Carter County

Carter County is the Southeast-most county of Montana, bordering South Dakota and Wyoming, with a population of around 1,000 people. Agriculture plays a large part in the local community, with ranching and dryland farming being the major industries. Hunting and tourism (museums and dinosaurs) also bring visitors to the area. In Carter County, MSU Extension fosters community development, teaches family and consumer science topics, hosts youth development programs, and offers agriculture and natural resources programs.

Carter County Served by Extension

One of the biggest changes to MSU Extension in Carter County was the establishment of a full-time Extension Agent. Carter County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Director of MSU Extension, approved a full-time Extension office, which opened in March 2024. With this new office, foot traffic has increased to 10 visits a week. Producers can set up field visits and utilize nitrate sample testing Monday-Friday instead of just one day a week. One producer who lives in the Southern part of the county and is closer to towns in South Dakota than Ekalaka said, “This, (having a full-time Extension Agent) is the first time that I truly feel like I am being served as a taxpayer in my years of living in Carter County.” Extension is excited to see the Carter County program grow over the next few years. 

Caption: Sunset at Medicine Rocks State Park

Credit: Amanda Williams

Nitrates and Cover Crops on the Rise

Carter County MSU Extension was busy testing nitrate samples this summer during dry conditions. Of the nitrate samples submitted, 58 percent have been cover crops, and of those, only four samples were safe to graze at a limited level. MSU Extension has been communicating with producers about the importance of nitrate testing cover crops because most of the plants used in cover crop mixtures are nitrate accumulators. Producers are utilizing this testing service to be able to safely graze cover crops by mixing forage or adjusting feed to offset high nitrate levels in some feed, which can be toxic to livestock. 

Caption: Recent cover crop sample for nitrate testing

Credit: Amanda Williams

Active 4-H Youth

4-H youth in Carter County continue to participate in important skill-building activities. Nine youth participated in 4-H Camp, and five attended an ‘Oreo’ trip for junior-high-aged kids. Carter County sent five members to 4-H Congress in Bozeman, where they competed in state events, helped facilitate pre-congress events, and networked with peers. Locally, 4-H youth are active in the annual fair and the Carter County All Events Day, where 27 members competed in various small projects through judging and demonstrations, as well as a foods festival.

Caption: Youth ready for the Foods Festival at All Events Day

Credit: Amanda Williams

Weeds on the Rise

Carter County MSU Extension has been collaborating with the local weed department on educational programs such as local Spray Days and educating the public on local weeds, including Ventenata. In September 2024, an invasive male Palmer Amaranth plant was identified in Carter County along a roadside. The weed department and MSU Extension worked together to scout and monitor for other plants. Thankfully, no other Palmer Amaranth plants were found. Carter County is the third county in the state to find this invasive weed. The two county departments will continue to monitor, and local producers in the surrounding area have been notified and educated on Palmer Amaranth identification. We encourage continued submission of samples and photos of pigweeds to make sure it isn’t Palmer Amaranth.

Caption: Palmer Amaranth plant found in Carter County

Credit: Amanda Williams

Contact

P.O. Box 371
Ekalaka, MT 59324
406-775-6305
https://cartercountymontana.squarespace.com/extension