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Every year on April 22, communities across the United States—and around the world—pause to recognize Earth Day, a moment dedicated to protecting the land, water, and resources that sustain us. In 2026, that message carries a simple but powerful theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” The phrase may sound global, but its meaning is deeply local—especially in rural communities like ours, where the connection between people and the land is part of everyday life. The History Behind Earth Day Every year on A...
Helping You Prepare for the Gardening Season Believe it or not, the gardening season will be upon us before we know it. Below are a few gardening facts to help you prepare for the upcoming season. •Soil tests should be taken in the garden every three years. We have a great Montguide available at the Extension office which will help you understand your soil test results so you can determine how much fertilizer to apply. The Montguide is called “Home Garden Soil Testing and Fertilizer Guidelines.” •The best time to collect a soil sample is in the...
Adult women in the Havre community are being invited to take part in a Montana State University–Northern research project that measures resting metabolism and provides insight into overall wellness. Led by Chad Spangler, professor of Integrated Health Sciences, the study uses indirect calorimetry, a noninvasive test that measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to determine how much energy the body uses at rest and what fuel sources—fat, carbohydrates, or protein—the body relies on for energy. “This test tells us how much en...
Thirteenth Annual Chouteau County Agriculture Day for 4th and 5th Graders The thirteenth annual Chouteau County Ag Day for 4th and 5th graders will take place at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds on May 5, 2026. All 4th and 5th graders in Chouteau County are invited to attend. Home school kids who are interested in participating need to contact the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3751. Youth will learn why agriculture is important to their health, home and community. For thousands of years, civilization has been built upon a foundation...
The open house will be held April 9 at the Best Western on the hill HAVRE– Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an open house and present information on the Fresno fishery in Havre on April 9, starting at 6 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Inn and Suites “on the hill” at 1425 Highway 2 NW in Havre. Havre-area FWP fisheries biologist Cody Nagel and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) staff will provide updates, including: •FWP reviewing the 10-year fisheries management plan and the status of the Fresno fishery, including a review of the 2025 netting r...
Learn how to use local ingredients to make from-scratch products during the upcoming From Scratch From Here workshop hosted by Montana Farmers Union from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at Brooks Market in Lewistown. The event is open to community members. The $15 cost for MFU members or $25 for non-members includes all workshop materials needed to take home a pint jar of beef, lentils to sprout, condiment, beeswax wrap, and lunch. Attendees will also learn more about how to connect with local producers. Registration is required at...
Our 4-H meeting started off with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Antonio and the 4-H Pledge led by Natalie, with the roll call question of, "What is your favorite part of St. Patrick's Day?" After our reports, which can be found on our Facebook page, was the Archery report. This month's Archery Report/County Shoot Report was given by our archery instructor, Jarret Jacobi. An extra thank you to Jarret for dedicating his time into teaching us-you are really appreciated! Next, we talked about the...
10 Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey Results The Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey was started by Judee Wargo in 1993 to assist farmers with determining recropping potential on cereal grain stubble. After 33 years, the Chouteau County Extension Office continues to compile data for determining recropping potential and providing the state drought committee with soil moisture information. Testing for soil moisture took place in Chouteau County on March 23rd and 24th. All winter wheat locations exceeded 3.5 feet of stored soil moisture,...
The Quiet Power of Sunshine Over the weekend, a storm blew across Montana that brought several inches of heavy, wet snow to many areas. It should help with incredibly dry conditions that much of the state is suffering. We endured terrible winds for two days prior to the storm…so for about four days we had dark, heavy, gray skies. I noticed what a foul mood I was in on Day 4 of the clouds. Though I was grateful for the precipitation, I felt down, had low energy, and was generally cranky. The next day I woke up to blue skies and the clouds q...
Making Springtime Fertilizer Decisions in 2026 According to Clain Jones, MSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, Dry soil conditions will result in less soil nutrient release and availability, though warmer conditions might have counteracted this to some degree. The question is how these conditions have affected soil nutrient levels and whether it’s worth re-sampling soil if it was sampled last fall.” In general, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur levels aren’t expected to change much from last fall, as dry conditions have likely preve...
Each year, communities across the United States pause to recognize the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who provide the food, fiber, and fuel that sustain the nation. Agriculture Appreciation Week, often observed in March, is a time to celebrate the people whose daily work keeps grocery shelves stocked and rural communities thriving. For towns across Montana, agriculture is not just an industry—it is a way of life passed down through generations. The Roots of Agriculture Appreciation Agriculture Appreciation Week grew from broader e...
10 Chouteau County Invitational Shoot Results The 4-H Shooting Sports 2026 Chouteau County Invitational Shoot was held February 28 in Fort Benton with 75 members registered to shoot. Participants were mostly from the Golden Triangle counties. Other counties participating were Liberty, Hill, Pondera, Cascade, Toole, Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Glacier, Teton, Wheatland and Gallatin. Medals went to the following Chouteau County participants: REGULAR TARGET Name Division Award Score Bradshaw, Theodore Bare Bow (ages 9-10) gold 215.00 Brown, Emma...
Many Reasons Why Deciduous Trees Should Not Be Topped Topping is the drastic removal or cutting back of large branches in mature trees. The tree is sheared like a hedge and the main branches are cut to stubs. Many homeowners top trees when they reach heights considered unsafe fearing a strong wind might blow large trees over. However, the extensive root system of a healthy tree provides adequate support for the tree. Below are a number of reasons why deciduous trees should not be topped. Starvation: Trees need leaves to manufacture starches...
