4-H Newsletter September 2024

On the Horizon

September 9

• 4-H Council Meeting, Courthouse Conference Room, Choteau, 6:00 pm

September 13-15

• MT 4-H Working Ranch Horse Finals, 406 Arena, Vaughn

September 15

• Application Deadline for 2024 Heifer Grant, Montana Hereford Association, scroll for more information

September 19-22

• State Horse Show, 406 Arena, Vaughn

October 1

• MIWW Entries Due at National, State and District Levels. Late Entries not accepted.

October 6-13

• National 4-H Week, “Beyond Ready”

October 7

• 4-H Livestock Committee Meeting, Courthouse Conference Room, Choteau, 6:00 pm

October 31

• Treasurer’s Books Due, Monday, Extension Office

November 16

• Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit, Shelby MT 9 am - 2 pm

Please Consider Joining a 4-H Committee this 4-H Year!

Agent's Corner:  Sshhh...a proverb to share!

by Jenn Swanson

Supposedly this is a Swedish proverb: “A joy shared is a double joy. A burden shared is half a burden”. Nothing earth-shattering, right? Right. So why the “sshhh”? Well, if you don’t see me at 4-H meetings this fall, it might be because my Norwegian granny up in heaven struck me down for quoting a Swede instead of a Norwegian. (Scandinavians will understand that this is a valid fear.) But at this moment, I’m still standing, and I’m thinking that this Swede was onto something important.

People say that the secret sauce of 4-H is experiential learning. But I think the secret sauce is more than just "learn by doing". After all, one frustrated person alone with an instructional manual or a YouTube video could be said to be learning by doing (and I may be speaking from experience). But that’s not what makes 4-H special. The secret sauce of 4-H is "learn by doing with others".

For 4-H to be as extraordinary as it can be, the creativity and heart of the many are needed. That is, many parents and kids and leaders pulling together to create what no one person acting alone could offer, dividing burdens and multiplying joys along the way. So what I’m saying is this: if you’re one of those parents who has stepped up to the club leadership plate for 2024-2025, don’t be shy about asking for help.

You don’t have to do it all! In fact, you shouldn’t do it all. In fact, it will be even better if you don’t do it all.

Consider asking each parent to teach something they’re great at doing. Or start the 4-H year with a calendar of events and ask other parents to take the lead on one event, each. Or divide a big event into parts and ask each parent to own one part. Sometimes, I like a good-humored volunt-told, especially for those who are routinely absent from club meetings. (This will get the juices flowing, hopefully the creative juices and some inspiration to attend!)

If you’re not currently a club leader, recall this proverb: “There but for the grace of God go I”. And then thank your club leader and lean in.

With smiles and anticipation of another great 4-H year,

Jenn

2024 Teton County 4-H Scholarship Winners

Teton County 4-H is able to offer the Boe Brother’s and Anne Wiprud scholarships to high-school seniors who are pursuing their post-secondary education.We are a very fortunate county to be able to financially support the pursuit of higher education from the generous donations of the Boe Brothers and family and Anne Wiprud.

The Boe Brothers Foundation 4-H/FFA Scholarships were established in 1994, the product of a unique relationship between the original Boe Brothers Trust, Teton County Future Farmers of America (FFA), Teton County 4-H, and the College of Agriculture at Montana State University (MSU)-Bozeman. Three (3) scholarships are awarded annually in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,000, respectively.

Winners of the Boe Brother’s Scholarship in 2024 were: Kaylie Bender, Quinci Neuman, Robert Lesofski, and Kyona Yeager.

Anne Rehbein Wiprud served the residents of Teton County as a Montana State University (MSU) Extension Agent. She was working in this capacity at the time of her death in an automobile accident on May 28, 1986. Her unborn child also perished in the accident. She was survived by her husband, Clarence and son, Kelly. Anne’s concern for and understanding of her clients were admired by those who knew her. This scholarship was established with donations in memory of Anne, so that today she remains associated with the education of Teton County youth.

The winner of the 2024 Anne Wiprud Scholarship was Quinci Neuman.

4-Hers who are high school seniors this year can contact the Extension Office or their school counselor for information on the 2025 Anne Wiprud and Boe Brother’s Scholarships.

Agent Corner: 2024 Western Heritage Project was a success!

