Livestock Leaders Meeting Agenda & Minutes

CALL TO ORDER 

MINUTES 

TREASURER’S REPORT 

CORRESPONDENCE 

REPORTS 

• Market Sheep, Goat, and Swine Weigh-in and Feeding Clinic
• Agent Report

OLD BUSINESS

• 60% Attendance Update/Concerns – Rose Malisani

• 2024 Livestock Show and Sale
  • Facility: Brook Gerard
  • Sponsorship Update: Jill Mackey
  • Electronic Buyers Forms: Lisa Jassen
  • Awards: Heather Lewis
  • Catalog: Mail by June 14
  • Record Book Judging on June 25
    • Judges

NEW BUSINESS 

• Marketing Workshop on June 8

UPCOMING EVENTS 

• June 8: Marketing Workshop

   

• June 25: Record Book Judging, 5:00 pm, Extension Office

   

• July 11-14: Cascade 4-H Livestock Show & Sale 

   

• July4: Extension Office Closed 

   

• July 9 to 12: Montana 4-H Congress, Bozeman 

   

• July 26-August 3 – Montana State Fair 
  August 20 – Record Book due to Club Leaders 
  

CASCADE 4-H LIVESTOCK AND SHOW DIVISION CHAIRS

• Show: Brook Gerard and Rose Malisani
• Beef: Cody Loch and Lisa Jassen
• Sheep: Heather Lewis
• Swine: Brittany Calvert
• Goat: Michelle Leardini
• Rabbit: Desi Roth
• Poultry: Marie Powell and Felicia Short
• Breeding Projects: Jill Mackey

UNAPPROVED

Present

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Katrina Enmrich, Cody Loch, Liz Jennings, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Lisa Jassen, Rose Malisani, Ginger Murphy, Leann Murphy, Desi Roth, Jill Mackey, Aimee Hachigan-Gould

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Brook Gerard.

Minutes

Jill motioned to approve the meeting minutes as posted, 2nd by Cody. M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

As of 5/6/24 Checking balance $12,926.53, DAD $9,255.38.

Intent to enter and leg band fees were received. Livestock Judging.com was paid for.

 

Correspondence:

none

Reports: 

• LQA - good turn out and went well.
• Breeding Project Rewrite - Brook, Jill and Brittany met and will send the changes to Rose so we can approve for changes in 2024.
• Agent report - sheep and goat intent to enter is due 5/8/24. The late intent will be open until the 15th of May. May 17th are the interviews for the 4-H Agent position. Breeding project declarations are due along with intent to enter for specific species. There were not swine breeding intents. 

Old Business:

• Weigh In - 10am - 1pm, Ginger and Leann will work the weigh-in portion. Western Ranch supply will offer lunch for all that attend and is open to all 4-H but is official daily rate of gain weigh in for Cascade County. 
• 60% Attendance Requirement - one 4-H kid will present at the June Livestock Leaders meeting. There are a couple of kids that haven’t met this requirement yet. 
• 2024 Livestock Show facility - confirm with Alena Standly her layout for the Golden Triangle and match her layout to reduce cost. We received $1200 from 4-H Foundation to cover the facility fees. 
• Sponsorship - $3700 has been received. We are $4000 short from last year but have not received sponsorships from some key sponsors that have donated in the past. The committee will be making a second round of calls. 7 Bar Heart has mailed the $100 Beef Scholarship. 
• Beef Butcher Kill Fee - In the past there was $125 kill fee for beef, this year the kill fee is $35 more than previous years. The fees for sheep, goats, and swine have increased to $70.
• Electronic Buyer Forms - Lisa and Book are working on this in Cognito forms. Stockmens bank will clerk the sale. Lisa will ask Kyle to bring hard paper cards for the buyer numbers.
• ZSuites - Rose put together the entry form and built it on the one she built last year. There are options for vet inspection, shirts, market pen, breeding pen, dairy classes, rabbit breed age, and tattoo; poultry meat pen, poultry, supreme breeding female, Breeding project display, breeding project pen, showmanship, ear tag number, brand inspection,  scrapies tag number,  Shavings will be removed from the entry form since they are donated. The shirts will be $10. Registration will be open as soon as possible and will close June 21st and late entry 28th. Catalog entry will close on May 31st. May 16th there will be an email sent to the 4-H kids with the catalog lot number and the catalog entry form link.
• Awards - The budget needs to be increased to $5,715. Desi moved to increase the prize budget to $5715, Lisa 2nd. MSC
• Buyer Education - Brett and Brenda have been working with Lorie Wicket to create a short video regarding becoming a buyer at the livestock show that can be used on social media and to email chamber members. They need some pictures to use for the buyers education video series. 
• Buyer Dinner Update - Meeting with them to finalize the menu on Thursday at 2:30. Should be under budget and will verify the need for a down payment.
• Catalog Information - Catalog form is done; Brook added a place for extra pictures to go in the online catalog created by Frontier. Due the 31st of May so we can have it out by June 15th. Five hundred catalogs have been printed in the past, 280 copies are mailed to previous buyers and 220 are available for kids to pick up at book judging. The cost this year is $1,403.25. 
• Hemptana Donation Update - They will donate at least 300 bags and the kids will be allowed to take the rest home.

Adjournment

Sandy moved to adjourn the meeting. Second by Liz.  M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Present: 

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Katrina Emrich, Cody Loch, Michelle Leardini, Brittany Calvert, Liz Jennings, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Lisa Jassen, Rose Malisani, Ginger Murphy, Leann Murphy, Jill Mackey, Aimee Hachigian-Gould 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Brook Gerard. 

Minutes

Sandy motioned to approve the meeting minutes as posted, 2nd by Liz. M/S/C 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

As of 3/27 Checking balance $12,726.53, DAD $9249.87. 

Sponsorship received from the foundation of $1790, checks were ordered and Cognito Forms renewed totalling $49.89. 

 

Correspondence:

none 

 

Reports:  

• Agent Report: Katrin has resigned her position with Extension. Rose is the only agent currently. There have only been two applicants for the 4-H position. There are 311 active 4-H members and 70 volunteers. All intent to enter and breeding project declarations are posted on ZSuites events. Market and breeding swine are due on April 17. Market sheep and goat along with breeding sheep and goat are due May 8. 4-H will be moving to the Family Living Center instead of the Harvest building for the Montana State Fair. May project day is cancelled. Cascade 4-H Leaders Council will have a fundraiser, more information to come. The Great Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Banquet is this weekend.  
• March Project Day featured introduction to livestock judging with Courtnee Clairmont teaching. Report is that it was good and presentation was well done. 
• 2024-2025 Breeding Project Book is in the works of being updated. The committee has not met since February but should meet sometime in April.  

