On the Horizon

November 4

  • 4-H Council Meeting, hosted by Rocky Mountain Top Shots, 6 p.m.

November 16

  • Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Shelby

December 2

  • Livestock Committee Meeting

New Newsletter Feature:  Rock Your Record Book

Why do we keep Record Books?Because goal setting, keeping track of expenses, and reflecting on what did and didn’t work - these are skills that make successful adults!

Rock Your Record Book is a new feature of our monthly newsletter that will give tips and tricks to improve your 4-H record keeping skills. This past year we noticed many 4-H members made big leaps in their record book quality, and we heard they had more fun while doing so! How did they do it? Here’s a key tip:start early and do a little at a time!We suggest working on Record Books for about 10 minutes at the beginning of every club meeting.Give 2 or 3 kids a chance to share something with the group, to inspire others.Maybe even give a small prize for a particularly thoughtful contribution!

Rock Your Record Books

‘My 4-H Year’ goals are about 4-H as a whole - like “I want to become a club officer”

or “I want to help the younger kids in my club”.Set 3 ‘My 4-H Year’ goals!

(‘My 4-H Year’ goals are different than ‘Project’ goals, which relate to your project(s).

An example of a project goal:“I want to create a photo portrait of each of my grandparents”.Stay tuned for next month’s tips on Project goals.)

The new 4-H year started on Oct 1, so set your 4-H Year goals as soon as possible!

Here are great examples of ‘My 4-H Year Goals’ from actual Teton County 4-Hers!

“I want to do at least three service projects” (Age 15)

“I want to be a camp counselor”(Age 15)

“Become a better 4-H speaker”(Age 11)

“Get my minutes done on time”(Age 11)

“Be less shy when doing group activities” (Age 9)

“I want to get a blue ribbon on my demonstration” (Age 8)

Hot Tip:  Print this page and share at your club meeting or hang it on your fridge as a reminder.

Agent's Corner:  The Art of Being Ready
By Jenn Swanson

Just wanted to share some goings-on from the livestock side of the house!

Weatherbeater (WB) Improvements

We have many irons in the fire.The Choteau Chamber is sponsoring an application for tourism grant funds and Jeff Salmond, Charley Yeager, and Jenn Swanson are collecting bids for improvements to the WB.If we don’t get the tourism grant funding, we’ll keep submitting the bids to other relevant grantors!We recently submitted a request to the Masons in Teton County - stay tuned.

Example projects include the following:

  • a lean-to for steers on the south side of WB (using AgWest grant for part of this)
  • a stout fence with a Teton 4-H bow gate around the WB grounds
  • a set of hog holding pens for holding the swine shows in the main arena
  • finish the kitchen renovation
  • upgrade the restrooms
  • re-insulate the roof
  • replace the footing with something less dusty
  • fix the water leak under the concrete,
  • and more!

If you have expertise on any of these types of projects, or specific contractor recommendations, please give Jenn a call (406-868-4570).

Keeping our Business Close to Home

Our designated processors for 2025 are Morels Chop Shop in Choteau and Christiaens Meats in Valier.NO NEED to contact them directly - we’re communicating with them on animal numbers.Buyers can still opt out of the official processors if they take care of transport.We’ll be making personal phone calls to our buyers as well as conducting a pre-registration with all the relevant info they need.

The Early Bird Get’s the ... Joke?

Back by popular demand - Cloverbud members telling jokes at the livestock auction.Our fans loved it!Start collecting jokes now!

Help Us Learn More About our County 4-H Program

by Shelby Jones-Dozier

I was fortunate enough to attend the National 4-H Positive Youth Development Conference in Boise, Idaho, in October. This was my first national conference as an Extension Agent, and I was excited to learn what other programs were like across the nation. One of the greatest lessons that I walked away with was the importance of collecting data to understand how 4-H was impacting youth who are a part of the program in Teton County. While at the conference, I learned about a survey called Common Measures. This survey was developed at the national level to help understand how well a program at the county level is impacting youth and identify areas for improvement. Please help the 4-Hers in your home and club take this survey. 

Take the Commons Measures Survey

Teton County 4-H Council November Meeting

This is a friendly reminder for our upcoming 4-H Council meeting for November. We will be meeting at the Rocky Mountain Top Shots practice facility Monday, November 4, at 6 p.m. The address is: 144 5th Ln NE, Fairfield. Please RSVP to Brian Bedord at 406-590-9092.