Western Heritage Projectwhere youth are “taught to ride, shoot straight, and tell the truth.”
by Shelby Jones-Dozier, FCS and 4-H Agent

The state level Western Heritage competition was an immense success for Teton County 4-H. Our 4-Hers did a fantastic job of representing our county well and bringing home many awards.This competition is a terrific opportunity for youth to practice safe firearm handling, learn about Montana and Western history by conducting independent research, and practicing public speaking.This team started working in April to learn shooting skills and researching what life was like in the frontier west from 1860-1900.

The Western Heritage project and competition was a passion project from former state 4-H program director Todd Kesner. Todd recognized that Hollywood, myths, legends, and revisionists histories has distorted our modern understanding of life in the frontier west. Working with county, state, and regional museums, historians, and educators, the goal of the curriculum supporting this project is to provide youth with an opportunity to learn accurate information about western history.

This year’s team started working in April to learn shooting skills and researching what life was like in the frontier west from 1860-1900. The team this year were seniors Bryce Bedord, Rebekah Wall, and Leah Paulson, intermediate Kyndal Becker, and juniors Hannah Meyer and Logan Becker.

Bryce Bedord , who has been competing in this project over five years, is this year’s Montana State Champion for winning first place in the persona interview, shooting, and overall top hand. He is also this year’s National Champion after sweeping the national Western Heritage competition. Rebekah Wall, competing for the first time, came in second for persona interview, second on the knowledge test, third in shooting, and third in her category overall. Hannah Meyer, another first year competitor, came in first for her persona interview, first in the knowledge test, second in shooting, and second overall.

Rebekah Wall, competing for the first time, came in second for persona interview, second on the knowledge test, third in shooting, and third in her category overall. Hannah Meyer (photo on right), another first year competitor, came in first for her persona interview, first in the knowledge test, second in shooting, and second overall.

This is also Leah Paulson’s first year in this competition. She came in second for senior rimfire, second place senior rimfire- top hand, third place for her persona interview, and fourth place in the senior knowledge test.

Kyndal Becker competed for her second year in the intermediate division. She came in first place for clothing, first place for persona interview, second for the knowledge test, and third place for shooting. Logan Becker also in his second year, came in third place for his persona interview, fourth place on the knowledge test, and fourth place in shooting.

If you want to learn more about the Western Heritage project, please contact me at the Extension Office.

Please Consider Joining a 4-H Committee this 4-H Year!

Treasurer Books Due Thursday, October 31, 2024

ALL club and committee treasurer's books are due to the Extension office by October 31. They can be turned in earlier, after including the September bank statement. Items that must be submitted with the treasurer's book are:

• Checkbooks
• Receipts
• Financial records
• Bank statements

Clubs and committee that do not comply risk losing their charter and association with Montana 4-H and/or Teton County 4-H.

Make It With Wool District 3 Contest

It is time to start preparing for the Make It With Wool contest to be held this fall. Get out your favorite pattern and start hunting for that perfect wool fabric. Wouldn’t it be great to make a wool outfit for the contest this fall and then already have an outfit finished for your sewing project this next 4-H year?

The fabric and/or yarn needs to have a minimum of 60% wool to qualify for MIWW contest. The District 3 contest is October 20, 2024. There is a $15.00 entry fee for each entry in all divisions or categories. Additionally, there is a $7.00fee per swatch of fabric used and wool yarn used. These funds will cover the cost of testing your fabric or yarn for content.

Categories are Preteen (12 and under); Junior (13-16); Senior (17-24); Adult (25 and older); and Made for Others. Contestant ages are determined as of January 1, 2024. First place winners in the Junior, Senior, Adult and Made for Others categories advance to the State competition which will be held during the Montana Wool Growers Convention in Billings, December 6 and 7, 2024. Entry forms and brochures are available at MSU Extension Teton County, the Make It With Wool Facebook page or the Montana Woolgrower Association website. Entry deadline is October 1, 2024, no late entries accepted.

Working Ranch Horse Finals

The time has come for the Working Ranch Horse Finals and the show is right around the corner! This year the show dates are September 13-15, 2024 at 406 Arena in Vaughn, MT.

