Dawson County

Dawson County is centrally located in eastern Montana. Dawson County is a common stopping location between Sidney and Miles City for many. The population of Dawson County is approximately 9,000 and comprises the communities of Richey, West Glendive, and the county seat, Glendive. Dawson County is home to Makoshika State Park, the largest in Montana, drawing many tourists to the area for recreation, hunting, and attractions such as the dinosaur museum. Agriculture is a significant enterprise in the county, with an even split between livestock and crops. Horse and sheep operations are also common in the area. MSU Extension in Dawson County provides services for the 4-H program, agriculture, horticulture, and community development.

Weighing Success

For years, the 4-H program has recognized the need for a reliable, accurate livestock scale to support members in the development of agricultural skills. Previously, Dawson County 4-H has been borrowing a scale from a local family. Just in time for the 2024 Dawson County Fair, 4-H acquired a new livestock scale, a long-awaited addition that promises to benefit members and strengthen the community's youth development efforts. The new scale is a welcome update and a vital tool for advancing the educational and practical experience of 4-H members in livestock projects.

Regular weighing of animals provides crucial data for evaluating feeding plans, monitoring growth rates, and ensuring animals are developing according to best practices. For competitive purposes such as livestock shows and market auctions, precise weights are required to determine the eligibility and market value of animals. These data points allow 4-H members to make informed decisions about livestock care, ensuring optimal health and performance. Getting a new livestock scale wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our 4-H Livestock Committee, 4-H parents and volunteers and donations from AgWest Farm Credit, CHS Farmers Elevator, Montana Farmers Union and Fisher Sand & Gravel Company.

Caption: CHS Farmers Elevator presenting Dawson County 4-Her's with a check

Credit: Sarah Thorson

A Showcase for Agriculture

The Glendive Agricultural Trade Expo has a long-running history of 47 years in Dawson County. The GATE show is a grand showcase of all things agriculture, making it a must-attend for those connected to farming and ranching industries. From state-of-the-art farming equipment to advances in crop protection, livestock management tools, and sustainable farming techniques, the expo offers a comprehensive display of the latest products and services shaping the future of agriculture. GATE also embraces many Montana-made goods, hosting local artisans, craft makers, and small businesses. This creates a marketplace atmosphere where attendees can discover everything from homemade jams to local crafts, connecting the community with the agricultural lifestyle. One of the most valuable aspects of GATE is its commitment to education.

Dawson County MSU Extension hosts a series of workshops designed to provide attendees with practical, research-based information that they can apply immediately. This year, Hayes Goosey spoke on the anatomy of grasshoppers and proper management practices. The workshop highlighted integrated pest management strategies, including the use of biological controls, chemical treatments, and habitat management to help farmers protect land from destructive insects. Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension beef cattle specialist, discussed beef cattle nutrition. Attendees learned how to formulate feed plans that improve cattle performance while also minimizing expenses, a crucial aspect of staying profitable in today's competitive agricultural landscape.

Caption: Save the date card

Credit: Ashley Fulton

Nitrate Testing

Dawson County MSU Extension offers many critical services for agriculture. A significant amount of nitrate tests were performed on forages such as Pearl Millet, Foxtail Millet, Sorghum-Sudan, Barley, Kochia, and Clover. Of the forages tested for nitrates this summer, 62% were safe to feed, 16% tested at a moderate level of concern for nitrates, and 21% tested extremely high for nitrates and were deemed not safe to feed. This served as valuable information for many cattle producers deciding when to harvest crops and when it was safe to graze cattle. 

Caption: Dawson County Extension Agent Gabrielle Sexton demonstrating for 4-H members how to test a forage sample for nitrates.

Credit: Kari Granmoe

"What is 4-H" Workshop Series

Dawson County 4-H hosted a winter workshop series titled "What is 4-H?" to introduce the community to indoor 4-H projects and encourage participation. The workshop was designed to increase membership and the number of projects entered in the Dawson County Fair. Open to the public as well as current 4-H members, the event offered hands-on learning experiences in a variety of indoor projects such as photography, arts and crafts, sewing, baking and robotics. Participants explored new skills and gained a deeper understanding of what 4-H offers beyond traditional livestock projects. Dawson County 4-H aimed to broaden interest among youth who may not have previous experience with 4-H or who are interested in non-agricultural activities.

Caption: 4-Her's proudly holding up the pot holders they made

Credit: Jessica Stroh

Contact

207 W. Bell St.
Glendive, MT 59330
406-377-4277
https://www.montana.edu/extension/dawson/