On the Horizon

April 9

  • Swine Possession Deadline/Agreement Due 5:00 pm, Tuesday, Extension Office

April 15

  • Club Dues and 1% Deadline 5:00 pm, Monday, Extension Office

April 15

  • Project Drop/Add Deadline

April 16

  • Lamb/Goat Possession Deadline/Agreement Due 5:00 pm, Tuesday, Extension Office

April 19

  • Swine Late Deadline with Double Fee (not allowed after) 5:00 pm, Friday, Extension Office

April 19

  • Rec Lab Starts, Friday, Boulder, MT

April 21

  • Bear Smart 2-3:30 pm, Weatherbeater Arena

April 26

  • Lamb/Goat Late Deadline with Double Fee (not allowed after) 5:00 pm, Friday, Extension Office

April 27

  • Communications Day, 10:30 am, Choteau Baptist Church, Choteau

April 28

  • Swine LQA, 2-4:00 pm, Heidi and Kaare Pearson Home

May 6

  • 4-H Council Meeting 5:30 pm, Courthouse Conference Room, Choteau

May 19

  • Lamb/Goat LQA, 3-4:00 pm, Weatherbeater, Choteau

Club Dues and 1% Deadline

Invoicing for club dues and 1% was completed in February and sent to club leaders. The deadline for sending payment to the Extension office is April 15, 2024. We have already received payment from the following: Eager Eagles, Prairie Stars, Challenging Champs, Old Agency, Horse Club and the Livestock Committee. Thank you!

April Invitations
Build Your Bear Smart Skills

When living in grizzly country, it’s best to have practiced using bear spray when the stakes are low, i.e., well before a bear encounter. That’s because most people using bear spray in a real bear encounter spray it incorrectly, such that it goes right over the bear’s head.Why not learn to spray it the Bear Smart way? Teton County 4-H members, families, and friends are invited to join in a skill-building field day at the Weatherbeater arena on Sunday April 21, 2024, from 2 to 3:30 pm (rain or shine).

Ali Marschner and Chad White will be on hand to teach kids and adults proper spray technique. They’ll have real canisters that release inert spray at the same pressure as fully-loaded bear spray.And what about your livestock pens - will your electric fence deter a bear? Chrissy Lambert and Jenn Swanson will demo the features of the Weatherbeater’s Bear Smart electric fence, designed to protect our livestock at the 4-H Fair.

This field day and practice canisters are free, and refreshments will be provided.Hope to see you there!

2024 Teton County Communications Day

All are welcome and invited to attend the 2024 Teton County Communications Day Competition. The 4-H Council will be providing a catered lunch.If you have not registered to compete, but plan to attend, please contact the Extension Office by Friday, April 19th so that we can provide enough food.

The event will take place Saturday, April 27, at the Choteau Baptist Church.Beginning at 10:30 am, Teton County’s finest will be sharing information through interesting demonstration talks. To kick off the event, 2023 State Level Demonstration Champion, Ayden DeBruycker, will share her experience of National 4-H Congress in November 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.It is very exciting to announce that this year there are 20 4-Hers signed up to present a demonstration.Demonstration topics this year include how to show a lamb, how to show a chicken, horse anatomy, bannock and berries, and leather brands. Seven brave 4-Hers will try their hand at Stir-Ups, a new county level competition that this year will feature stir fry.

Agent's Corner:  Other People's Kids!
by Jenn Swanson

Perhaps especially in rural areas, parents and kids get to work side by side as part of the family's livelihood.This blessing is also a time-honored growth opportunity for kids, one that gives them a sense of belonging and an extra measure of confidence.4-H offers a similar experience, except that more families are involved in any given project and the kids' learning becomes the focus of the day.This reflects a unique, core value of 4-H - the importance of positive relationships between kids and trusted adults other than their parents.

When taking your kids to practice for a school sport, it is common to drop off your youngster and then stay out of the coaches' way so they can do their jobs.But in 4-H clubs, the opposite is desired.Parents should be active participants in Club activities and meetings so they can develop supportive relationships with all of the kids in the Club.The designated Club Leaders act as chief organizers and liaisons with the county Extension office, so they have plenty on their plates.Club leaders shouldn't be expected to also provide all of the education and fun for the year.(And even if they are willing, this is not the desired result.)A formula that really works is Club parents volunteering to plan and/or lead at least one activity per year (in coordination with their Club leaders) so that kids get to interact with all the adults in the Club on a regular basis.