The Montana 4 H Working Ranch Project is a heritage based; activity rich program designed to pass on to today's youth the traditional practices of safe livestock handling from horseback. This is not a rodeo project, but instead, a practical and exciting guide to using horses for handling, sorting, and moving cattle.

The WRHF offers 2 full days of competition for all MT State 4-H Working Ranch Horse members and a Versatility Ranch Horse open to any MT youth.

The youth will compete in Heading, Heeling, Sorting cattle, a Ranch Riding Pattern and will take a Knowledge Test. There will be prizes awarded for class and overall winners in each of 4 levels.

Montana 4-H State Working Ranch Horse will offer expanded competition to any interested youth ages 8-18 in a show based on the Versatility Ranch Horse model.

Montana State Horse Show

The time has come for the Montana 4-H State Horse Show and the show is right around the corner! This year the show dates are September 20-22, 2024, at 406 Arena in Vaughn, MT.

The Montana 4-H State Horse Show is open to all 4-H members enrolled in the horse projects.

You must show the horse(s) that have been declared as 4-H project horses for the current year. Each horse entered must enter 1 of the primary project classes, and then may show in any optional classes that meet the criteria based on age, level, or horse age as applicable.

School Service Learning Requirements

If your school has service learning requirements, please talk to local school administrators about how to record your service learning hours and let our office know. We are happy to complete paperwork, etc., but can only do so if we know your school’s requirements and you prompt us via email, text, call, to do so. Many 4-H events would qualify as service learning!

Club Commotion

The Challenging Champs 4-H Club had their final meeting for the year where members turned in their record books and received help where needed.  They also had a game with with a BBQ.

Members of Old Agency 4-H Club served up mint chocolate chip ice cream cones to community members attending the Get Your Kicks at 6 summer concert series on August 22, 2024.  They dished up and gave out about 70 cones as a promotional presentation activity.

Ignite by 4-H

4-H members, ages 13-19, from across the U.S. meet in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration and connecting with peers. Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready.

At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world- becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer.

The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H.

Here is a great opportunity for teens (high school students ages 13-19) to become beyond ready!

Website for Ignite 2025: https://ignite2025.powerappsportals.com/

Early Bird Rate – Available until October 15th

• Teen, $1200 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1650 per person (single occupancy)

Early Bird Special – Available until supplies last

• Teen Ticket Bundle, Buy 4, Get 1 Free - $4,800

General Admission Pricing – Available until November 25th or sell out

• Teen, $1350 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1800 per person (single occupancy)

Register here: https://shop4-h.org/collections/ignite-by-4-h

Scholarships available- apply by September 13th - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0e86f4358b7d4b5298fd3b6d98850b02

Montana Hereford Association 2024 Heifer Grant

This year the MHA will award two (2) individuals with a $500.00 grant to purchase a Hereford heifer.  This heifer must be purchased from a current MHA member.  The purpose of this grant is to help individuals who want to pursue raising cattle and supporting the Hereford breed.

Eligibility to Apply

• Between the ages of 9-17
• Current 4-H or FFA member
• Must live in the state of Montana

Application Requirements

• Must complete application
• Complete an essay
• Provide three (3) letter of reference
• Submit a 3-5 minute video

Essay Topic

• State why you deserve the heifer grant, how receiving the grant will help you with your 4-H/FFA project9s), how receiving the grant fits into your future goals in agriculture, why you are applying to receive the grant, and any previous experience taking care of livestock.

Applications Deadline-September 15, 2024

If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected]

Application Packets can be found on the MHA website, www.montanahereford.org

2024 Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 16, 2024

First Baptist Church, Shelby, MT

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Lunch Provided

Childcare Pending

Workshops & Networking

All Teton County 4-H Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact your local Extension Office or Kari Lewis, [email protected], 406-873-2239

MSU Extension Teton County

• Mailing Address:  PO Box 130, Choteau, MT 59422
• Phone:  466-2491/2492 (phone/voicemail)
• Email:  [email protected] (send club minutes, most questions/issues)
• Text only:  406-530-5373 (checked M-F, 8-5)
• https://teton.msuextension.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/TetonCoExt
• http://montana4h.org/

Fair Dates

The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes a Sunday.
2025    June 24-29
2026    June 22-28

Camp Dates

2025   July 22-24

4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman

2025   July 8-11
2026   July 7-10

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