Powder River County

Grasshoppers and invasive grasses were two challenges faced by ranchers in the county. The grasshopper infestation resulted in decreased production of annual crops and wreaked havoc on yards and gardens. Ventenata, an invasive grass, continues to be on the “seek and destroy” list as more acres are detected. A laminated guide for identifying the invasive grass was created as a team effort with the Noxious Weed Board. The intent was for every landowner in the county to have the guide in their ranch vehicle. The annual Winter Ag series, attended by 42 people, focused on Ventenata identification and management. The annual summer ag program focused on water quality issues, poisonous plants and included a Ventenata update. Annual crops stressed by infrequent rain events were tested for nitrate toxicity. 102 samples were screened for 30 producers. Forage testing through MSU Extension gives producers information for managing crops.

Eight teens provided leadership and facilitated seven workshops for 40 participants during the 4-H Mini-Congress during the holiday break. Attendees learned skills during workshops and engaged with others in a welcoming setting. Eleven seventh- and eighth-grade teen members attended the 4-H OREO trip to Medora, North Dakota. The trip included a variety of social and educational activities that helped participants learn communication and team building skills.

Nineteen Powder River County 4-H members, one Teen Counselor and MSU Extension Agents Mary Rumph and Julie Riley joined nearly 120 additional campers for 4-H Camp Needmore near Ekalaka. Workshops included the popular rappelling off cliffs, shooting sports, a nature walk, crafting, dancing, and learning about bats and pollinators, specifically honeybees; and learning about wildlife that existed prior to human inhabitants in the area.

The county fair continues to be a summer highlight…a July fair, the first in the history of the county, was held this year. With an earlier back-to-school start, many families reportedly liked having the fair in July. MSU Extension worked closely with the Fair Board, 4-H families and the community to plan, facilitate and evaluate the event.

In summary: 94 interviews evaluated what youth learned in their projects; there were 271 non-livestock and 193 livestock entries; 97 donors contributed $8,773, paid to participants in prizes and cash awards; $3,820 was paid in premiums; $1,290 was generated by a silent auction with 22 exhibitors; $167,352 was generated by the livestock auction featuring 19 steers, 12 lambs, 35 hogs, 1 pen of fryer chickens and a market goat; $10,908 from re-sales during the market livestock sale went to charitable organizations; and $1,092 was generated for the Entertainment Fund.

Twelve people learned how to make healthy, nutritious meals using Instant Pots during a nine-week virtual, hands-on course sponsored by the School Community Development Council (SCDC). Exercise classes were offered for older adults who gained strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. One participant said, “It’s a great program for the exercise, the health education, the social interaction, the conversations and ideas shared.”

Powder River Trails organized the 4th of July Freedom Run with 28 participants raising approximately $1,100; installed two sets of outdoor musical instruments; installed an interpretive sign recognizing indigenous peoples ; purchased and installed trackers to collect usage data along the trails; presented lessons learned about building the Powder River Trail system for a statewide, virtual Reimagining Rural event.

MSU Extension hosted two virtual housing webinars and inventoried vacant houses and lots available in Broadus. Extension agents worked with NeighborWorks Montana to set up a HOME program in Powder River County, which allows potential home buyers to take advantage of zero-down financing. MSU Extension is working with the Powder River Chamber of Commerce and Town of Broadus to apply to be a Montana Main Street community member, and to re-establish an Economic Development Board. A PBS promotional video about the success of the Big Sky Big Leadership program in Powder River County was reviewed for accuracy and possible edits. Powder River Recyclers are working to market the recycling center, reduce the amount of waste and extend the life of the landfill. Magnets with recycling education were created thanks to the SCDC.