 

Old Business:  

• April 13 Project Day will feature livestock quality assurance. The following people have volunteered to teach the stations: 

• • Shelter: Sandy Harshaw-Irvin 
  • Water Quality: Seth Juhl  
  • Nutrition: Keira Roth 
  • Injections: Liz Jennings 

• May 11 feeding clinic along with rate of gain weigh-in. Rose and Heather are working with Western Ranch Supply. 
• 60% Club Attendance was reported that there are a couple of clubs that have not submitted their attendance. Jody will add kids that have attended other 4-H events to the spreadsheet. Rose went to the Chesnut Valley 4-H Club to help clear up some of the questions surrounding the attendance rule. 
• 2024 Livestock Show and Sale 

• • Facility: We will receive a contract in May. Rose and Brook met with Susan. As of now, we will only have a barn rent fee. The moving of the bleacher was well received by ExpoPark and we will not be charged. They will also meet with Alena Standley to make sure our layouts are similar to minimize fees.  
  • Sponsorship: 90% people have been called. Rose sent an email updating sponsorships have been received. The sponsorship team would like to use social media to reach new potential sponsors. The committee will create a graphic for Rose to use.  
  • Shavings: 280 bags have been used historically. $7.75 per bag delivered from Western Ranch Supply. Western Feed Corral is having trouble with supply. North 40 will sponsor up to 300 bags of Hemptana at no charge. We will take the shavings fee off the intent to enter fee and there will be no charge to 4-H kids. Lisa motion to accept the sponsorship from North 40 for Hemptana bedding. Jill 2nd. M/S/C Brook will work with the North 40 marketing department to get a full-page ad in the catalog for their sponsorship. 
  • Electronic buyers forms: Cognito forms will be used to electronically register buyers. 
  • Cognito forms use for Livestock registration has been suggested. Rose would like to keep using Zsuites. Rose and Brook will continue this conversation. 
  • Junior Leaders 

• • • Selected buckles and prizes for all categories. Rose will send Heather the projects enrolled to Heather so prizes can be ordered. Brook, Rose, and Heather will meet to order buckles. Leis for grand and reserve, maybe tie dye shirts. 
    • Junior Leaders decided to not have scheduled games at the show. There may be spontaneous games. 
    • Cram clinic will not be offered this year.  

• • Buyer Education: there should have an update before the May meeting.  
  • Record book judging: June 25th starting at 5:30pm. Liz motioned to spend up to $100 on food and water for the judges. Sandy 2nd. M/S/C 

• Livestock judging team software is $300/year through www.livestockjudging.com. $300 fee gives access to everything. 4-H members enrolled in livestock judging projects should have access to a county account for practice. Jill motioned to spend $300 on an annual license for the livestock judging team to have access to Livestockjuding.com. To be voted on renewal annually and share the fee with Horse. Ginger 2nd. M/S/C 

New Business

Adjournment

Leann moved to adjourn the meeting. 2ndby Liz M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 7:51pm. 

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

Heather Lewis 

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary 

APPROVED

CALL TO ORDER

Present

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Katrina Enmrich, Cody Loch, Michelle Leardini, Brittany Calvert, Michaela Hystad, Liz Jennings, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Rose Malisani, Aimee Hachigan-Gould, Jocelynn Baker, Makayla Baker, Grace Lewis, Madelyn Bailey, Molly Lewis, Kipton Lewis, Shealyn Berner, Reagan Jassen, Lisa Jassen, Marie Powell, Brenda Byrnes, Desi Roth

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by Brook Gerard.

MINUTES

One correction to the minutes, Jacob Schott, Sandy motioned to approve the meeting minutes as posted, 2nd by Brittnany. M/S/C

TREASURER’S REPORT

Stockmans bank balance 10,986.42, DAD 9,243.98, total assets 20230.40. Sponsorship and intent to enter fees

Foundation investment committee met with Brad Thurber to move our DAD account to a higher yield account. He suggested a money market that is averaging 5%, and if it begins to drop below 5% he will renew the conversation with the committee.

CORRESPONDENCE

None

REPORTS

• Agent Report
  • Intent to enter info has been sent in an email. The intent to enter will be in Zsuites. Everyone is encouraged to enter a spare animal. There will not be any exceptions to add animals after the intent date. The job opening for a new 4-H Agent is posted. Rose and Katrin are splitting the roles of that agent for now. Rose asked every leader to share one goal per person for the livestock program.
    • Cody: to help as many kids as possible in the beef project to have animals make weight and have a successful project.
    • Brittany: to make sure sale goes well with all 80 kids.
    • Brook: as many kids as possible having a successful livestock project and create memories
    • Heather: to continue to promote the goat project
    • Rose: good working group with the leader, parents, kids that is successful and give kids the education and to be comfortable talking to adults.
    • Kipton: to have a pig that doesn’t fight with other kids
    • Mom Lewis: give confidence to kid so they can look people in the eye and speak confidently
    • Molly: teach my hog to drive.
    • Madelyn: to be able to load my hog on and off the trailer easily
    • Grace: to be confident in showing my steer and help younger kids have a good experience.
    • Makayla: hope weigh ins go smoothly and that hog will have a good finished look.
    • Joclyn: to try to have pig load on and off the trailer easily
    • Liz: to be helpful to new families and facilitate communication.
    • Sandy: to keep the show running smoothly and have everyone happy.
    • Michelle: to attract more kids to the dairy project, both goat and dairy cattle
    • Katrina: to keep learning how this group works and help new families learn about the swine project.
    • Aimee more opportunity for cloverbuds in livestock projects, getting used to having animals around, and talking to judges. Breeding projects need to have better goals that don’t surround prizes and that are based upon meat/the products produced by the animals they raise. Get back to having a meats ID team. Ulm VFD is building a community center that could be used to hold meats ID trainings.
    • Desi: more opportunities for workshops that aren’t on the weekends.
    • Marie: mentorship of young kids and families. Being supportive in each other in every part of the project and show.
    • Brenda: to continue to see kids from the early roles and switch to the role of a Jr. Leader by leading clinics or helping at the show.
    • Shae: to help younger kids and new families that don’t have the knowledge that the experienced older kids have. Helping teach kids about round robin.
• February Project Day 
  • Soap making was good. Three kids came.
  • Rabbit and poultry project day was good. There were alot of kids for rabbits. Talked about showmanship, grooming, and showing. Poultry did not have a large showing. Worked on showmanship, etiquette, and questions.
• 2024-2025 Breeding Project Book
  • A small committee met and Rose has created a draft of a new book. The committee is reviewing the revisions and will report on the decisions/changes.

OLD BUSINESS

• Project Day: March 9th, Intro to livestock Judging, 22 kids are signed up. Rose is hoping that the senior level LQA can do a scenario ( that is more unique and uses the knowledge they hours long) learned as a Junior. Online LQA makeup? Other counties have used it and it seems to work well.
  • April 13th LQA:
    • Shelter - Sandy
    • Water Quality - Brittany
    • Nutrition - Keira Roth
    • Injections - Liz if she not working
    • Heather will ask Farrah if there is a better day for Marketing
    • May 11th other ideas - feeding clinic along with weigh in? Rose and Heather

• 2024 Livestock Show and Sale
  • Agenda, Brook Gerard: Rose made one change to the agenda that Beef Carcass grading will be July 17th and steers will be picked up on July 24. Brittany moves to approve the show agenda as presented. Cody second, MSC.
  • Logo, Heather Lewis: voted on yellow design
  • Facility, Brook Gerard: Susan Shannon meeting is being worked on. Rose and Brook will meet with her and report back.
  • Buyers Meal: Voted on Paniolo (new Hawaiian cafe in Great Falls) to cater the meal. We will order a la carte off their catering menu: Chicken, Pork, Macaroni Salad, and Hawaiian rolls.
  • Butcher: Cody Loch, Michaela Hystead, and BrookGerard toured Tizer meats. Fully remodeled and making a completely different operation. 30 buffalo take up 30% of his cooler space. They did the Lewis and Clark County fair last year and there are good reports from people in Lewis and Clark county. He has an automated rail that lays the beef on the pallets straight off the rail. He only kills and chills.
  • Steer Transport: Travis Standly will transport steers to Helena.
  • Sponsorship Update: Jill has two helpers. Letters have been mailed and they have made one round of calls. Leveque, Hogulands, Cascade Farmer Mutual, Farmers Union have been received.
  • Judges: Carcass judges - Rose has arranged.
  • Shavings: Ginger is working with a couple of suppliers and a particle sponsorship.
  • Photographer: Clancy Olson is confirmed as the photographer for the cost of gas.
  • Electronic Check Out: Lisa is working to make sure electronic checkout works well and that registration goes smoothly.
  • Division Chairs
    • Show: Brook Gerard and Rose Malisani
    • Beef: Cody Loch and Lisa Jassen
    • Sheep: Heather Lewis
    • Swine: Brittany Calvert
    • Goat: Michelle Leardini
    • Rabbit: Desi Roth
    • Poultry: Marie Powell & Felicia Short
    • Breeding Projects: Jill Mackey