All club leaders are highly encouraged to attend to assist with major decision making for our county 4-H program. We are also looking for a new council secretary. Misti Redland has provided a wonderful service to our council and has reached the end of her tenure. Please share this opportunity for volunteerism with any adult members of your club who may be interested.

Major topics to be discussed:

-First review of the 2024-2025 Council Budget

-Requirement for Record Books at fair interview judging in June 2025

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

Join a Committee

Teton County 4-H Committees
Teton County 4-H Committee
Description
Meetings
# of Members
(Suggested Minimum)

Standing Committees
Budget & Audit
Develops and then recommends to the   4-H Council an annual budget, which       is voted on at 4-H Council
Meets 1-2 times each year in late Summer and/or Fall

4-H Council Treasurer,

1 agent,

1 adult member,

1 youth member
Communications Day
Promotes development of members’ skills in giving demonstrations and presentation, via training sessions and participation in local, statewide, and/or national competitions/events
Meets 1-2 times each year in Fall and/or Winter, to plan Teton County’s Communications Day in March

1 agent,

1-2 adult members,

1-2 youth members
Fair
Designates annual Fair theme, creates the schedule of Fair activities, develops the Fair publicity plan

Meets 1-2 times each year in Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-HFair in June

1agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Awards
Designates annual awards plan for 4-H competitions; may be the same members and meet at the same time as the Fair Committee

Meets 1-2 times each year in Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-HFair in June

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Livestock
Attends to livestock project areas including animal husbandry education, livestock quality assurance education, safety and rules regarding the 4-H Livestock Sale and Carcass Competition

Meets on the first Monday of every other month

(Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug)

Ag agent,

Officers (Pres, VP, Treasurer, Secretary), livestock superintendents,

1 or more adult members,

1 or more youth members
Horse Committee
Oversees equine education events, rules, regulations and safety of 4-H horse-related events and contests – in the case of an active horse project club, may be comprised of the horse project club members

Meets 3 to 4 times per year, or as needed

Horse project club leader,

1 or more adult members,

1 or more youth members

 
Textile

Overseestextile educational events, offerings and competitions

 

Meets 1 or 2 times per year, in Fall and/or Spring

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Special Committees
Meat & Greet

Plans and coordinates the annual 4-H Fair “Meat and Greet” celebration for all 4-H Families and Fair attendees

Meets 2 or 3 times per year, in Spring prior to Teton County’s 4-H Fair in June

1 agent,

1 or 2 adult members,

1 or 2 youth members
Exchange

Currently inactive; will activate when needed.An active committee is not needed to enroll in the Exchange project.

Meets only as need to review Exchange policy

Ad hoc

Teton County 4-H Year

Montana 4-H Events to Remember 
October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025
Month
Teton County
State & National
October
  • Livestock Committee Meeting (1st Monday)
  • National 4-H Weed (1st Full Week)
  • 4-H Enrollment Begins (October 1)
  • 4-H Club Meetings/Start New Year
  • Treasurer Reports (Clubs and Committees) due by Oct 31
 
November 
  • 4-H  Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Enrollment Continues:  Extension office orders project manuals, free
  • 4-H Fall Leadership Training for Teens and Ambassadors in Billings, Nov 1-3
  • Monthly Online Leadership Academy Begins Nov 17
December
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • Re-Enrollment deadline is Dec 1 ($25 late fee and purchase own project manuals after December 1st)
  • National 4-H Congress (invite only, from State 4-H Congress)
January
  • 4-H Council Meeting (1st Monday)
  • Camp Counselor Application due January 31, 2025
  • Ambasador Application due January 31, 2025
  •  National 4-h Congress (In vite only, from State 4-H Congress)
February
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • Clubs host their Club-level Communications Day
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #1
Volunteer Institute
March
  • 4-H Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • Clubs host their Club-level Communications Day
  • Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) Workshops
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #2
  • Scholarship Applications Due on 31st: Anne Wiprud ($400) and Boe Brothers Foundation ($2,000; $5,000; and $10,000)
  • 4-H Recreation “Rec” Lab (March or April, TBD)
April
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #3
  • County level Communications Day which will include Stir-Ups, Fashion Revue, and Western Heritage Persona Interviews
 