Agent Corner:  Fair and Interview Judging
by Shelby Jones-Dozier

Fair season is rapidly approaching, and I wanted to share some changes that will be introduced this year for Interview Judging at the Choteau Pavilion.Interview Judging will be on Wednesday, June 26, from 1 pm – 4 pm.

Interview judging is an opportunity for each 4-Her to showcase the hard work they have put into their 4-H project with a caring adult who has expertise in the project area.This is also a great opportunity for youth to practice their interviewing skills and professional communication skills. This event involves one-on-one communication in which the judge and 4-Her talk directly with each other.The judges are a special group of caring adults from the community and have the desire to help youth succeed.The judges are selected by the Teton County Extension Office based on professional skills and recommendations from the 4-H community.On the day of the event, judges are instructed that interview judging is an educational activity and their role is to help youth learn different and better methods for completing their projects.To guide this process, judges are provided with a list of suggested questions to ask the 4-Her, such as:

What did you want to achieve from this project?

Did you learn anything new?

How did you do it (process, steps, plans)?

Did you share your knowledge and skills in this project with others?

The judges will then provide constructive criticism using phrases like:

I really liked...

I felt you might try to...

I wasn’t quite sure about...

Self-reflection is highly encouraged in 4-H to foster positive youth development.Judges are encouraged to ask the 4-Her they are interviewing about their personal experiences while completing the project such as:

What problems did you have?

What could you do differently next time?

How do you feel about your project now?

I encourage all 4-Hers to use these questions to prepare for their interview day so that they can feel prepared and confident while conversing with their judge.How you use your posture, eye contact, speaking volume, and attitude are all important to consider and practice before the event.Work with your club leaders if you feel unsure how to do this part of the interview process.

Following the interview the judges rank the project and interview.Proficiency in a project corresponds to the color ribbon awarded.The ribbons awarded are based on the guidelines provided for each division in the county fair book. Judges will be provided with the fair book and will use these to determine how well standards were met.Blue ribbons are awarded for projects that meet the standards and are of high quality for the age and project level of the 4-Her.Red ribbons are awarded for projects of average quality, meet the standards and provide a good learning experience and will improve with skill development.White ribbons are awarded to novices who are just beginning to develop the necessary skills and will greatly benefit from more practice.Each ribbon receives a cash award provided at the end of the interview process. Blue ribbons receive $5, red ribbons $3, and white ribbons $2.

Please contact the office to get a copy of the Pavilion map to see how the interview judging area will be set up.The numbered arrows can be used to see how the interview judging process will flow.Club leaders, please go over this map with your club so that they can know what to expect on interview day.

If you have any questions or concerns about interview judging, please do not hesitate to reach out to me vial email at [email protected] or by calling the county Extension Office.

 

Get to Know Ambassador Andrew Major

Teton County 4H Ambassador Photo

Hello! I am Andrew Major and this is my sixth year in 4-H. I am very excited to be part of the 2023-24 4-H Ambassador team! As I have grown up in 4-H I have done baking, sewing, art, and market lamb. Although this is my sixth year in 4-H, I attended many 4-H camps with my siblings since before I was a Cloverbud. 4-H has taught me how to be a leader, speak in public, and to continue to do hard things. I have also gotten to make many friends through all this. I am looking forward to working with this great team.

Club Commotion

Waverly Konen Attends National Make it With Wool. 

When I started picking out a pattern and fabric for my most recent sewing project, a green wool jumper, I had no idea that I would win a trip to Denver, Colorado, to compete in the national level of the Make It With Wool Contest. In the Mile High City, competitors from all over the country showed off their outfits to the judges, participated in workshops, attended the Denver Stock Show, and held a fashion show for members of the American Sheep Industry. I enjoyed getting to see all the possibilities there are with wool, meeting new people who were very encouraging, and getting to see Denver. And now I have a beautiful and versatile jumper to wear!

Eager Eagles and Prairie Stars Members Stuff Easter Eggs

Members from the Eager Eagles and Prairie Stars 4-H Clubs volunteered to put together Easter eggs to donate to the Fairfield Easter Egg Hunt.