NEW BUSINESS

• Livestock Judging Team: Using Judging Pro and is asking if the leaders will pay for the $500 subscription for used practice. Courtney Clairmont has been working with a small group over zoom and some in person meetings. Decision to vote on specifics of subscription to be moved to next meeting.
• Buyers Education: Brenda Byrnes is working with the GF Chamber, they are interested in helping us with another education. Brenda and Brett have been talking about having this earlier and possibly in May. Brenda will present to the Chamber this week. Look at incentivizing current buyers bringing new buyers to the show, ie. a drawing for a kill fee.
• 60% Attendance Update & Concerns: The Extension office has provided a spreadsheet for each club to track attendance. The reason for the rule is that kids who attend club meetings are more successful in the project and their record books when they attend club meetings. The rule is on page 7 and reads, “All 4-H members enrolled in livestock projects must attend 60% (or club bylaw minimum) of their club meetings to be eligible to show and sell at the Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale. Absences may be marked as excused at club Organizational Leader discretion or if members are attending another 4-H event. Unexcused absences may be made up by attending a 4-H livestock education event. Attendance will be tracked using a Google Sheet created by the Extension Office. Club secretaries and/or Organizational Leaders will enter club meeting attendance into the Google Sheet. The Extension Office or a Livestock Leader will enter educational event attendance into the Google Sheet.”

This rule can be fulfilled by also attending a 4-H project day or a leaders meeting. Rose will take the responsibility as the Extension Agent to contact families that are not meeting this requirement or are at risk of not making the 60% requirement. Livestock leaders are encouraged to reach out to clubs that are struggling and encourage them to attend meetings and project days. The requirement is hard on some families that are very committed on the weekends. Weeknight meetings or project days would be appreciated to help fulfill the requirement. Livestock leaders will help give kids more opportunities to make presentations for credit for meetings. April, May, June livestock leaders will allow presentations at 5:30pm for the first 7 kids. Deadline to have 60% of meeting requirements fulfilled is June 11th.

• Waiting list: The rule change proposal to not have a wait list was tabled and did not make it to vote because we weren’t sure we had butchers for that many animals. The cap for hogs at 75, we could wait for the intent to enter to be submitted to see if we still have 80 hogs. There is kill & chill space and butcher space for 80 animals. Rose’s proposal is that we wait and see what the intent to enter numbers. Everyone needs to make sure to intent their animals so that if they are on the waiting list they still have the opportunity to show if there are other animals that die or hogs/animals that can’t make it to the show.

Upcoming Events

• May 11 Small Animal Weigh in
• Third Saturday of every month is the Small Animal Weigh-In Series at Western Feed Corral

Adjournment

Brittany moved to adjourn the meeting. 2^nd by Liz  M/S/C Meeting adjourned at  8:01pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Present

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Katrina Emrich, Cody Loch, Michelle Leardini, Allyssa Peak, Brittany Calvert, Michaela Hystad, Liz Jennings, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin,  Meanie Paul, Katrin Finch, Rose Malisani, Jill Mackey, Aimee Hachigian-Gould

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Brook Gerard.

Mintues

Michaela motioned to approve the meeting minutes as posted, 2nd by Sandy. M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report

Stockmens bank balance $10,782.65, DAD 9238.10, total asset $20,020.75, Sponsorships and intent to enter fees were received. Remaining prizes were paid for. Foundation has not met to move our funds in the DAD account, there is a meeting with Brad on February 26th. 

Correspondence

Notice from Stockmens Bank that fraud is on the rise and to beware of scammers. 7-Heart received a thank you letter from Bailee Herman for their sponsorship for her beef project. 

Reports: 

• Agent Report: Today is Allyssa’s last day. Rose will take over until the new 4-H agent is hired. Office is closed Feb 19th. 
• Beef Weigh In: Lots of people showed up with heavy calves. We moved quicker with a new system of loading and unloading. Done weighing at 3:30.
• January Project Day: Was cancelled and has been rescheduled for this weekend. 
• Jacob Shott Memorial: Letters went out about a month ago, awards went to Jaden Paul $2,000, Dakota Hystad $500, Lyle Grossman $500.
• Jr. Leaders Meeting: Came up with 4 theme ideas. I emailed the theme options out on Sunday night for all to vote. We have 4 votes for Hawaiian, 2 votes for dessert, 2 for “Blue Mountain” theme and 1 for minimalistic mountain theme. We decided on buckles for Grand Champion prizes and came up with Reserve prize ideas. Reserve ideas are backpack with leather engraved plaque, engraved water bottles, same acrylic trophies as last year with Bluetooth speakers, steel engraved plaques (like buckles) on other items. 

Old Business: 

• March 10th Project Day - Marketing with Hal and Rial McGregor
   
• April 13th - LQA, mandatory for all first-time juniors and first year seniors. 

New Business: 

2024 Livestock Show and Sale

• Agenda: Clubs liked the idea of having adult showmanship. We can have grand and reserve seniors from each species be the judge and hold adult showmanship after round robin when we are getting all prizes and such ready for awards. 
  -Addition of a club meeting/activity time slot at the end of Saturday. 
• Auctioneer: Kyle Schobe is confirmed
• Logo Ideas - Hawaiian will be the theme
• Facility - Rose and Brook are working with Alena and Susan to reduce fees with setup. We will as 4-H Foundation if they can help us pay for the facility fee. 
• Electronic Checkout for Buyers - Lisa is working with Stockmens and it should be ready for the sale. 
• Buyers Meal: Smoked bid $1800 for cowboy cocktails for 200 people. Nosh Catering would need donated meat to make a $2500 budget work. Armando’s Catering will get back to us. Add to list: Donnie @ Clark and Lewie’s, Cafe Rio taco bar.
• Butcher: Tizer Meats will take beef. He has a simple loadout for carcasses and it will take less labor than previous year. This year will be a trail before moving all of our animals to their facility. Flathead Meat Co-Op will take hogs, lambs, and goats. 
• Carcass: Rose will look for a beef carcass judge near Helena and reach out to the small animal judge for Kalispell. 
• Transportation: Beau will hall small animals. Aimee will ask Brandon and Andrew Gould. Other ideas are Chad Rearden, Calvine Rohr, Travis Standley, or Carsen Davidson
• Sponsorship: First round of letters went out. Donna Juhl and Kayla Grossman are helping Jill. They will be calling the sponsors in a week or so once the letters have time to arrive. They would like to utilize 4-H members to help make these calls. They will be asking for larger sponsorships to cover specific large expenses and the sponsors will be recognized for that. 
• Judges: Marc King for large animals, Jackie Sutton for small animals, Rose is contacting carcass judges. 
• Division Chairs: 
  
  • Show: Brook Gerard & Rose Malisani
  • Beef: Lisa & Cody
  • Sheep: Heather Lewis
  • Swine: Brittany Calvert
  • Goat: Michelle Leardini
  • Rabbit: OPEN
  • Poultry: Desi Roth
  • Breeding Project: OPEN
• Breeding Project Working Group: Rose is revising the breeding project book per the discussion at the meeting. We are creating more concise questions for the project interviews that set the kids up for success. Final changes will come next fall. 