So far, this year’s cheer season has been one to remember. Ali Morsette, myself, along with underclassman Natalie Lavenger, have been coming up with new moves and new cheers to get the student section to participate more. Chase Gasvoda continues to don the Pioneer mascot costume for home games. We try to keep positive attitudes and lift each other up because that is what being a team is all about. Come, watch a game and cheer along with us! Go, Pioneers!...
Top Yielding Spring Wheat Varieties for Chouteau County Producers MSU Agricultural Research Centers have one test plot for spring wheat in Chouteau County which is managed by MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) north of Loma. A special thanks to Peggy Lamb (NARC agronomist) for establishing and maintaining the Chouteau County test plot. The Extension office would also like to thank the McKeever family for donating the use of their land for MSU research. The Loma area top three yielding spring wheat varieties (10-year average...
Registration for Montana Farmers Union’s low-cost, high-impact summer camps at Arrowpeak is now open. The camps are part of MFU’s commitment to education and youth and feature lessons about agriculture and cooperatives at MFU’s Arrowpeak facility in the Highwood Mountains. “Montana Farmers Union Arrowpeak camps are a unique blend of hands-on learning, social activities, group interactions, and outdoor adventures. The facilities provide the amenities of comfort with access to the wild adventures of camping. There are so many exciting opportu...
FFA stands for Future Farmers of America and is located in all 50 states. I interviewed the FFA teacher, Mr. Taylor, and asked him how he would describe FFA. He said “FFA is an intracurricular student lead organization for students enrolled in junior high and high school agriculture education classes. FFA is not just for farm kids. It focuses on helping students develop as leaders and gain knowledge and skills through hands-on experience competing in a variety of contests linked to all kinds of careers in agriculture. Contests like food science...
This month’s meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Austin and the 4-H pledge led by Paxton, followed by roll call with the question, “What is your favorite part of Valentines?” After the 4-H reports we played “Chairs”, led by Chaz and Gabe. The winner got a gift card to Taco Bell, which Colt won. Members voted to decide who will be the recipient of the money earned from the “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. This month we listened to a presentation on “Market Animal Selection, Nutr...
High school students are invited to apply to participate in Montana Tech’s Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program that will take place on the University’s Butte campus June 21-26, 2026. Lodging, meals, and all course materials will be provided free of charge (participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the campus). This week-long residential program is for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in science or engineering. The program features hands-on learning in addition to...
This week marks the start of Lent, the 40-day season in the Christian church calendar that runs between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. One of the most visible signs of the start of the Lenten Season is the mark of ashes on the forehead that is received on Ash Wednesday. Though many are familiar with the practice and treat it with reverence, its origins and meanings are less well known. Ritual and practice can be powerful tools in one’s spiritual life, and understanding the meaning behind the practice and its origins are what give it real sign...
MontGuide Available for Bull Buyers Kari Lewis and Wendy Becker, MSU Extension Agents from Glacier County and Fort Peck Reservation have developed a resource for the bull buying season. The MontGuide is available at the Chouteau County Extension office or online at https://bit.ly/43kVAsL. Bull selection is one of the most important management decisions a producer can make. Bulls are assessed phenotypically (appearance), genotypically (their genetic potential), and on performance (feed efficiency, carcass ultrasound, etc.) Bulls have a...
Winter Tree Management During Drought Conditions Peter Kolb (PhD) MSU Extension Forestry Specialist sent this email to Extension Agents last week. It is very timely for winter tree management in drought conditions. Such warm weather events are not entirely uncommon across Montana. Most of our native tree species need a minimum chilling period before they are able to break dormancy. There is a chance that this freezing requirement has not yet been met. Studies have shown that delays do take place in the breaking of tree dormancy. Some tree...
Kenny Darlington was born on February 10, 1931, at home in a sod house on the Midway Ranch, He was the second oldest of six children born to Harley and Alma Darlington, and the only one not delivered in a hospital. As Kenny likes to tell it, when his dad came home from the mountains that night, “he had two sons instead of one.” Midway Ranch earned its name as a resting point for travelers who couldn’t make it to town in a day. Over the years, it welcomed many characters, including a young man w...
Master Gardener Level 1 Class in Chouteau County (Please Pre-register) MSU Extension Level 1 Master Gardener classes will take place in Chouteau County pending pre-registration numbers. Now is your chance to participate in an excellent educational opportunity. A minimum of 15 pre-registered participants is required. The class traditionally begins the first week in March. Please contact the MSU Chouteau County Extension office at 622-3751 to pre-register. The Level 1 Master Gardener course requires 16 hours of class time, and is taught by local...
New Montguide on Native Plants for Montana’s Home Gardens Abiya (Abi) Saeed, MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist, Andrea Beery, MSU Extension, Big Horn County and Noelle Orloff, MSU Schutter Diagnostic Lab Plant Identification Diagnostician have developed a new Montguide on native plants. Hard copies are available at the Chouteau County Extension Office. Landscaping with Montana’s native plants can have countless benefits. Native plants have cold and drought hardiness, provide food and habitat for beneficial insects, including pol...