4-H Resources
Useful Resources
| 4-H Family Handbook | Youth development is a process of mental, physical and social growth during which young people prepare to live a productive and satisfying life. Youth devel- opment experiences of high quality don’t just happen. The best ones are carefully planned (1) to encourage life skill development while delivering subject matter con- tent and (2) to achieve specific outcomes. |
| Record Book and Project Completion | The 4-H program has a long history of record keeping. The focus reflects the importance of this life skill in our daily lives. In 4-H, young people have tracked their activities, events, profits and losses, skill development and learning experiences, and much more using the iconic 4-H Record Book. In addition to record keeping, the 4-H Record Book gives members an opportunity to reflect on their year, measure their achievements and growth, and set goals, and develop plans to meet those goals. |
| Clover Project Selection Guide | This magazine provides information for all 4-H projects available to MT 4-H members. This guide is helpful when enrolling and re-enrolling in 4-H. |
| Fair Entry Help Sheet | Step-by-step guide to fair entry through the fairentry.com website. |
| Step Up Rations - Feeding Your 4-H Steer | Guide to help you determine feed rations for your 4-H project steer. |
| Calculating Average Daily Gain for the Fair | This guide will help you calculate your ADG for your fair livestock project. |
| Extension Horses, Inc. | Extension Horses, Inc. is a group of professionals from different Land Grant Universities around the country that collaborate to bring the public research-based information for educational use. We are a group of horse lovers just like you! Our group is dedicated to bringing you resources to help you make more informed decisions about your horse. |
| Clover by 4-H | A fun site with lots of virtual activities and learning opportunities for 4-Her's of all ages. Find Your Spark! |
| 4-H Clover Communication Contest Resources | This 4-H cirriculum provides many of the best practices that can be applied to a variety of communication styles. |
New 4-H Family Resources
ZSuite Instructions for Creating a New Household Account (pdf)
ZSuite Instructions for Adding a New Member (pdf)
MT 4-H New Family Packet (pdf)
Welcome to Montana 4-H! The opportunities are endless for 4-H members and volunteers here in Judith Basin County. We have complied resources that will help you navigate your first year of 4-H. Please reach out to us with any questions that come up throughout the 4-H year.
Graduating HS Senior 2025 College Scholarship Opportunities
Please do your own research on the scholarship opportunities listed below. Each scholarship may have requirements that are not included here including GPA and application deadlines.
Reach Higher Montana website and your school counselor's office are good resources for locating and completing college scholarships.
Scholarship |
Application Deadline |
Website |
| Montana 4-H Foundation Scholarships | Deadline is typically in mid February. Check their website for specific deadlines. | MT 4-H Foundation Scholarships |
| Reach Higher Montana | Varies based on scholarship | Reach Higher Montana |
| Montana State University Northern | Varies based on scholarship | Montana State University Northern |
| University of Montana | Varies based on scholarship | University of Montana Scholarship Portal |
| Montana State University | Varies based on scholarship | Montana State University Undergrad Scholarships |
| Montana Wildlife Federation - Phil Tawney Scholarship | check website for application deadline | MT Wildlife Federation - Phil Tawney Scholarship |
| University of Montana Western | Check website for other deadlines | University of Montana Western Scholarship Portal |
| Montana Wool Growers Association Scholarsip | Check website for 2025 application deadline | Montana Wool Growers Association Scholarship |
| Montana STEM and Healthcare Scholarship | Scholarship applications will be accepted after 12/1/2024 | MT STEM and Healthcare Scholarship |
| MUS Honor Scholarship | Scholarship applications will be accepted after 12/2/2024 | MUS Honor Scholarship |
| Jan French Memorial Scholarship | All JB Co. 4-H members who are graduating seniors are eligible to apply for the Jan French Memorial Scholarship. The application consists of a 1 - 2 page essay detailing how 4-H has impacted your life, how it has prepared you for life after high school and what your plans are after graduating. Applications are due to the Ext. Office by July 1, 2025. | |
| Colt Reisig Project Scholarship | Details to come for the 2025 Colt Reisig Project Scholarship | |
| Montana Cattlemen's Association Scholarship | Scholarship deadline is July 1. See their website for details on eligibility and how to apply. | Montana Cattleman's Association Scholarship |
| Montana Cattlewomen Incorporated | Please visit the Montana Cattlewomen Inc website for information on eligibility and how to apply | Montana Cattlewomen Incorporated |
| Montana Farm Bureau Federation Scholarships | The Montana Farm Bureau Federation site provides links to several Farm Bureau Scholarships. | Montana Farm Bureau Federation Scholarships |
| Montana Farmers Union Scholarships | Visit the Montana Farmers Union website for information on 2024 scholarships and grants. | Montana Farmers Union |
| Montana Feed Association Scholarships | The Montana Feed Association provides information on eligibility and how to apply for the 2025 scholarships. | Montana Feed Association Scholarships |
| Montana Grains Foundation Scholarships | The Montana Grains Foundation Scholarships are for MSU Juniors and Seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture. Their website provides more information on degree specifics how to apply. | Montana Grains Foundation Scholarships |
| Central Montana Foundation Scholarships | Central Montana Foundation Scholarships | |
| Wyatt Woodhall Sportsmanship Scholarship | Eligibility and application details can be found on the scholarship application. | Wyatt Woodhall Sportsmanship Scholarship |
- Go to https://4h.zsuite.org/
- Click on "Sign Up"
- Fill in all of the fields to up a FAMILY account.