Upcoming Events:

February 10th - Project Day
March 5th - Livestock Leaders

Adjournment

Desi moved to adjourn the meeting. 2nd by Jill. M/S/C Meeting adjourned at  8:01pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis
Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

 

APPROVED

Present

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Lisa Jassen, Jill Mackey, Leah Mackey,, 
Katrina Emrich, Cody Loch, Michelle Leardini, Allyssa Peak, Brittany Calvert, Michaela Hystad, Liz 
Jennings, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Meghan Johnson, Meanie Paul

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Brook Gerard.

Minutes

Jill motioned to approve the meeting minutes as posted, 2nd by Michelle. M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report

Sponsorship and intent to enter fees have been received. Monies were spent on breeding project awards, insurance, and ear tags. Ending balance for $10,773.92 checking and DA Davidson $9,232.41. It has been recommended that we move the DA Davidson account under the same management as the other 4-H accounts with Foundation funds so that it can work better for us. Liz will have a further update after they meet this month. Lisa moved to allow the foundation 
investment committee and Brad Thurber to manage the livestock DA Davidson account with an emphasis on conservative growth. 2nd by Cody. M/S/C 

Correspondence

None

Reports: 

Agent Report

Office will be closed January 15th. 

November Project Day

Went well. There were many kids and there was lots of positive feedback. Jill built species specific PowerPoints that can be used in the future as well.

Jacob Shott Memorial:

Winner has been decided but hasn’t been decided. Five kids interviewed.

Rabbit and Poultry Workshop

Very good and interactive. Kids learned about ducks, 
chickens, and turkeys.

Jr. Leaders Meeting

14th or 21st of January depending on schedules. It will be at the extension office or online. Trying to coordinate with the 4-H Ambassador meeting.

Beef weigh in January 14th

Barbara Jo will be at Western Livestock to weigh in the steers. 
1-5pm. Lisa & Cody 1-3pm and Jill & Leah 3-5pm.

Old Business: 

Budget

Brook, Lisa, and Brenda created a budget. We need to get donations and sponsorships equal to $15,000 this year to make the budget work the best. We need people that can make sponsorship calls and take the lead on the sponsorship committee. We are trying to work 
with the Golden Triangle Jackpot with the setup so that we can reduce the setup fees. This year we are trying to align the inflows and what costs they cover in our budget. Items that are over $500 will have a category going forward so that we can better understand our inflows & outflows. Jill moved to approve the budget as presented and add that if an expense if over $500 it gets its own line item in the budget. 2nd by Lisa. M/S/C

Project Days:

• January 13th - Dairy Goat Soap Making
• February 10th - Desi & Marie
• March 10th - Break Even Point & Marketing - Brenda Byrnes & Hal & Rial McGregor
• April 13th - LQA 

New Business: 

2024 Livestock Show and Sale

• Proposed Agenda Review: Change weigh in times to allow for only haltered animals at the 
  end of the night. Potluck meal after weigh-in and family 4-H fun event/game, livestock judging etc. Bring agenda recommendations or revisions to February meeting. 
• Jr. Leaders Logo Ideas: will be presented at February Meeting
• Electronic Checkout for Buyers: Stockman bank will manage and work with Lisa to implement.
• Cognito Forms Entry Forms: The advantage will be the Livestock Leaders can run the 
  reports and class lists. We will put a form together and do a test run. It will also ensure we charge correctly for all the fees after the issues we had with ZSuite. 
• Buyers Education: No response from the Chamber Commerce on the proposed November 
  buyer’s education. We need someone to take the lead on this and try to set it up for a future date. 
• Butchers: Cody and Brook have been working with butchers to find one butcher to take all 
  the beef and leave all the small animals at Vandevanter. There isn’t one butcher that can 
  take all the beef at this point. Cody is still working on it. Butchers will get Brook cut and wrap prices in March. 
• Transportation: Depends on butchers and where animals are going.
• Judges: 
• Livestock: Marc King
• Rabbit/Poultry: Martin Townsend? 
• Carcass: Depends on location of butchers
• Division Chairs:
• Show: Brook Gerard & Allyssa Peak
• Beef: 
• Sheep: Heather Lewis
• Swine: Brittany Calvert
• Goat: Michelle Leardini
• Rabbit:
• Poultry:
• Breeding Project: 

Upcoming Events:

• January 3 Beef Intent to Enter due
• January 9 Leaders Council
• January 10 Late Beef Intent to Enter
• January 13 Goat Milk Soap Project Day
• January 14 Beef Weigh in

Adjournment

Katrina moved to adjourn the meeting. 2nd by Ginger M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Heather Lewis
Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Present: 

Heather Lewis, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Lisa Jassen, Michela,  Jill Mackey, Leah Mackey, Sandy Harshaw, Katrina Enmrich, Cody Loch, Michelle Leardini, Marie Powell, Addison Powell, Desi Roth, Rose Malisani, Allyssa Peak, Brittany Calvert, Brenda Byrnes, Michaela Hystad, Liz Jennings, Brett Keaster.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Brook Gerard.

Minutes

Sandy  moved to approve the minutes as read with one change to number 10. tto stated we allow overweight animals to participate in rate of gain but under weight animals do not participate in reate of gain. . 2^nd by Cody M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

Checking and savings combined balance $9,436 and DA Davidson balance is $9,220. No income and ear tags were purchased for $262. Income and expense report for the 2023 show and sale are also attached. Net profit for the 2023 show & sale is $2,370.

Correspondence:

none

Reports:

Agent Report:

YouthEnrollment by project -  Beef Breeding 14, Beef 43, Dairy Cattle 2, Dairy Goat 9, Meat Goat Breeding 4, Meat Goat 13, Poultry Breeding 2, Poulty 11, Poultry Market 5, Rabbit Breeding 1, Rabbit 9, Sheep Breeding 6, Sheep 18, Swine Breeding, Swine Market 83. Extension Office is closed friday Nov 10th for Veterans Day and Nov 23rd for Thanksgiving.

Project Fair:

There was good participation at both acheivement night and the project fair. Leah talked to multiple families about projects. Marie liked having project fair and acheivement night together. Having more hands on for the new families to learn would be helpful..

Western Feed Corral Animal Fair:

Very fun and a lot of people came through the barn. Wasn’t a 4-H event but we supported it with animals and it was appreciated.

Old Business:

1. BYLAWS: ADDING - Rule/plicy change suggestions are discussed in Septemenr. The October meeting is used to collaboratively make rule cahnges with the option to vote. motion by brittney, second desi m/s/c
2. Breeading project ear tags - motion by Lisa, second Cody m/s/c
3. No animal will be replaced after the last intent to enter daye for that species reguardless of circumstances. - motion Lisa, second Jill m/s/c
4. Club meeting attendance requirement - motion Desi, second Brittany - one opposition Passed by ⅔ majority
5. Weigh-in procedures & vetrinary health inspection - motion Sandy, second Michelle m/s/c
6. Light weight animlas will be placed in a feeder class instead of carcass - motion Jill, second Cody - one opposition ⅔ majority passes
7. Rate of gain, underweight animals are not eligable - motion Lisa, second Sandy m/s/c
8. Breeding project awards are based upon species - motion Brittany, Jill second m/s/c
9. Rabbit and poulty can show 5 animlas per species-  motion Marie, second Katrina m/s/c
10. Poultry broiler date change to May 15 - motion Marie, second Desi m/s/c
11. Leg bands may be purchased on your own - motion Marie, second Brittany m/s/c

New Business:

2024 Livestock Show and Sale are the 11th-13th of July.

Butcher - Vandvanters (Flathead Co-op)in Columbia Falls is confirmed & Cody is working on overflow

Online Sale -

Hauling - Beau Sommerfield is confirmed

Auctioneer - Kyle Schob - Lisa will check-in since Cody hasn’t received a response

                Carcass Help - Brook called temp agencies in Columbia Falls to get quotes for 5-6 men to help for several hours. July 18th small animals, and 25th large animals loading in Columbia Falls. We will have to budget for this. Will have more details in January.