May
  • 4-H Council meeting (1st Monday)
  • LQA and Showmanship Workshops/Weigh-ins
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Planning Meeting #4
  • Fair Registration Deadline on May 21 (Wed before Memorial Day)
 
June
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • 4-H Camp Counselor Retreat
  • Teton County Fair Jun 24-Jun 29 (Wed: Static Exhibit and Interview Judging, Thu: Fashion Revue, Fri-Sat: Livestock Show and Sale)
  • 4-H Congress registration by June 15
  • Summer 2025 Outbound Exchange
July
  • No 4-H Council meeting in July
  • 4-H Camp
  • 4-H Congress in Bozeman
  • Summer Outbound Exchange
August
  • Livestock Committee meeting (1st Monday)
  • State Western Heritage State Shoot
September
  • 4-H Council meeting (Monday after Labor Day)
  • MT 4-H Working Ranch Horse Show
  • MT 4-H State Horse Show

View Teton County MSU Extension Calendar for Up-to-Date Information

View 4-H State and National Calendar for Up-to-Date Information

Club Commotion

Eager Eagles

Members of the Eager Eagles 4-H Club did their highway clean up on Sunday, October 13, 2024. They had a beautiful day for their community service project!

Greytak Calendars

We still have some 2024 North 40 10% Discount cards that can be used for 4-H project livestock animal feed and show supplements. Please contact the office to get your card if you already have an animal. The 2025 cards will arrive in December. All cards need to be signed by the 4-H member and their club leader.

North 40 Discount Cards

We still have some 2024 North 40 10% Discount cards that can be used for 4-H project livestock animal feed and show supplements. Please contact the office to get your card if you already have an animal. The 2025 cards will arrive in December. All cards need to be signed by the 4-H member and their club leader.

Sign Up!

Re-enrollment for 4-H will begin October 1 on ZSuite.Club leader(s) will have Clover Selection project guides for members to get more information on projects. The deadline for re-enrollment is December 1.

When 4-H youth re-enroll before December 1:

  • Project books will be ordered for you by the office
    • The first project book order will be placed in late October
    • A second project book order will be placed in early December
  • Project books will be paid for by 4-H Council
  • You can sign up for and participate in committees
  • You will receive information from the MSU Extension Office in Teton County

IF you re-enroll after December 1 you:

  • Must complete a variance request form, stating why you were unable to re-enroll by December 1
  • Must order and pay for your own project books
  • Cannot serve on 4-H committees
  • Must pay a $25 per member late fee
  • Will not receive any correspondence from MSU Extension Teton County until you are re-enrolled

Your club member dues must be paid before you are "active" and receive the above benefits.

Have You Enrolled in 4-H?

The following 4-H youth and adults have completed their enrollment for the 2024-2025 4-H year. If your name is NOT listed below, you are not enrolled for the current 4-H year. Please enroll via ZSuite. If you need assistance, please contact Jamie at the Extension Office.

Challenging Champs

Deanna Burgmaier

Antonia Diekhans

Benjamin Diekhans

Calvin Diekhans

Justin 'Luke' Diekhans

Kelsy Diekhans

Leona Somerfeld

Jessica Toeckes

Dylan Ulsh

Eager Eagles

Caleb Bender

Kamber Bender

Keira Bender

Kinsey Bender

Cru Davis

Quincee Davis

Ayden DeBruycker

Kelly DeBruycker

Kinsley DeBruycker

Melissa DeBruycker

Natalie DeBruycker

Nolan DeBruycker

Ryan DeBruycker

Harper Hirst

Elias Jacobsen

Tessa Jacobsen

Colton Jordre

Kailey Jordre

Rhett O’Haire

Zane O’Haire

Bryson Wied

Laney Wied

Prairie Stars

Kyndal Becker

Logan Becker

Chase Harlow

Evelynn Kirkpatrick

Guder Kirkpatrick

Lilly Kirkpatrick

Rebekah Wall

Rocky Mountain Top  Shots

Finley Lagge

Blaise Skierka

Chris Tacke

Jackson Tacke

Loren Tacke

Old Agency

Susan Anderson

Rachel Christensen

Liam Drumm

Andrea Greyn

Trent Greyn

Charlie Long

Claire Long

Laudi Long

Lauren Long

Ledger Martin

Carli Neal

Seeley Neal

Spring Creek

Adlai Boroff-Sporkin

Brooks Johnson

Ava Laisnez

Isla Laisnez

Hannah Meyer

Anna Paulson

Leah Paulson

Rowynne Pittman

Jon Redland

Libby Redland

Mesa Redland

Misti Redland

Addy Scott

Sawyer Scott

James Watkins

Summer Watkins

Ignite by 4-H

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

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

The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H.

