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A Letter from the Extension Agent

We made it through another Fair!  Even though it looked quite a bit different this year, it was a major success!  It was a team effort and took the entire program working together to make it happen.  I truly appreciated the laid-back atmosphere and everyone’s willingness to try some new things and pitch in to help! Another big thank you goes to our volunteers and committees who worked many extra hours developing our plan and making sure things ran smoothly.  We couldn’t do it without you!

It’s hard to believe the new 4-H year is just around the corner.  We have a few changes coming to the office again this fall, and I appreciate your patience and understanding once again during the transition.  Office hours may be a little varied starting in September, so please call ahead if you are making a special trip to town to stop at the office.  Even if I’m not in the office, I still very accessible via email or phone, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.  I look forward to another great 4-H year!

Sincerely, Allison Kosto- Extension Agent

4-H Congress Results

Congratulations to Kadyn Braaten, Taylor Noyes and Colton Noyes on your 2nd Place Finish in Team Livestock Judging at Montana 4-H Congress!

 

Broadwater County Fair Award Winners

If you won a fair award this year, please send a thank you note to the sponsor.  If you need the name or address of the business or individual who sponsored your award, please call or email the Extension Office.  Without their generosity, we wouldn’t be able to give out these awards.

 

4-H Record Books

The most important thing to remember to turn in this month is your Record Book!  Submit your COMPLETED record books to your 4-H Club Leader by Tuesday, September 15th, unless your club leaders have specified an earlier date!  Record books will not be judged but will be reviewed.  They need to meet the minimum qualifications to be “COMPLETE.”  If the record book is NOT complete, you have time to work on your book and bring it up to minimum standards.  Every completed record book is eligible for awards.  To have a “complete” record book and quality for a Gold Seal of Excellence, the following requirements must be met:

  •         Complete at least one project.  See 4-H Clover Project Selection Guide for specific requirements for each        project.
  •         Identify and demonstrate work towards at least three goals for the 4-H year.
  •         Complete the “My 4-H Year” form followed by a Project & Financial Journal and Animal Record as applicable.
  •         Complete at least three additional learning activities during the 4-H year and record them in your journal (i.e. speeches, demonstrations, judging events, presentations, camps, state 4-H events, etc.)

 

Understanding Record Book Forms

Forms can be found here.

  •         My 4-H Year – One form required each year at the front of your record book.  This form summarizes all of your general 4-H activities and achievements.  You can also record non 4-H activities.
  •          Animal Project Journal & Financial Record – Use one form per animal project (i.e. market lamb, breeding beef, rabbit, horse, etc.).  This helps track project activities, feed records, financials, and health care.
  •          Non-Animal Project Journal & Financial Record – Use one form for each indoor project (i.e. sewing, foods, leadership, leathercraft, etc.).  This helps track your project specific activities and financials.
  •          Cloverbud Record Sheet – One set per year for each Cloverbud.  This is a journal of your 4-H activities.  On the back page there is an additional section for “other areas”.
  •          4-H Story – Optional for yearend completion but required to be eligible for any awards.  This is your opportunity to be creative and share a favorite experience from the 4-H year.

Use the record book checklist to make sure you have filled out all forms and sections.  If you have any questions, ask your 4-H leader or contact the Extension office.  Also don’t forget that there is now an option to do your record books online.  If you choose this route, all you need to do is print off the forms at the end of the year.  Contact the office for more information on how to setup the online record books.

 

Carcass Evaluations

Carcass data can be found here.  Goat results coming soon, so be sure to check back!  There were some great quality animals this year.  Great job!

 

Secretary and Historian Books

If you are a club secretary or historian, you are eligible for the county awards.  Turn your books into your club leader by September 15th.

 

Financial Reports

All Treasurer’s (including Council, Livestock, Exchange, Teen Club and Archery) are required to complete the Yearend Financial Report.  Financial records need to be reviewed after September 30th and will be due in October.  The form is available on the website.

 

Re-Enrollment

The New 4-H year starts October 1st.  Enrollment will look different for the 2020-2021 4-H year.  Montana is making the change from 4HOnline to ZSuite.  Information will be sent out regarding enrollment as it becomes available.  However, it’s not too soon to start thinking about your projects!  Pick up your new 4-H Clover Project Selection Guide from your club leader in September.  Remember, if you plan on taking a 4-H project to fair, you must be enrolled in that project.  If you know anyone interested in joining 4-H, have them contact the office at 406.266.9242 or [email protected]. 

 

National 4-H Week

Help celebrate the 78th National 4-H Week October 4th – 10th! Tell your friends about 4-H.  Each club is encouraged to find a way to celebrate!  Here are a few ideas:

  •         Put something “4-H” on every bulletin board around town or school.
  •         Make a 4-H promotional video.
  •         Do a sevice learning activity.
  •         Hang 4-H flags along main street.
  •         Organize a “green day” at school.
  •         Do a radio PSA.
  •         Announce the “4-H Club of the Day” during school announcements along with highlights and achievements of that club.

