We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
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This summer we were fortunate to have an intern here in the Extension Office. Katie Garland is an MSU student in Bozeman who spent the summer learning more about everything the Extension program does in our county and region. She prepared our article this week on the importance of county fairs. Every summer, county fairgrounds across Montana come alive with livestock shows, 4-H projects, rodeos, and friendly competition. While many people associate the fair with carnival rides and cotton candy, the true value of a county fair runs much deeper....
When many people think of 4-H at the Blaine County Fair, livestock often comes to mind first. While the animal projects are an important part of the fair, the 4-H Building is also filled with outstanding indoor exhibits that showcase months of learning, creativity, and hard work by local youth. Throughout the year, 4-H members explore projects that match their interests and build valuable life skills. At fair time, they proudly display the results of their efforts through exhibits in areas such as photography, woodworking, sewing, quilting,...
As the Blaine County Fair approaches, excitement begins to build for one of the highlights of the summer. Youth are putting the finishing touches on projects, families are preparing exhibits and livestock, and community members are making plans to attend. Behind every successful fair, however, is a group of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, talents, and energy to make it all happen. Volunteers are truly the backbone of 4-H and the Blaine County Fair. Whether serving as club leaders, project workshop instructors, judges,...
Summer is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for Blaine County 4-H. While many people associate 4-H with the county fair, the months leading up to fair are filled with educational programs designed to help youth build skills, confidence, leadership, and friendships. Through camps, workshops, and project activities, 4-H members spend the summer learning by doing—one of the hallmarks of the 4-H youth development program. One of the highlights of the summer is Multi-County 4-H Camp, where youth from 7 counties across north c...
The Fourth of July is a time for family gatherings, community celebrations, and backyard barbecues. Whether you’re grilling burgers, steaks, hot dogs, or chicken, food safety should be just as important as the menu. By following food safety practices recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture, the nationally recognized ServSafe® food safety program, and used by many Extension programs, you can help prevent foodborne illness and ensure everyone enjoys a safe holiday. The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline recognizes four key pr...
The recent rains across Blaine County have been a welcome sight not only for crops and pasture, but also for lawns, gardens, trees, and landscapes. However, as many Montanans know, weather conditions can change quickly. While the moisture received over the past couple of weeks has provided a much-needed boost, but current forecasts are showing little to no measurable precipitation in the near future. Now is a good time to think about irrigation and water management strategies that will help plants remain healthy as temperatures rise and...
Most of our area schools have been out of session for summer break for a couple of weeks now. For many children, summer is one of the most exciting times of the year. School is out, the weather is warm, and opportunities for adventure seem endless. While summer should absolutely include time for fun and relaxation, research shows that keeping youth engaged in meaningful activities can help support learning, social development, and overall well-being. One of the best ways to keep kids engaged during the summer is to encourage participation in a...
As summer arrives, Blaine County 4-H members are gearing up for one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year. From camps and leadership events to workshops and county fair preparations, young people across the county are learning valuable life skills while making memories that will last a lifetime. Behind many of these opportunities is the support of the Blaine County 4-H Foundation. The Blaine County 4-H Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting 4-H youth and educational programming throughout Blaine County....
As temperatures warm across Blaine County and irrigation water is now flowing in our area, mosquitoes will quickly become part of summer life. While they are often considered just a nuisance, mosquitoes can also pose health risks to both people and animals. Understanding how to reduce mosquito breeding areas and protect yourself from bites can help make outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable throughout the season. Mosquitoes require standing water to reproduce. Even small amounts of water can become breeding sites. Common mosquito...
Summer often means long days, busy schedules, and time spent moving between work, family activities, and community events. For those with young kids, it could also mean juggling work, babysitters, camps, swimming lessons, trips to the library or museum, and much more. During these hectic months, meal planning can help families save time, reduce stress, and make healthier food choices. Meal planning does not need to be complicated to be effective. Even taking a few minutes at the beginning of the week to think through meals and snacks can help f...
It’s that time of year when I start seeing a lot of plant samples coming into the office for identification. Most people are concerned about whether they are noxious weeds or not. Noxious weeds are more than just an inconvenience along fence lines or roadsides. These invasive plants can threaten agricultural production, reduce forage for livestock and wildlife, damage native ecosystems, and spread rapidly if left untreated. In Montana, noxious weeds are classified as plants that are designated by the state as harmful to public health, a...
As spring turns toward early summer, many Blaine County and Hi-Line residents are ready to get their gardens in the ground. Gardening in our area of Montana comes with its own set of challenges, such as short growing seasons, cool nights, and variable moisture. Gardening can be a daunting task, but with a little planning, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Timing is one of the most important factors for success. In north central Montana, it’s important to pay attention to frost risk before planting warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, an...
We live in a great part of the state. Most of us can attest that we live here for a reason. We enjoy the things that we have here. However, strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built by people who step up, get involved, and work together to make a difference. Local boards, committees, and volunteer leadership groups play a critical role in shaping the future of our towns, schools, and community spaces. Serving on a board or committee can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most impactful ways to contribute. Whe...
When people think of the Extension Office, they often think of 4-H. Overseeing the 4-H program is a large part of what we do in Extension. When people hear “4-H,” they often think of livestock projects and the county fair, and while those are important parts of the program, 4-H is much more than that. At its core, 4-H is a youth development program focused on helping young people build life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension, reaching youth ages 5–18 through h...
As our communities continue to support individuals and families across all stages of life, access to reliable information and resources becomes increasingly important, especially when it comes to memory loss and dementia. One of the programs Montana State University Extension is involved in is providing Alzheimer’s and dementia support for families, helping individuals better understand and navigate the challenges that come with memory-related conditions. As part of this effort, MSU Extension is bringing a valuable opportunity to Blaine County...
Montana State University (MSU) Extension will host an Initial Private Applicator Training on April 14, 2026, at the Blaine County Fairgrounds Commercial Building in Chinook. This full-day program is designed to equip agricultural producers and land managers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively apply restricted-use pesticides while meeting state licensing requirements. The training will run from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is open to both new applicators and those with expired licenses. Participants who do not currently...
With the warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours, many of us are eager to get back outside and start working in our yards. Spring is a critical time to set the foundation for a healthy lawn, productive garden, and thriving trees throughout the growing season. A few early-season practices, guided by research-based recommendations from Montana State University Extension MontGuides, can make all the difference. When it comes to lawns, patience is key. Avoid the urge to fertilize too early. According to MSU Extension’s Maintaining S...
Living in a rural county means we depend on solid, practical information to make decisions that affect our homes, our land, and our communities. Montana State University Extension provides exactly that. Our role is to bring the resources of Montana’s land grant university directly to Blaine County in ways that meet the real needs of the people who live and work here. As your local MSU Extension office, we focus on delivering education and support that are research based, useful, and grounded in everyday life. Whether you’re a producer see...