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

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

Early Bird Rate – Available until October 15th

• Teen, $1200 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1650 per person (single occupancy)

Early Bird Special – Available until supplies last

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

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

• Teen, $1350 per person (double occupancy)

• Adults, $1800 per person (single occupancy)

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

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

2024 Golden Triangle 4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 16, 2024

First Baptist Church, Shelby, MT

Register by November 11 on 4-H ZSuite or by calling Kari Lewis at(406) 873-2239 or kari.lewis@montana.edu.

$10 registration fee to Glacier County Extension. Childcare pending.

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

8:45 - 9:30 Registration & Welcome

This will provide a foundation of connection with other volunteers and provide a means for the 'Why' behind what we do in 4-H and how to leverage its potential lifelong impact in youth.

9:30 - 10:30 Workshops

Record books, project books, and resources 

This session will walk through how to use books throughout the year to encourage learning, how they can promote problem solving and independent thinking, and the incredible value of teaching recordkeeping. Kari Lewis and Lisa Terry will share resources for club and project meetings, along with recordkeeping examples.

Fine Time for Swine!

Rose Malisani will share basic selection, nutrition, and management for leaders to assist beginning families, and will share on the Swine of Excellence program.

Tech Tools for 4-H Leaders

Join Kim Woodring to learn the basics of navigating Zsuite to check record books, communicate with families, social media Do's and Don'ts, 4-H branding and marketing, and more to increase your efficiency and effectiveness as a volunteer.

10:30 - 11:30 Workshops

Cultivating a 4-H Community

Susan Snyder, longtime Teton county 4-H leader and 4-H alumni, will share practical ideas for encouraging family engagement, creating an inviting club, and instilling club best practices in members for record books, communications, and community service. This session will also highlight opportunities available beyond the county level.

Helping Create Success in the Livestock Project

Courtnee Clairmont of CHS Nutrition will share how to help youth livestock members set appropriate goals for their project, determine how much to feed, how to compare various feeds for cost effectiveness and performance, and help youth meet their livestock show goals.

Captivating Cloverbuds

Lisa Terry, Glacier County agent, will share the basics of Cloverbuds and ideas for effective learning. Bring your ideas to share with other Cloverbud leaders!

11:30 - 12:30 Workshops

Creating Effective 4-H Project & Club Meetings

Veteran club leader Barb Larsen will share what she's learned over 30 years of leading club and project meetings in Toole County. She'll share about using the Yearly Club Plan, developing a meeting agenda, providing inclusivity, and helping developing youth to serve in leadership roles.

Instilling Life Lessons through the Livestock Project

Marketing, financial record keeping, making ethical decisions, networking, and more are just a few of the skills learned through a livestock project. Kari Lewis will share lessons and activities that can be taken home and used to help 4-H youth master these skills.

Conflict Management

Join Wendy Wedum to learn basic facilitation skills for effective meetings and how to deal with potential conflicts that may arise. There will be time for troubleshooting potential issues and how to work through them.

12:30 - 2 p.m. - Lunch by TLC Catering

4-H Best Practices Kahoot

2 - 3 p.m. - 4-H Investment Opportunities

Jane Wolery, Montana 4-H Foundation, will share about options for best stewarding 4-H funds.

 

 

MSU Extension Teton County

Fair Dates

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

Camp Dates

2025   July 22-24

4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman

2025   July 8-11
2026   July 7-10

 

MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-2491


Agents:

Shelby Jones-Dozier shelby.jonesdozier@montana.edu
Jenn Swanson  jenn.swanson@montana.edu

Assistants:

JoAnn McDowell & Jamie Smith  teton@montana.edu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717