Rosebud-Treasure County

Spanning over 6,000 square miles, Rosebud and Treasure Counties are home to a rich and varied landscape. They encompass wide-open prairies in the north, rugged, pine-covered hills in the south, and the Yellowstone River, which flows through both counties. The region includes three incorporated cities—Forsyth, Colstrip, and Hysham—along with several smaller communities and shares a border with the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The local economy is driven primarily by farming, ranching, energy development, and the railroad industry, all of which play essential roles in sustaining the livelihoods of those who call these counties home. The Rosebud-Treasure County Extension office, which provides vital services and resources, is largely funded by the taxpayers of Rosebud and Treasure Counties. Your continued support and financial contributions to these Extension services are deeply appreciated, as they help us serve the needs of our communities.

Stone Key for Local Initiatives

The Rosebud-Treasure County Extension Office continues to be a central hub for community growth and engagement. Whether assisting with questions about local initiatives such as the Booster Club, Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation, Forever Forsyth Inc., or the Reimagining Rural program, our office remains a trusted resource. The community has grown accustomed to the friendly and accessible support offered by our team. We take pride in being the go-to place for hands-on assistance, fostering a sense of belonging by helping individuals connect with local resources and opportunities. In a world increasingly reliant on online platforms, many of our community members still value personal, face-to-face guidance. Whether helping residents download livestock reporting documents, providing technology instruction, or encouraging involvement in community programs, our staff is committed to helping people find their place and become active participants in the community. By doing so, we help strengthen the bonds that make our local area a vibrant and welcoming home for all. Our commitment to supporting charitable organizations in the region remains strong, as we believe in fostering partnerships that uplift our communities. Whether it is through direct involvement or offering administrative assistance, the Extension Office remains a key player in building a brighter future for Rosebud and Treasure counties. As we reflect on the past year, we're proud of the role we have played in strengthening our local networks and supporting our community's growth. We look forward to continuing our work in the coming year, serving as a beacon of support, knowledge, and collaboration for all.

Caption: Forsyth Forever Inc. receiving a $10,000 grant.

Credit: Montana Community Foundation

The 4-H Ambassador program is back!

Since December 2023, the Rosebud and Treasure Counties 4-H Program has ten new youth ambassadors and two adult leaders, who are not only dedicated to serving their communities but are also committed to personal growth, leadership development, and creating positive impact. These young leaders have already demonstrated the values of 4-H through community service, dedication to learning, and fostering positive relationships with peers. They have worked closely with the Extension Office and local 4-H leaders to support various activities and projects, ensuring that 4-H remains a strong and exciting presence in our counties. This group of ambassadors represents a great step forward for our 4-H community as they embody the leadership, creativity, and commitment that strengthens our 4-H program. We look forward to seeing the positive influence these young leaders will bring to our 4-H program and how they will inspire others to join and grow within 4-H.

Caption: Rosebud-Treasure County 4-H Ambassadors

Credit: Extension Office Staff

4-H Program – A Year of Growth and Achievement

4-H, the largest youth development program outside of school in Montana, influences nearly 20,000 youth across all 56 counties. In Rosebud and Treasure Counties, the 4-H program had an exceptional year. With close to 150 enrolled youth members and 41 dedicated adult volunteers from 90 families, the program fostered numerous opportunities for learning, leadership, and community involvement. Throughout the year, the Extension Office provided a variety of training sessions for members, including record book preparation, animal quality assurance, showmanship, and livestock judging. These programs equipped participants with vital skills while encouraging personal growth and responsibility. In February, the CB&R 4-H Club hosted the County All Events Day, where 56 youth participated in a range of contests, such as demonstration and illustrated talks, prepared speeches, gavel games, stir-ups, fashion revue, and career communications. The day was filled with excitement, fun, and valuable learning experiences for all involved. Additionally, the Rosebud-Treasure County 4-H Ambassadors organized a Cloverbud Mini-Camp at the fairgrounds. Eighteen young participants engaged in creative crafts, and outdoor games and enjoyed snacks with our ambassadors and their leaders. The event helped develop teamwork, creativity, and important skills in a fun and age-appropriate way, offering Cloverbuds a glimpse into future 4-H projects. The 4-H program in Rosebud and Treasure Counties continues to thrive, thanks to the support of dedicated leaders, volunteers, and parents, all committed to nurturing the next generation of community leaders.

Caption: Rosebud-Treasure County 4-H’ers at the Awards ceremony at the end of the County Fair.

Credit: Extension Office Staff

Agriculture and Horticulture Assistance

During the 2024 growing season, one-on-one, in-person support was a cornerstone of the Agricultural and Horticultural programs. The MSU Extension agent received nearly 100 individual inquiries, providing critical guidance to producers and gardeners in Rosebud and Treasure Counties. Based on visits and calls, the primary consultation needs were Integrated Pest Management—covering plant, insect, and disease identification (34%), the Private Pesticide Applicator Program (22%), and Animal Feed Quality (17%). MSU Schutter Diagnostic Lab in Bozeman played a key role in supporting these efforts by providing accurate plant and disease diagnoses and helping clients implement effective management strategies. Additionally, MSU Extension assisted ranchers and producers with nitrate testing on their forage samples, ensuring that 31,400 acres were safe for livestock consumption. Tested forage and pasture from these fields feed about 1,400 head of cattle just in both counties. Further contributing to the agricultural community, MSU Agriculture Extension Agent Francisco Gamboa wrote and published an article on the indispensable relationship between pollinators and perennial plants for the spring edition of Montana Farmers Union Magazine. With nearly 2,500 hard copies distributed statewide and further reach online, the article highlighted the essential roles pollinators play in plant reproduction and biodiversity, stressing the importance of conservation efforts to ensure their future in Montana's agriculture and ecosystems. Overall, the Rosebud-Treasure Extension Office provided invaluable resources and support to the citizens of these communities, helping them optimize their agricultural and horticultural production throughout the year.

Caption: The Vital Relationship Between Pollinators & Perennial Plants in Montana article.

Credit: Montana Farmers Union Magazine - Spring Edition

Community Garden and Master Gardeners Programs

This year, our small-town community garden remained a hub of growth, learning, and connection for local residents. Extension continues to provide a welcoming space for gardeners of all experience levels. The garden has become more than just a place to grow vegetables—it is a reflection of our community’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and education. In addition to the success of the community garden, we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seven dedicated students who completed Montana State University’s Level 1 Master Gardener Program. Through 16 hours of in-depth instruction, these individuals gained valuable knowledge about soil, nutrients, fertilizers, plant growth and development, and integrated pest management. They also explored key topics such as horticulture, ornamentals, trees and shrubs, fruits, landscape design, and more. The Master Gardener program trained participants to become more skilled gardeners and laid the groundwork for them to contribute to the local gardening community in new and meaningful ways. We look forward to seeing these new Master Gardeners apply their skills to enhance our community garden and other local projects.

Caption: Forsyth Community Garden

Credit: Francisco Gamboa Herrera, MSU Extension Agent.

Contact

1251 Main Street - 1st floor of the Rosebud County Courthouse
Forsyth, MT 59327
406-346-7320
https://www.montana.edu/extension/rosebudtreasure/