 

COMMITTEE & COUNCIL MEETINGS

4-H COUNCIL:

Next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 22nd at the Extension Office (Old Opportunity Bank, 416 Broadway, Townsend) at 6:00 pm.  Council will be making decisions on awards and discussing options for Achievement Night.  Contact Karen Noyes at 406.949.4852 if you have any questions or agenda items.

 

LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE:

  Next meeting will be Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 pm at the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds.  The committee will be reviewing Fair and everyone is welcomed to share feedback!  If you have any questions or agenda items, please contact Jason Noyes at 406.949.4851.

 

HORSE COMMITTEE: 

Next meeting is Wednesday, November 18th at 5:00 pm at the Extension Office (Old Opportunity Bank, 416 Broadway, Townsend).  The Horse Committee is looking for parent representatives for the 2021 4-H year starting in November.  The Committee works on pertinent aspects of the project and uses ideas and input from parent representatives as we work each year to offer the best learning opportunities for members.  For more information, contact Jan Finn at (406) 266-4992 or [email protected].

4-H PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Horse

Horse Assessments - Horse Assessments are set for Saturday, September 12 at the Fairgrounds.  Donna Richards and Jan Finn will have two slots open each.  First slot from 11:00 – 12:00 and the second slot from 12:30-1:30. Slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  Contact Jan at (406) 266-4992 or email [email protected].

MURAL CONTEST IN TOWNSEND

The Lodge of Townsend invites all local artists to submit a sketch proposal for a mural to be placed on the south side of the city shop directly adjacent to The Lodge (131 S. Spruce).  The deadline for proposal is September 9, 2020.  Proposals may be turned in directly at The Lodge between 10AM and noon on the day of the deadline, or must be received via email no later than noon on September 9, 2020 to [email protected].  Along with the sketch please also attach a brief description of the art and what it represents.

STATEWIDE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in being a Representative on the Montana 4-H Foundation Board??  Now is your chance!!

Applicants must:

  •      Be at least 15 years of age and not older than 18 years of age.
  •      Not currently serving as a Montana 4-H State ambassador officer nor on the Montana 4-H Council.
  •      Be a 4-H member in their home county for at least three consecutive years.
  •      Be a current member of a Montana 4-H program.
  •      Have approval of your county agent.

Contact the Extension Office for an Application.  Applications must be postmarked by September 10, 2020.  Successful applicant will be notified prior to the Foundation fall meeting on September 18th and will be invited to attend via Webex or in person. 

 

Make It with Wool 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?

  •        Fabric and/or yarn needs to be a minimum of 60% wool to qualify for the contest.
  •        The District 3 contest is November 7th in Great Falls.  Entry forms are due October 10th. 
  •        There is a $7.00 entry fee per swatch of fabric used and wool yarn used.
  •        The categories are Preteen (12 and under); Junior (13-16); Senior (17-24); Adult (ages 25 and older); and Made for Others.  Age is determined as of January 1st, 2020.
  •         First place winners advance to the State competition which will be held during the Montana Wool Grower’s Convention in Billings on December 4th – 5th.
  •         There is a Quilt, Applique Project, and Afghan Contest this year.  There is a $10 entry fee and entry forms are due November 1st.  Quilts and Afghans will be sent and need to be postmarked no later than November 15th.

Entry forms are available at the Extension Office.  For more general questions, go to https://makeitwithwool.com.

STATEWIDE 4-H LIVESTOCK OPPORTUNITIES

Montana 4-H State Horse Show

September 18-20, 2020 at Heart K Arena in Livingston, MT

Registration is Open!  Click here to register and for more information.  The registration fee is $125.00 per rider and includes stalls.  Camping spots are $20 per night with electricity.

 

NILE Modifies Schedule for 2020 Fall Show

NILE livestock events will run from September 30th through October 18th.  This includes some classic events and some new events to be held at the Miller’s Horse Palace in Laurel.  Other shows will see virtual digital technology come to the forefront, keeping the high-quality standard of livestock set by NILE for many years.  While much of the events will continue, some events simply won’t work in the current situation and limitations, such as the Rodeos.  While NILE Version 2.0 looks a little different, they guarantee it will allow them to come back in 2021 with their exceptional Cattle Breed Shows, Marketplace Trade Shows and Rodeos.  Be sure to visit their many social media outlets as well as www.thenile.org for constant updates and information.

 

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL 4-H OPPURTUNITIES

 

2021 Summer Outbound Programs for 4-H Youth

Do you love to travel?!  Start thinking about participating in the 2021 summer outbound program.  2021 locations are Argentina (NEW), Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand.  Applications are due November 15.  Age requirements and cost depending on the trip.  For more information, contact the Extension Office.

 

IPYA/IFYE

This program is for former 4-H members ages 18-30.  It is for independent people who are interested in learning more about agriculture in primarily European countries.  The Montana 4-H Foundation funds more than 50% of the cost of participation.  Applications are due November 15.  Contact the Extension Office for more information.