- Adult email should match the Family email loaded from 4Honline.
- Adult email an password will be also used for anyone in the family to login to ZSuite in the future.
- The Adult/Family email can be changed by the parent once the account is set up the first time.
- The pin is used by parents and is needed for the enrollment of family members.
- Click "Let's Go!"
- Each family member previously enrolled in 4Honline should appear on the main screen in a colored box.
- There is also an option to add a new family member.
- Click on each family member to go their dashboard and begin enrollment.
- If at any point a family has trouble they can click the "CHAT" box at the bottom of their screen and chat with a ZSuite support person.
Youth Expectations:
- Attend monthly club meetings
- Participate in your club activities, community service projects, and fundraisers.
- Participate in Fair Book Fundraiser
- Participate in Demonstration Days, Livestock Judging, project clinics/practices and other local, state and national events.
- Be a good 4-H ambassador.
Adult Leaders Expectations:
- Be available to support the 4-H members whenever possible.
- Set a positive example of citizenship and leadership in our communities.
- Be ready to guide and mentor the 4-H youth to a successful future.
- Complete the annual mandatory volunteer training required by MT 4-H prior to 9/30 of each year.
4-H Parents:
- Encourage positive behavior by setting that example to your child and other 4-H youth.
- Encourage your child to participate in all 4-H activities. This results in growth of knowledge, social skills, leadership skills and confidence.
- Understand the project requirements and expectations that your child is participating in. Sometimes our 4-H projects don't go as planned and it's important for the members to understand project rules and requirements.
You must meet the minimum age required age by October 1, 2024 in order to enroll in each project.
- Cloverbuds - 5 years old
- Regular 4-H - 8 years old
- Shooting Sports - 9 years old
- Market Beef and Beef Breeding - 10 years old
- Teen Leadership - 13 years old
- Ambassador - 14 years old
- Colt to Maturity - 11 years old and have completed Horsemanship Levels 1, 2, and 3
Check your project level
When you re-enroll, be sure to check that you enrolled in the appropriate level!
(Example: Swine Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3)
Each level should take a maximum of three years.
Remember, you need to be able to complete 7 activites in the project book each year.
If there are less than 7 activities left in the project book, the member should move up to the next level.
If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office or stop by! We are here to help!
The Drop/Add deadline is June 1. You must drop any project prior to June 1 that you do not intend to complete a record book for. Failing to submit a record book for a project that you are enrolled in will disqualify you from participating in that project during the next 4-H year.
When designing and presenting your demonstrations this year, use the following tips to make your best better!
- Select a topic that you know well and find interesting.
- Develop one main idea or topic to share.
- Use an outline to help you organize the idea or topic into three to seven points or steps that can be explained and/or shown.
- Secure the material and the equipment needed and organize to avoid clutter.
- Dress appropriately for the activity being demonstrated.
- Check your materials and equipment before you give the demonstration. Make words on posters large enough for all to read.
- Use a catchy introduction that will get the attention of the audience.
- Take your time and speak clearly, looking at your audience.
- Show how each step is done so everyone can see.
- Keep your materials orderly, and when you are finished with something, place it out of the way.
- Practice the demonstration with family or friends who will give suggestions for improvement.
- Work on avoiding using "ummm" or "like" when giving your speech.
- Smile and enjoy yourself, but avoid chewing gum, placing your hands in your pockets, or "fiddling" with equipment.
- Review your points or steps at the end, ask for questions, and thank the audience.