Montana State University Extension (MSUE) works to improve the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased, researched-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The main program areas of MSU Extension include 4-H/Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Development, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. County Extension programs are a cooperation between the land grant university in Montana State University and individual counties. Here in Richland County, there are three County Extension Agents, covering the main program areas, that work with local stakeholders to identify community needs, plan and prioritize work, and create and extend resources to fit those needs.
4-H is the youth development program of MSUE. 4-H is the largest, out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching nearly 20,000 youth in all 56 counties each year. In 4-H, if you can dream it, you can do it! 4-H offers more than 200 different projects and learning experiences that actively engage youth while having fun. 4-H projects rely on trained adult volunteers who work with youth as partners and a resource for hands-on learning. From learning how to cook or sew, to raising an animal, conservation and robotics. 4-H offers youth a wide range of choices and opportunities for them to learn and grow. Currently in Richland County there are 243 4-H members and 100 certified volunteers who engage in 10 community clubs.
The MSUE Family and Consumer Sciences program is here to assist with questions related to the family and the home. These questions can vary from foods and nutrition, food preservation, human development, financial, estate planning, and more. Some of the services offered in this program area are pressure canner testing, resources on various topics (estate planning, food preservation, parenting, etc.), and others. There are also programs offered throughout the year from parenting education, foods related classes, and others.
The MSUE Agriculture program area is here to assist with all questions and topics related to livestock, forages, crops, rangelands, pest management, agriculture economics, water quality, soil fertility, and all other areas of agriculture. Services offered include livestock water quality testing, forage nitrate testing, and agricultural equipment rental including hay and soil probes. Other programs offered include the Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage certification and the Private Applicator Training program.
To inform and improve resources, programs, and services to Montanans, MSUE is gathering feedback from local community members in a statewide survey. Scan your smart phone camera over the QR code to be directed to the survey. The MSU Richland County Extension Office also invites you to provide input at our Listening Session on Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. (MDT) in the Meeting Room at the Richland County Extension office, 1499 N Central Ave, Sidney. By gathering local input MSU/Richland County Extension will be able to better assist members of the community. If you have any questions, please contact the office at 406-433-1206.
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