ends for the fair. Be collecting your Show Rite feed tags to give to Mrs. Egbert. She will turn these in for money for our club. Reminder that for record books you need at least three goals for your “My 4-H Year” and three goals for every project journal. Market animal members need to have seven activities completed in your project books prior to interview judging day on Wednesday, June 20. Market animal members also need to start thinking of way to market their animal. Copper Creek is the food truck that will be at the fair. Our club’s interview times are 1:30-2:15. Remember your fair manners. Register for 4-H camp if you are going. Remember to thank your buyer in person as well as writing a thank you card. Thank you cards need to be turned in to the Extension Office in order to receive your check. County Fair is June 20-26. The horse show is June 18 at 9:30 a.m. July 13-16 is 4-H Congress.Register before June 13.4-H camp is July 26-28 at Camp Rotary. Next meeting is in September. Ayden DeBruycker motioned to adjourn the meeting and Alexis Morris seconded the motion.

Livestock Committee Minutes

Teton County Livestock Committee Meeting

Date: May 11, 2022

Time and Place: 6:00 PM New Life Church Fairfield

Called to Order: Ashle Morris

Attendance: Danelle Crary, Kelly DeBruycker, Ryan DeBruycker, Alexis Morris, Ashle Morris, Katie Egbert

Pledges:

Minutes:

The minutes from previous meeting in April were read. Alexis Morris motioned to approve the minutes as read and Kelly DeBruycker seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and passed unanimously.

 

Treasurer’s Report: (Ryan DeBruycker)

Beginning Balance: $12,487.59 (prior meeting)

Account Receivable: $4,996.74

Account Expenses: -$254.75

Closing Balance: $17,229.58

 

Notes: Danelle Crary, Katie Egbert, Ryan DeBruycker were present to sign bank signature papers. Todd Banner still needs to sign paperwork.

 

Reports:

Animals Entered:

  • Market Beef – 21
  • Beef Breeding - 7 (4-5 to show)
  • Market Swine – 39
  • Market Sheep-2 & Breeding Sheep 1-2
  • Market Goat-2 & Breeding Goat-3

 

Animal Education Events:

  • Kelly DeBruycker reported that beef has not had any attendance and the third educational event will most likely be cancelled as it is scheduled for graduation weekend. Kelly DeBruycker reported that swine’s second meeting had to cancel due to conflict of events. However, they did send out YouTube videos. Swine’s third session is scheduled. Goat educational events have been cancelled and the individuals will reach out on their own with questions. The lamb educational event is this Saturday at 1 pm at Brent Roeder’s. There is possibly one new lamb person.
  • It was shared that there are some jackpots in Great Falls prior to County Fair that will help teach the kids about showing at a different level.Ashle Morris shared there is a schedule on a Facebook page.

Other Reports:

  • Jane got the pressure washer purchased since the last meeting to wash down the Weatherbeater. The overhead sprinklers no longer work and we have used the fire station to water down the arena in the past. Ryan DeBruycker has a truck that he can bring down prior to Tuesday’s setup. Ryan can get it there.It was recommended for Jane Wolery to try the fire department first and then go to Ryan DeBruycker if needed.

Committee Reports:

  • Policy Committee-(3 adult leaders, 1 junior & 1 agent)
    • Clayton Forseth, Kelly DeBruycker, Carli Neal, Alexis Morris, Jamie Smith
  • Grievance Committee-(2 adult leaders, 1 junior & 1 agent)
    • Brent Roeder, Janelle Campbell Tschida , Addie Pearson, Jane Wolery
  • Superintendents: (Certified volunteers)
    • Swine (2-3): Ryan DeBruycker, Doug Ulsh, and Kaare Pearson
    • Beef (2-3): Ashle Morris, Chelsee Yeager, and Alexis Morris
    • Lamb/Goat (1): Brent Roeder
  • Vice president position vacant and will remain vacant for this year.
  • Scale head – Ashle will set up, calibrate, etc. She will plan to be at all weigh-ins to help alleviate stress onthe office.
  • Swine Superintendents will be the shipping crew on Sunday. There are to be no youth involved in loading out the trailers.