                Jr. Leaders - 13 years and older. Meetings will be November, January, March, May, and July.

Project Days:

2nd Saturday from November to May

November: Livestock Project Financials - Brenda & Jill: Brenda will cover what needs to be in the records and Jill will cover budgeting.

December: MeatRabbit,  Meat chickens 10:30-12

January: Dairy goat soap making

February: Rabbit & Poultry Showmanship 10:30-12

March: Marketing with McGregors - have leaders available to help demonstrate

April: LQA 9-12

May: Dairy? Small animal fitting & showmanship

June: ?

Other Events

January: Beef weigh in - January 14th 1pm-5pm Western Livestock

May: Goat, Sheep, Swine weigh in- May 11th 1-4pm Western Ranch

Clinic Planning Ideas:

1. Showmanship and fitting - Mari Morriss suggested for clinician
2. Feeding
3. Breeding
4. Bring more ideas & details to January meeting

 

January meeting will be on the 2nd.

Adjournment

Jill  moved to adjourn the meeting. 2^nd by Cody  M/S/C Meeting adjourned at  8:27pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Attendees: 

Heather Lewis, Desi Roth, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Lisa Jassen, Michela, Hystead,  Jill Mackey, Sandy Harshaw, Katrina Enmrich, Katrin Finch, Cody Loch, Jill Mackey, Aimee Hachigian-Gould, Michelle Leardini, Marie Powell, Addison Powell, Desi Roth, Rose Malisani, Allyssa Peak, Brittany Calvert.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Brook Gerard

Minutes

Jill moved to approve the minutes as read. 2^nd by Michelle M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

$11,895 in the P/L were for 2021/2022 but were reported in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. $7,186 in awards, $1,301 for Expo park facility rental and $3,408 for carcass hauling. 2022/2023 was a net positive and 2021/2022 was a net loss.

Correspondence:

None

Reports:

Agent Report:

Enrollmentopened Sunday, about 120 kids are enrolled. 32 beef, 11 sheep, 2 poultry, 38 swine, 7 goats, no meat rabbits, 2 dairy goats. 16 youth enrolled in breeding projects, 6 rabbit projects, 4 poultry. Ear Tags have arrived for market projects.

Project fair and achievement night will be October 22, 2-4pm. Achievement night will be after. 4-H members and leaders are encourage to provide posters to help promote 4-H. Macky’s, Powell’s, and Lewis’s will provide breeding posters.

Breeding Project Book Judging/Interviews:

The judges spent 2 nights at Opportunity Bank judging books. Matt McKamey, Kris Nicholson, and Aimee HG. Interviews were conducted via webex on two nights. Buckles were awarded for six grand champions, there were three reserve prizes awarded. Aimee made a motion to designate $610 for breeding project awards. 2nd by sandy. MSC.

 

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

• One fee for projects has been proposed for the rule changes.
• Nomination for Executive Board: Jill Mackey was nominated and willing to perform the duties of the Vice President. Treasurer is vacant as well.

 

Rule Changes:

1. Intent to Enter fee change to one fee per animal. Discussion about Intent Fees vs Entry Fees and the combination of them. Lisa averaged the fees and the proposed fees are as follows: beef $75, $65 swine, sheep, & goat, $20 rabbit & poultry for each animal. $1800/year is paid in intent fees, the money is being used for various things including ear tags. There are multiple kids in rabbit and poultry that do not show at the county show. Sale commission and check off fees should still come out of the sale checks. This will be dropped from the rule change in November and tabled until next year so that we gather more information and put more thought into it.
2. Market Animal Limits: eliminating the waiting list and stress involved with 4-H members thinking they won’t be able to show at the sale. We would then set the quota lists based upon the processing facility capacity. We need to find a butcher for 2024 that can handle all of our animals. Pulled from November voting.
3. Members must attend 60% of club meetings and/or project days to be eligible to show at the County Show (or club bylaw minimums). Should they be marked as an Absence vs and Excused Absence for kids that miss club meetings because they were at another 4-H event. Communication to the families that are constantly missing club meetings will be necessary.
4. Veterinary inspection statement: update to clarification the inspection and that it is not negotiable. Intenting an additional animal for a family is highly recommended.
5. Breeding project awards will match the awards for other project awards. These will be classified similar to market classes and not by age.
6. Replacement animals: animals must be intent and replacements will not be allowed after the intent to enter date.
7. Rule change suggestions are discussed in September, October meeting should be used to collaboratively make rule changes with the option to vote on the rule changes in October. This is a policy/bylaw change. Different Tuesdays in October can be used for Horse and Livestock Leaders.
8. Addition of feeder class for light weight animals. They cannot be sold in the auction but can be advertised private treaty. Feeder class animals will not be sent to slaughter with market animals and will not participate in carcass classes. There will not be grand and reserve placings only blue, red, and white.
9. Breeding animals to be shown at the county show  must be owned the species intent to enter date. Permanent identifier required.
10. Rate of Gain Contest: do not allow under or overweight animals to participate in rate of gain. Underweight animals do not qualify for rate of gain.
11. Poultry leg bands can be purchased at the extension or by the member.
12. Changing date for meat pens to May 15th due to seeing too many over weight chickens with the May 1st deadline.
13. Allow a maximum of 5 rabbits or poultry in the conformation classes.

All members who vote at the November 7th meeting must be present at both the October and November meeting.

Project Days:

Rabbit/Poultry on same days as Horse project days (Dec, Jan, Feb.) November livestock project day proposal for a financial record keeping day (Kris Nicholson & Matt McKamey) Budgeting and project financial management.

Adjornment

Desi moved to adjourn the meeting. 2^nd by Sandy M/S/C Meeting adjourned at  9:35pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

CALL TO ORDER 

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 by Brook Gerard, President

Present: Rose Malisani, Brittney Calvert, Cody Loch, Brett Keaster, Jill Mackey, Desi Roth, Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Elizabeth Jennings, Katrina Omrich, Ginger Murphy, Michelle Leardini, Heather Lewis, Allyssa Peak, Nichole Hruska, Bryanna Richards. 

MINUTES 

We didn't get the minutes from the last meeting turned in for the meeting

TREASURER’S REPORT 

Read by Liz Jennings: Loss on the sale, but we need a year to year comparison from Lisa if possible.  Part of the Profit and Loss info is from last years sales because of how the bills fall, so this is not the best picture.  We will get just the 2023 numbers from Lisa for the Oct meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE 

None

REPORTS 

• Agent Report
  • Rose is still helping and will be available through November.  Allyssa is responsible for the Policies and Procedures and the livestock leaders make the rest happen. 

OLD BUSINESS

Breeding Project Interviews

• Judging will be Sept 12th and 13th by Amy Hachigian-Gould, Matt McKamey and Chris Jorgenson.  We need to feed the judges so Desi made a motion t use the card to buy food up to $100, Jill 2nd M/S/C.  There are 17 books and 16 members to interview.  Web X interviews will be scheduled for Sept 17th and or 24th.

NEW BUSINESS 

Rule, Policy, and Award Criteria Change Proposals

• Must be in by Sept 18th, Monday.  In order to vote on rules you must attend in Oct and in Nov. and be signed up as a leader in z suites and have gotten your leader training completed.

Nomination Committee

• Nomination committee is looking for a Vice President and a Treasurer for a 2 year term each.
• Sale Review. Went through "the good, the bad and the ugly" from the show and sale from the emails and suggestions received.  We went over weigh-in, the Auction, the barn layout, new ideas, the judge, the agenda, the sales catalog, the food, the awards, the breeding projects, the small animal aspect and our general administration of the show.  We just had discussions on all the things so we can make notes and or rule changes and do things better each year.

