Daniels County

Daniels County MSU Extension is a non-formal educational program designed to assist county residents through research-based resources and programs. Established in Daniels County in 1922, MSU Extension assists in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer science, community health and development, and youth development through 4-H.

Daniels County is in the northeast corner of the state, adjacent to the southern border of Saskatchewan, Canada. Based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, the population in Daniels County is approximately 1,700. Agriculture is the main industry, with over 84% of the land classified as farmland. The principal crops produced by acre include durum wheat, spring wheat, lentils, hay and haylage, and peas. Established in 1920, Daniels County boasts a variety of small-town community events, including Lutefisk dinners, snowmobile races, ranch rodeos, the annual Pioneer Days, and a county fair.

 

Youth introduced to lifelong skill of breadmaking

In spring 2024, Daniels County MSU Extension led a class for 33 fifth graders at Scobey Schools focused on breadmaking. In addition to making a whole-wheat loaf, participants learned about the different classes of wheat, the products they are used in, the science behind rising bread, and the important connection between local farmers and food production. At end of the class, participants shared the following comments:

• “I think this class was great. Nothing should change. I’d love to do it again!”
• “I will try to make bread with my parents and family.” 
• “I thought it was hard before, but now I think it’s fun and delicious.” 
• “I will make more things with wheat, not just bread.”

Bread kits used in the workshop were part of a partnership with North Dakota State University Extension in Williams County, and the Annual Hard Spring Wheat Show. Daniels County is primarily a grower of spring wheat and durum, producing roughly 6% and 18% of the statewide spring wheat and durum (2020 USDA, NASS). 

Caption: Loaves of bread made by Scobey fifth graders

Credit: Inga Hawbaker

Identifying and Managing Invasive Weeds

Daniels County MSU Extension received several questions regarding plant identification and weed management through the 2024 season. Approximately 35 plants were identified, with most of the plants being found in gardens, cropland, pastures, and along county roadsides. Identifying plants is crucial to prevent noxious and invasive weed species from spreading.

To address hay shortages in the region caused by drought, hay has been brought from other areas, prompting the need for vigilance in detecting unknown plant species. In addition to working with adult clientele, MSU Extension provided plant identification workshops for youth groups.

Baby’s breath has been listed as a noxious weed in Daniels County for some time and has become especially problematic in idled croplands, rangeland, and hayfields. In August 2023, MSU Extension agents, specialists, and the Daniels County Weed District concluded a three-year study near Peerless, which evaluated herbicide treatments for baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata). Spring herbicide applications containing the active ingredient metsulfuron methyl significantly reduced baby’s breath density at the end of the three-year study. Prior research regarding long-term control of baby’s breath in Montana is limited; therefore, additional years of monitoring will occur to determine long-term effects of the herbicide treatments and refine management decisions.

In September 2023, Daniels County MSU Extension found flowering palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in a field that was planted with contaminated seed. Palmer amaranth, a restricted seed species in Montana, will have a large economic impact on agriculture if allowed to establish, given its ability to develop herbicide resistance. While all known plants were removed prior to seed set, the incident has prompted monitoring efforts in the area for the foreseeable future.

Caption: Palmer amaranth plant found in Daniels County

Credit: Inga Hawbaker

“Squeal on Pigs” in Daniels County

In March 2024, Daniels County MSU Extension hosted the Northeast Montana Feral Swine Tour, an educational meeting focused on preparing landowners, farmers, and ranchers for feral swine activity. Feral swine, also referred to as wild pigs, are aggressive animals that can cause significant landscape and agricultural damage. Feral swine are described as being intelligent, mobile, and extremely difficult to eradicate once established. Feral swine can also transmit diseases and parasites, such as pseudorabies, swine brucellosis, and tuberculosis, to livestock and people. This meeting focused on their threat to Montana and ways to respond to this threat.

The Montana Department of Livestock (Shawn Hundo), MSU Extension (Jared Beaver), and USDA-APHIS Wildlife Service (Doug Ekberg) presented to 25 participants at the workshop. All sightings of feral swine are to be reported to the ‘Squeal on Pigs’ hotline - eradication of populations in Montana is restricted to the Department of Livestock or other designated state and federal employees. Due to its proximity to the Canadian border, Daniels County is a potential area where populations could invade and establish. Feral swine populations have been spotted north of the western North Dakota and Saskatchewan border. Workshop participants learned of the numerous environmental, economic, and health threats posed by feral hogs to their livestock, fields, fences, and facilities.

Caption: 'Squeal on Pigs'

Credit: Montana Department of Livestock

Contact

113 Main Street
Scobey, MT
406-487-2861
https://www.montana.edu/extension/