2024 4-H Club Rotation

2024 4-H Club Rotations
Club
Rotation
Club Rotation Description
Challenging Champs
Meat and Greet
and Concessions
  • The Meat and Greet is our buyer appreciation event.It takes place on Saturday June 29, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 pm, in the Weatherbeater Arena
  • Your club will set up, serve food, and clean up after the event.Available club members should be divided into two teams:
    • 4-6 p.m.Setup for the event and serve food
    • 5-7 p.m.Serve food and clean up after the event
  • Your club has the option of selling baked goods as a club fundraiser, during Fair
Old Agency
Fair Project Display
  • Projects are displayed, and decorations are put up immediately following interview judging
    • Please wait to begin until all interview judging is complete
  • Clubs decide how to best exhibit fair entries (can be by club, by project type, etc.)
    • A champions area is generally created to display the exhibits that were ranked as rosette and division winners
  • The office will supply tablecloths, easels, risers, magnets/pipes, etc.
  • No tape, nails, staples, etc. can be used on the Pavilion walls
Spring Creek
Fair Cleaning at Pavilion
  • Clubs cleaning the Pavilion following the fair may either do so on Saturday night or on Sunday following the fair and should communicate their plan with the Extension agents
  • A cleaning list will be supplied with specific details for both cleaning the Pavilion and organizing 4-H/Extension supplies
  • Depending on the number of people who assist, this assignment will take 2-4 hours

Eager Eagles
Prairie Stars
Fair Facilities Management
and Greeter Scheduling
  • Arrange Pavilion greeters (work with Extension to determine schedule)
  • Plan and provide hospitality for judges at Pavilion during interview judging
    • Work with Extension to arrange budget/payment/times
    • Hospitality for judges varies depending on the time of judging
      • Could include a light snack (bars, fruit) and water or a light meal
  • Manage the physical facilities at the Weatherbeater and Pavilion 
    • Daily loading of paper towels, soap, toilet paper, dumping garbage, sweeping off bleachers, keeping areas clean and tidy, cleaning cement pad
    • Water spray bottles should be used to keep dust down
    • Managing inside and outside areas for cleanliness, safety, traffic, etc.   
      • Safety announcements can be made prior to and during the fair 

Eager Eagles 
Prairie Stars
Camp Rotary Cleaning
  • The Rotarians set the date for cleaning at Camp Rotary
    • As a user of Camp Rotary, Teton County is expected to participate
  • The Extension Office will forward information as it is received about the cleaning event
  • This assignment generally requires a smaller group of people with 4-10 able to complete the task
    • It is best to take gloves (cleaning and work), buckets, and rags.
    • Wear comfortable shoes and cleaning clothes.

Opportunity for 4-H Youth

The Life Enrichment Director for the long-term care facility at Benefis Teton Medical Center would like to invite 4-H members to share their projects with residents.A variety of projects would be suitable from all types of crafts to small animals that have been vaccinated.The residents love to meet 4-Hers and talk about their projects.

If interested, please contact Cheryl Woods at c[email protected] or 406-868-0286

Teton County 4-H Horse Project Information

The Teton County 4-H Horse Club communicates through an app called the Band App.If you would like to receive announcements from the Horse Club, including about fun events like trail rides and horse camping trips, please download the Band App on your phone and contact Kate Banner to be added to the group.Kate‘s cell number is 406-264-5124.

Important: The Teton County Horse Show is scheduled for Saturday June 22, 2024.Kate needs to know by Wednesday, April 10, if you will participate! (You need to be enrolled in Horse Project to exhibit at the show.)If this will be your first horse show, Kate will help you assess which classes to enter. Be sure to text Kate (406-264-5124) and/or the Office (406-350-5373) with your horse show intentions by Wednesday, April 10.Note - this is not the same as registering for the Horse Show- this is letting leaders know what to plan for.

Kate has put together a list of great learning opportunities for riders.The events below are all happening at the 406 Arena in Vaughn. If you see “**” in front of the date, it means that a certified 4-H volunteer will be present and you could not only have a great time but record the event as a 4-H Horse Club meeting or practice.Events without the “**” are still good learning opportunities and can be recorded in the record book as other horse activities.The events with All in front of them are suitable for all horsemanship levels, including beginners.