• Rate of gain contest.  It was brought to our attention that the Rate of Gain contest had a miscalculation and Leann Murphy should have gotten first place, Tristen Short was 2nd and Keira Roth was 3rd. Liz moved that we give Leann her $50 and the other members keep what they already got awarded, Desi 2nd M/S/C

Form Budget Committee for 2023-2024

• We are looking for people to be on the budget committee for next year. 

One Fee for Project

• We are looking into a "one fee" for projects instead of intents, and show fees etc...

November Chamber Buyer Education

• We are looking into another Chamber Buyers Education event.  They loved it and want one earlier so businesses can get it in their budgets for the new year. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

October 1: Beginning of 4-H Year

October 3: Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Meeting

November 7: Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Meeting

 

Jill made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Brittney 2nd M/S/C

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Harshaw-Irvin for Secretary

UNAPPROVED

CALL TO ORDER 

MINUTES 

TREASURER’S REPORT 

CORRESPONDENCE 

REPORTS 

May 13 Range Walk

May 13 Goat, Sheep, and Swine Weigh In

OLD BUSINESS

2023 Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale

Committees Reports

Sale

Catalog

Sponsorship

Junior Livestock Leaders

Food

Awards

Livestock Pavilion Layout

Crow’s Nest

Auctioneer

Round Robin Judges

Need judges for the following:

• Goat (Michelle)
• Sheep (Heather)
• Rabbit (Kyle/Desi)
• Dairy Goat (Michelle)

Record Book Review on June 20

• Need judges

Buyers Education

Chamber is hosting on June 22 at Celtic Cowboy

Carcass hauling help in Great Falls

Clubs need to ask for volunteers

NEW BUSINESS 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

June 20: Livestock Quality Assurance Due

June 20: Livestock Project Book review. Must attend to either show or sell at the 4-H Livestock Show and Sale

July 6-8: Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale

APPROVED

CALL TO ORDER 

Present:

Rose Malisani, Heather Lewis, Desi Roth, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Brittney Calvert, Jill Mackey, Sandy Harshaw, Katrina Emrich, Liz Jennings, and Alyssa Peak

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Brook Gerard

MINUTES 

Jill moved to approve the minutes as read. 2nd by Sandy M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

Income from 4-H Foundation for Sponsorships, Swine Intent to Enters. Postage Expense for mailing Post Cards.

Correspondence:

No correspondence but we will be sending a Thank You card to Courtney Clairmont for putting together a 4-H livestock judging team.

Reports:

• Range walk has been rescheduled for May 13th due to the snow.
• Agent Report: Rose will hand over the reins to Allyssa Peak as the 4-H Horse and Livestock Agent in the fall.

Old Business:

• Swine, sheep, and goat weigh-in on May 13th. Heather and Michelle from 9:00-11:00 am and Heather and Ginger from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Rose will email Heather the weigh in sheets.
• Committee Reports:
  • Auction - Sam Frasier does not need to be in the crow’s nest for the auction, he needs a table and a ring man to signal the auctioneer.
  • Kyle Shobe and Sam Fraiser do not have contracts, they will only send an invoice. Brook will find out if they can put something in writing, so we know what services we are receiving.
  • Catalog – Cognito forms subscription has been purchased to use for collecting the catalog information. Sale order has been set and the link to submit catalog information will be sent after intents are turned in. Should be going out in the mail June 15th.
  • Sponsors ad copy and payments are due.
  • Brett Keaster has been working with the Great Falls Chamber is going to do a buyers education instead of the sponsorship they have done in the past. Brett is confirming the dates and will get back to us with those dates. The goal of this is to help businesses. Use current business buyers to share their programs for buying livestock animals and how they use if for their employees.
  • Jr. Leaders will have a meeting in May to plan games, make posters and come up with ideas on advertising. Maybe decorating buyers’ meal table.
  • Food – Smoked quote is for 200 people only pulled pork, 2 sides, and buns. $2,168. Desi moved to pay the 20% down payment ($434) to reserve Smoked for the buyers’ dinner. Katie Chartier will arrange for servers.
  • Brook will verify with water donations with Alena Stanley.
  • Desi will ask Pepsi for a donation of soda.
  • Pavilion Layout – Discussed layout attached to minutes. Moving the buyers’ meal to the opposite side of the barn from registration so that buyers walk through the animals to get to the food and to get back to the bleachers. Pen numbers will be
    verified once entries are done and breeding pen count will be on entry form as well. Weigh in times will be at will but we will remind everyone to use good etiquette and be aware all animals aren’t friendly.
  • Committee for June Meeting – contracts for Auctioneer, carcass drop-off in Great Falls, Cody will use his skid steer to unload carcasses June 13th and 20th.
  • Show Personnel – Round Robin Judges need to be selected, Photographer is confirmed, Edmonston’s will hold over steers and will get us a price.

New Business:

• Proposed “get together” to have a debrief in July on the entire show, hauling, etc. What went well, what wasn’t so good and how can we do better.

Liz moved to adjourn the meeting. 2nd by Desi. M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Heather Lewis
Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

CALL TO ORDER 

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Brook Gerard

PRESENT

Rose Malisani, Heather Lewis, Desi Roth, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Brittney Calvert, Michelle Leardini, Brett Keaster, Jill Mackey, Sandy Harshaw, Katrina Emrich, Katie Chartier, Melanie Paul, Cody Loch

MINUTES 

Michelle moved to approve the minutes as read. 2nd by Brittney M/S/C

TREASURER’S REPORT 

Balance sheet reads $10,007.50 in Stockmen Checking and $9,180.81 in DA Davidson Account. Income from foundation for sponsorships and wrote a check for the postage for the save the date postcards.

CORRESPONDENCE 

None

REPORTS 

• Goat Clinic - disbudding baby goats and tattooing of show goats.
• Beef workshops: Courtney Clairmont is helping, and 5-6 kids have shown up for each one.
• Rabbit workshop: Shea did a great job. Kids brought their rabbits and they learned to handle them better and rabbits got tattooed.
• April Project Day: Cooked lamb and made 3-4 different recipes. All were very good.

OLD BUSINESS

Vice President Election: Jill Mackey has been nominated. Unanimous vote passes.

Market Sheep, Goat, and Swine Weigh-In: May 13th at Western Ranch Supply. Two shifts 9am-11am: Heather & Michelle, 11am-1pm: Ginger & Jim Lewis? Or Ginger's Husband?

2023 Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale

• Sale: There are questions for Sam Frasier about the needs of the equipment so that we can decide where the ring, crowsnest etc. can be located.
• Catalog: Cognito forms will be used for submission and Brook will send the link to Rose to distribute for catalog submissions. Brittney moved to spend $30 on Cognito forms, 2nd by Cody. M/S/C
• Sponsorships: All sponsors need to be done by the first week of May, current total donations are $4775.
• Jr. Leaders Prize Meeting: Met on March 19th at the Amigo. Discussed prize ideas for the 2023 Livestock Show. Grand Champion - Belt Buckles from Molly's Custom Silver. Reserve Champion ideas - embroidered jacket, engraved water bottle, smaller peewee buckle, basket of species specific. They decided on engraved light up acrylic signs and engraved water bottles for reserve prizes.
• Food: Bombargers Catering, Smoked, Karlson Q, Harvest Craft, Driftwood Bar: Smoked is the only one available at $12.88/plate. Expo Park will provide concessions. Jim will call Smoked to ask what we can do for $10 for 200 people, one meat and we can buy buns if needed. Rose will ask Ambassadors if they serve.