 

Old Business:

Auction:

  • It was suggested to have it live only and that it adds a layer of stress to go online. There were 2 live bids that came in last year. It was recommended to not add a layer of extra work of pictures, etc. for the office this year since we are short staffed.Ryan DeBruycker motioned to not include simulcast in sale this year.Alexis Morris seconded the motion. Proceeded by a vote and passed unanimously.

Club Rotations:

  • Major rotations have already been passed along to designated club. All other rotations will go out shortly.

Market Animal Packets:

  • Fair Registrations are due no later than May 25th by 5pm in the office along with the $100 setup/cleaning deposit fee per member written in a separate check.
  • Marketing got sent out this week for sale. The office will be working on back tags and is working on informing the members.
  • It was declared that the documentation needs to be made more clear on the $100 cleaning deposit fee.

Judge:

  • The judge Bobby Dorvall did not confirm but found and offered a replacement to her. Ashle Morris has a list of 3 judges that she will reach out to. 1.Emma Mercer Texas A&M (Casper), 2. Abby Leachman (KSU) from Montana and 3. Mark King.

Processors:

  • The processor is on onboard and can take whole load. Bear Paw is taking all animals. 21 steers are going to Vandevanters. The suggestion was made to look into sending all species to Vandevanters next year as it is wasteful to send a half filled semi load.

Spotters:

  • Jere Long, Tim Bruner, Krista Briscoe, Ross Fitzgerald

Skidsteer:

  • Jane Wolery will ask Fred Christiansen or Bill Hodgskiss to borrow their skid steer.

Trailer:

  • Levi Hodgskiss will bring his Tuesday and leave it there for the whole week.

 

Fairgrounds:

  • Set-up members are to arrive Tuesday at 6:30pm.
  • Clean-up members are to arrive Sunday 8am.
  • Members are divided by last name and the list can be found online.
  • Members are to provide their own bedding.
  • Housing animals by club.

Swine Set-up:

  • Doug, Kaare and Ryan DeBruycker looked at setup and will be able to setup and also have the show happen in pig barn. He would like to move forward having the pig show in the pig barn. Ryan also would like to get hog panels welded by Addie Pearson and Nolan Forseth for the sale. He is looking into further expenses needed to make this happen.

Load out:

  • NO YOUTH will load onto trailer.
  • 6:30 am Swine Load Out
  • 7:00 am Lambs and Goats Load Out
  • 7:30 am Market Beef Load Out
  • Reminder to text processors when trucks leave.

Variance requests:

  • Checks have been deposited if not action was taken.

Round Robin:

  • Kwin Briscoe is willing to take it on. Selina DeVos will assist. Waverly Konen wanted to help as well.

Buyer’s reception:

  • The Popcorn Colonel in Great Falls will sell us bags of 99 cups white cheddar and tutti fruity.Giving a 10% discount. We will plan for 200-300 people. Old West has cute big green baskets we could use. The 4-H Council can buy those and the office can pay for them. Jane volunteered to get them.

New Business:

Carcass grading and Education:

  • Carcass judges they will be responsible for grading. They have the dates for each location. Education event needs planned to be 1 hour long with a brief education period and announce winners and give compiled information. Generally it is the ag agent that hosts this event. Danelle stated there is a new processor in Choteau that might be willing to put on an educational event. We need to plan timing on getting data back to fit back into a July event date. Danelle will call Morel's Chop Shop to see if they would be willing and able.
    • Dates: July 5-8, July 11-12, July 18-22

Announcements:

  • Jane Wolery has submitted her letter of resignation. She has served 24 years in her position. The office will now be be staffed with one quarter of the employees until positions are hired for. Jane will be available to help facilitate during fair week.
  • Fair 2022 Dates: June 18-26
  • Major Family Benefit and Gun Raffle. Please have your items to the fair by June 1
  • Read your newsletter!
  • Helen Music donated $150.
  • Ashle Morris adjourned and the meeting and Alexis seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Next Meeting: June 15 New Life Church, Fairfield, MT at 6 pm.

 

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.

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

 

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


Agents:

Jenn Swanson  [email protected]

Assistants:

JoAnn McDowell & 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