 

406 Schedule 2024

All**April 12-13 406 Spring Schooling Show

**April 19,20,21 Treasure State Cutting

**April 27 North Country Stock Horse Association winter series finals

All**May 3-4 4-H Horse Camp

**May 11-12 CMRCHA Twisted Wire

All June 1 Great Falls All Breeds Open Show

June 14-15 Roping clinic with Tyrell Memmott

June 29-30 MQHA Spark Some Fun Horse Show

**July 19 4H Working Ranch Horse Cascade and Teton Counties

**July 12-14 Treasure State Cutting

July 20 4H Cascade County Horse Show

All July 27 Great Falls All Breeds Open Show

All Aug 17 Great Falls All Breeds Open Show

Aug 23-24 406 Arena Annual Horse Fair, Breeders Showcase & VRH Show

All **September 6-7 406 Arena Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show

**September 13-16 4H Working Ranch Horse & VRH State Finals

All **September 19-22 4H State Horse Show

All **Oct 4-5 406 Arena Falls Schooling Show and series finals

Montana 4-H International Programs:  Hosting

Montana families have the opportunity to host and positively impact an international youth this Summer 2024 and Academic Year 2024 - 2025. The host family will help select which delegate best matches with their family.

Summer 2024: July 22 - August 17

16 Japanese females and males ages 12 - 17

Apply to host for Summer 2024

Academic Year 2024 - 2025: ~10 months, arriving in August

1 Korean youth age 15 - 18

1 Japanese youth age 15 - 18

Apply to host for 2024-2025 Academic Year

Have further questions? Contact Christine at [email protected] or 406.994.3504

Montana 4-H Volunteer Awards

4-H is made possible through the outstanding support of adults who provide their time, resources and support to improve the lives of Montana 4-H youth and strive to constantly make the best better. Through the following award categories, Montana 4-H recognizes outstanding contributions of volunteer leaders, staff and alumni at the county and state levels.  The three adult awards are Tribute to Volunteer Excellence, Hall of Fame and Outstanding 4-H Alumni.Find out more about these awards. All awards are presented at the Montana 4-H Leadership Forum in the fall or another statewide event.Nomination Guidelines: Each county may nominate one individual for each category to be considered for awards.  Nominees may qualify for more than one category.  Priority consideration will be given to volunteers who have not received a statewide award within the last five years. Nominations are due May 1.If you would like to nominate a volunteer, please contact the Extenison Office.

Montana 4-H State Awards

The Montana 4-H State Awards program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of 4-H members whoreach a standard of excellence in a project area. State Award winners go above and beyond regular project work with a focus on leadership, communication and community service. Winners are eligible to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. The out-of-pocket costs for Teton County 4-H members has been around $300 for the week of National 4-H Congress. The timeline below will help those who plan to apply for state awards in 2023-2024. Much of the process is self-directed.

December:

• Download state award application from Montana 4-H website

• Spend 3-6 hours completing written work – add information based on your own record books, Teton County 4-H newsletters which are posted online, club leader information

• Have your application reviewed by your family members and your club leader

• Look up “verbs for resumes” or “adjectives for resumes” to find powerful words to use as you describe your 4-H work

January:

• By mid-January, please submit your first draft of your written work to the Extension Office for editing and suggestions

• Start working on your creative work – which can be in a variety of formats including a newspaper publication, quilt, scrapbook, video or slide show

• Set aside up to 10 hours in January to work on your creative project

February:

• Schedule an appointment with Extension Office. Discuss corrections needed for written application and brainstorm/plan for creative work

• Make corrections as needed on your written work

• Set aside at least 5 hours this month to work on your award package

March:

• Submit a copy of your creative work and corrected written work to the Extension Office

• Schedule 2-3 hours to work with the office, if you need assistance with technology, writing, etc.

• Complete creative project, as much as possible

April:

• Schedule 2 hours with the Extension Office to review your work

• Make recommended changes in your project

• Have application completed, packaged professionally, signed and delivered to MSU bydeadline specified in application

• Be prepared to spend the hours needed this month to complete your creative project

See more information at the state website

MSU Extension Teton County

Fair Dates

The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes a Sunday.

2024    June 24-30
2025    June 24-29
2026    June 22-28

Camp Dates

2024   July 22-26

4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman

2024   July 9-12

 

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


Agents:

Shelby Jones-Dozier [email protected]
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