Final Agenda was reviewed and approved.
ZSuite Entry: All Livestock Show entries will be through ZSuites to make it easier for the Extension office and families.

Committee reports

• Marketing: Digital marketing kit is available for everyone to use. Postcards went out.
• Livestock Pavilion: Tabled until next meeting.
• Show Personnel: Mariah Whetter is available for backdrop pictures, approximately $250. Brittney moved for up to $250 be spent to book Mariah Whetters to take backdrop pictures for the show. 2nd by Ginger. M/S/C
• Ring Steward: Suggestions Asa Jassen and Ruby Jennings
• Veterinarian: Cale Bjornstad, DVM
• Sound: Bruce Bull
• Steer Holdover: Travis & Liz Edmonston
• Round Robin Judges: Need to be found by Division Chairs
• Breeding judge recommendations: Janna LeMond VandenBos, Chris with FSA, Aimee

NEW BUSINESS 

None

Brittney moved to adjourn the meeting. Katrina 2nd. M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Heather Lewis
Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Present

Rose Malisani, Heather Lewis, Desi Roth, Sandy Harshaw, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Leann Murphy, Lisa Jassen, Brittney Calvert, Michelle Leardini, Brett Keaster, Jill Mackey, Marie Powell, Cody Loch, Melanie Paul

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Brook Gerard

 

Sandy moved to approve the minutes as read. 2nd by Michelle M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

$9,555.50 in checking $9,174.97 in DA Davidson account. Deposits for sponsorships and beef intent to enter fees.

 

Correspondence:

None

Reports:

• LQA: Day was successful but there are still many kids that need to complete, and Rose will send a reminder email. Next year we should consider allowing seniors to attend any livestock project day instead of LQA.
• Award/Prize Committee: Met about guidelines to give the Jr Leaders for the prize selection for the county show. Leaders will look for further sponsorships for the breeding books, breeding, pens, displays etc. Jr. Leaders will meet on March 19th. $5,200 is the budget for market, showmanship, carcass, round robin, and supreme breeding female. Rose will send an email invite.
• Lamb Cuts w/ L&M Lockers: L&M lockers brought a lamb that was already cut into primal cuts and retail cuts. They talked about the cuts of the lamb and demonstrated wrapping the retail cuts and further cutting of the primal cuts. They donated the butcher fee and Katrine will demonstrate cooking at the April 1st project day from 10am-noon.

Presidency: Brenda has stepped down as president due to health reasons. She missed three meetings and bylaws require the president spot to be filled. Brook is willing to move from the vice president spot and fill the vacant presidency. Lisa moved that Brook Gerard become the current president. 2nd by Desi. M/S/C

 

Nominations will be accepted for vice president that April meeting.

Old Business:

• Committees
  • Sale: Cody, Brett, Lisa - recommend hiring Kyle Shobe from Lewistown Livestock auction and Frontier Live Sale, Sam Frazier, will run the live and online sale. He will provide live and online sale options and work with Kyle Shove and his fee $1500. Kyle’s fees are between $1,000-$1,500. Previous years auction fees have cost around $2,000. The committee is recommending that we drop the Facebook live feed and put the $1,100 fee toward the auction, giving the audition a $3,000 budget. We would use Stockman Bank to run the clerking of the sale at no charge. Desi made a motion to approve this recommendation, Ginger 2nd. M/S/C
  • Catalog/Sponsorship: Cody, Brook - They will meet 3/8/23 to discuss sponsorships and catalog. They will have a price for the catalog at the April meeting. It will be printed June 1st. Last year's sponsorships were $8,900 total to date $3,450.
  • Junior Livestock Leaders: Will meet March 19th 2pm at the Amigo lounge. Rose will send an email to all Cascade County youth eligible. They will meet to
• Marketing: Rose will send postcards to previous years buyers (105), cost of postage is $50.40 for 105 postcards. Sandy moved that livestock leaders purchase postage up to $80 for mailing postcards. Cody 2nd. M/S/C 
  • Logo with updates: Remove the “th” in the 7&8 and make it 7-8. Otherwise 
  • Heather will compile a zip file of marketing elements to be sent to enrolled livestock kids to use in creating their own marketing materials.
• Food and Buyers Dinner: There were complaints last year about the meal being outside in the sun. We could move it to the Harvest Building to allow for more room and could potentially have displays as well. Brook called Susan at Expo Park and is waiting for a call back about the availability of the Harvest Building. Potentially looking for a business that will sponsor the buyer’s dinner. Another idea would be to have tables set up in the southwest corner of the barn near the weigh-in area. Brook has also inquired with Susan if they will run concessions at the county show again. Bring barn set up ideas to the April meeting.
  • Buyers Meal: Heather will call Chandee Bambarger about catering options. Suggestions: Carlson Q, Smoked, Harvest Craft, Deb Hammon, Craig Moore.
• Z-suites for Show Entry: Easy to do but there is a fee to pay with cards online (approximately $1). Using Z-Suites would automate the process. Cognito forms would still be used to submit photos for the catalog. June 2nd will be the due date for both forms and alternate animals can be included.
• Can we hire a photographer to take background photos for the buyer thank-you photos? We can print the template at the Extension office on an 8X10 paper and find a photographer to take landscape background photos at the show. Put a photographer request on Facebook.

NEW BUSINESS 

• Small animal weigh-in May 13th. Rose emailed Larry Kelly about using Western Ranch.

 

Sandy moved to adjourn the meeting. Ginger 2nd. M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Heather Lewis

Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

 

APPROVED

Present:

Rose Malisani, Heather Lewis, Desi Roth, Cody Loch, Sandy Harshaw, Michelle Leardini, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Lisa Jassen, Brett Keaster, Jeanne McKamey, Regan Jassen, Addison Powell, Marie Powell, Gabrielle Corscadden, Liz Jennings, Katrina Emerich, Brittney Calvert, Aimee Hachigan-Gould, Angie Hastings, Reece Hastings

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Brook Gerard

Corrections:

Aimee Hachigan-Gould was added as an attendee to the last meeting, and the January 7th project day was for poultry and not rabbit. Michelle moved to accept the minute corrections. Aimee 2nd. M/S/C

Treasurer’s Report:

Liz presented the treasurer's report.

Correspondence:

None

Reports:

• Poultry Project Day: Learned about parasites and diseases.
• Feed and Selection: Was packed with kids and knowledge.
• Dairy: All the dairy kids met and talked about the basics of the project and record keeping.
• Beef Weigh In: A lot of participation, flow was steady and smooth. The majority of the intended steers weighed in.
• AI: Talked about AI, genes, etc. Very good knowledge and in-depth topics.
• 2022 Awards: One buckle was missing from the entire order and it was missed by the buckle company. It should be here very. One buckle for Thatcher Marquis that was delivered is somehow missing, we need to decide if we are going to replace it. Aimee moved to replace Thatcher's buckle. Brett 2nd. Passed

Old Business:

• Addition of project day on Sunday April 23rd, Range Walk and Talk project day. Marji Patz who works for NRCS. Location TBD.
• Market Beef Additional Butcher: Big Sky Processing is willing to take all our extra beef beyond the 30 contracted with Columbia Falls. Lisa moved to cover the $25 difference per beef for the difference in slaughter costs, $160 would be paid by Livestock Leaders. Liz 2nd. Passed. This will require an additional trucking fee and an additional carcass judge. Big Sky Processing can take the entire livestock show animals in 2024. This will be a good test to see if we want to switch processors as Ron Vandevanter looks to retire.
• Central Montana Beef Carcass Judge: Carcass grades of animals are based upon a grid system, ruler measurements, and are fact based. The standards do not vary and different judges will judge to the same standard.
• Division Chairs:
  ○ Show: Brenda Byrnes and Rose Malisani
  ○ Beef: Lisa Jassen & Cody Loch
  ○ Sheep: Heather Lewis
  ○ Swine: Brittney Calvert & Sandy Harshaw
  ○ Goat: Michelle Leardini
  ○ Rabbit: Kyle Baker
  ○ Poultry: Desi Roth
  ○ Breeding Projects: Rose Malisani & Heather Lewis
• Committees
  • Sale: Lisa Jasson, Brett Keaster, Cody Loch: will bring proposals to March meeting.
  • Catalog and Sponsorship: Brook Gerard & Kandee Yeager: will bring more info and prices to March meeting.
  • Carcass Contest: Rose Malisani has judges arranged.
  • Carcass Hauling: Brook has Columbia Falls covered. Cody will ensure there are people to load at Big Sky.
  • Food: Brenda is working with the Chamber Ag committee.
  • Jr. Leaders: Heather will be the chair and send intro letter to Jr. Leaders for Rose to send to enrolled jr. leaders. Current prize proposal is that jr. leaders will pick Grand and Reserve prizes for all 5 divisions and they will be awarded at the County Show.
  • Awards: Lisa, Rose, Brook, and Marie will set award parameters/budget for jr. leaders to select awards.
• Agenda
  • Proposed changes: Changing supreme breeding to after showmanship and before round robin on the agenda and families Brook talked to are in support of the change.
• Marketing:
  • Save the date magnet proposal: IPS has closed so we don’t have them to stuff envelopes and shipping rates have increased $300/40 newsletters. Looking at sending magnets to previous buyers. 200 magnets will be approximately $400. Brittany made a motion to send a postcard save the date instead of the magnets and the extension office can print and mail. Cody 2nd. Passes
  • Heather will load all branding materials into the google drive. Shirts will be a mid to light blue. Shirt design will be edited per the feedback. All materials will be ready at the March meeting.

Last Minute Additions:

• LQA: Need more volunteers to teach this Saturday. Heather will teach injections. There are several kids that can’t attend due to sports. Rose is rewriting the test for the kids that cannot attend. Rabbit and Poultry need a teacher.
• Project book judging on one night instead of two? Proposed date of June 20th.
• KMON report from Aimee: there weren’t any kids in agronomy or meats id, but 5 kids from Cascade County competed in livestock judging. It was unorganized compared to previous years.

New Business:

Lisa moved to adjourn the meeting. Sandy 2nd. M/S/C Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Lewis
Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders Secretary

APPROVED

Present:

Katrina Emrich, Sandy Harshaw, Rose Malisani, Ginger Murphy, Michelle Leardini, Cody Loch, Elizabeth Jennings, Aimee Hachigan-Gould, and Lisa Jassen

Call To Order

Called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Vice President Brook Gerard

Minutes:

Katrina moved to approve the minutes as submitted and seconded by Elizabeth Jennings.

Treasurer Report:

Elizabeth Jennings gave a treasurer’s report. Information was included in packet. Current checking balance is $9,282.45 and the DAD Investment account is $9,166.19.

Correspondence:

Thank You card sent by Jenna Sasek.

Reports:

Schott memorial report by Rose Malisani. Five 4-H members interviewed and the Schott family decided to award money to each 4-H member. Rose completed expenditure form to Cascade 4-H Foundation.
Cody Loch reported on FSA project day presented by Chris Nicholson. Cody said it was awesome and very informative workshop. There were 3 kids in attendance and 2 kids signed up for FSA loans. They have a very strong outreach program.

Old Business:

Awards discussion:

4-H members are still missing banners, phone cases, and monies. Rose has list of what is missing. She will email to Brook and Brenda to cross reference with master list.

Discussion about having awards available to present at the show. Many in room feel that awards should be present and given at the event. Rule book for this year already is approved with letting junior leaders pick the prizes and have 3 choices for Grand and 3 choices for Reserve. Question was posed on timing. Brook presented that awards would be chosen by April by the Junior Leaders but that they still get 3 choices. Aimee presented some history of how awards were done in the past. Brook presented that Google Sheets shared document will be utilized so that committee and officers can be current and informed on status of awards, orders, and winners. As of this current 4-H year the awards process is approved and documented. If there is desire to adjust system, it can be presented as a rule change it can be presented in September.

Beef weigh-in

Beef weigh-in will be January 15 at Western Livestock Auction. It was voted and approved in November to give a $100 thank you gift card to Western Livestock Auction employee. Event starts at 1:00 pm.

Project days

Poultry workshop on January 7 and Desiree Roth will teach.

Cody Loch will reach out to Jeff Flesch to see if he can teach artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and breeding at the February 4 project day from 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) is planned for February 11 from 9:00 am to noon. Discussion of having a marketing presentation for the first 20 minutes of the LQA project day. Lisa will ask Dan Miller about presenting on how to approach a buyer. Rose asked for volunteers to teach at LQA. Sandy, Elizabeth, Cody, and Michelle will teach. Rose will get one more volunteer for Nutrition and reach out to Desiree.

Carcass breakdown, primal cuts, and retail cuts will be topics for the March 4 project day. Rose will reach out to Randy Bogden to see if he can teach. Heather is providing the lamb. Rose will reach out to Heather.

April 1 project day will be on preparing lamb from the March 4 project day. Rose will reach out to Katrin Finch to see if she would like to teach.

Michelle is planning cheese making for the May 6 project day.

Dairy Project:

Michelle requested for all dairy goats to be penned in a zone together at the livestock show. Michelle would like to have a meet and greet for enrolled dairy goat members. Pizza luncheon on January 14 after the market animal selection workshop. Lisa moved that livestock leaders purchase pizza. Elizabeth seconded the motion. Motion carries and was approved by unanimous vote.

Beef Clinic:

Cody Loch has offered to work one-on-one with kids that are having trouble with training. He will go to their home or offer assistance to help with training. He will also look at dates to offer some work training sessions for beef kids to practice showmanship and learn about showing. Plan is to start in May and go until June.
New Business

Google Sheets:

Brook presented Google Sheets to the leaders. She showed the document on the screen and explained the various tabs and intent of shared communication. The document will include lists of members, projects, structure of meetings, planning for workshops and project days, contacts, awards, personnel, financial information, and more.

Show Agenda -

Brook and Rose presented the draft agenda and discussed the timing of the event and class order. There was discussion about the timing of sections and order of classes was discussed at length. Concern was raised about breeding classes being on Saturday as some animals wouldn’t get an opportunity to show on Friday and about combining or splitting or combining dairy and meat goats within the breeding contest. Folks were invited to take draft agenda home and return with comments to the next meeting.

Livestock Show and Sale Logo:

Logo was presented with 1 option for the banners and 2 options for the shirts. Looking to get logo approved to be able to get catalog and banners ordered. Group discussed returning logo options for more artwork. Add a clover to both designs. Remove the July 7-8 wording from T-Shirt design. Look at different artwork for the animal image. Suggest banners are closer to 12x18” in size. For the T-Shirts the groups liked all blue animals instead of the gradient color. Brook will let Heather know about changes and it will be brought back to the February meeting.

Save the date magnets:

Rose will get a couple price quotes and magnets will be revisited in February.

Judges:

Brook asked for suggestions for the coming year. Martin Townsend was suggested for to return for rabbit and poultry. Marc King was suggested for main animal judge. Cody Loch will reach out to Marc. Rose confirmed carcass judges.

WebEx Invites:

Brook asked that Rose have WebEx invite to Livestock Leaders meeting be available to all livestock families to encourage participation in planning. It was agreed that we would try it out for a couple of months to see response.

Budget:

Lisa presented the current budget for the 2022-2023 operating year.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Sandy moved and Cody 2nd. m/s/c