Located in southwestern Montana near the Continental Divide, Anaconda was founded in 1865 by Marcus Daily as a site to build a smelter to refine copper ore from local mines. 122 years later, in 1977, Anaconda merged with Deer Lodge County to form one of two consolidated city-county governments within the state. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County consisted of 736 square miles of land and 4.7 square miles of water, making it the second smallest county by land mass.

 
 

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

Tri-County Cloverbuds improve confidence and communication skills

The Cloverbud program serves the youngest members eligible to participate in the Montana 4-H program. It is entirely non-competitive and benefits youth 4-H ages five to seven.

In the past, at the Tri-County Fair, Cloverbuds were only allowed to participate by dropping their projects off, and each item they turned in was given a special Cloverbud participation ribbon.

After conversations with leaders, parents, and members themselves, it was determined this year that Cloverbuds would be allowed to present to a judge to improve their confidence and communication skills while sharing the processes behind their projects. To encourage participation of the 20 Cloverbuds within the Tri-Counties, those who were interviewed received a special medal.

After the interview, Cloverbuds reported feeling nervous before but “excited and surprised” afterward. They also commented on feeling proud of themselves, with one stating, “I was happy because I was nervous to interview, but I did it anyway.” Several reported excitement at receiving a medal that “even the big kids don’t get,” with one expressing, “I thought [the medal] was chocolate at first! But it wasn’t… I worked hard.”

 

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County 4-H cloverbud youth wear medals

Caption: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County 4-H cloverbuds display their medals for presenting their fair projects.

 

 

Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Granite Counties improve Small Animal Barn conditions

Each year, the Tri-County Fair takes place the third week of August. The Small Animal Barn, which houses all poultry and rabbits, has limited ventilation, leading to trapped warm air and high, uncomfortable temperatures that place those in the building at a greater risk for heat stress.

In 2024, the Antelope Gulch Wranglers 4-H Club (Anaconda-Deer Lodge County) and the Golden Opportunity 4-H Club (Granite County) partnered with the Granite County 4-H Council and the local MSU Extension offices to apply for funding to purchase fans to increase ventilation in the Small Animal Barn while promoting proper herdsmanship and improving the experience of 4-H and FFA participants, their projects, and volunteers during the fair.

Both 4-H clubs received $500 from the Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Granite County 4-H Council received $150 from the Montana 4-H Foundation. Additionally, Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply of Anaconda generously provided a significant discount on fans, allowing for five to be purchased and installed on the fairgrounds.

In addition to promoting cross-county partnerships, the project succeeded in improving the experience for small animal fair exhibitors. One member noted “the fans… were really nice to have in the barn to help keep animals cool in the heat of the day,” and one leader stated that “the fans were a huge benefit in keeping the airflow moving for the benefit of animals and people passing through.”

 

Inside of the small animal barn showing an alleyway and fencing

Caption: Inside one of the animal barns at the Tri-County fair. 

 

 

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioners fund 4-H project books

Project books are a critical component of the 4-H experience and are essential to imparting life skills to youth. Serving as the 4-H program’s curriculum, they help members reflect on learning, assist in documenting experiences, and provide a way to measure accomplishments. With each book costing approximately $7, the expense can pose a financial burden for some families.

In the past, the Deer Lodge County 4-H Leaders’ Council paid for every project book requested by a county 4-H member. This service ensured that youth could engage with as many projects as desired without impacting their family’s fiscal well-being. However, the cost became increasingly difficult to pay as the program expanded.

For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County MSU Extension office requested that an additional $1,000 be added to the county budget to purchase 4-H project books. This summer, the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission enthusiastically approved the request, allowing the Extension office to lessen the financial burden for the 4-H Council.

This partnership highlights the county’s dedication to supporting the local 4-H program and investing in youth development. We are immensely grateful for the support, with one leader commenting “As the Vice-President of the Deer Lodge County 4-H Leaders’ Council and leader of the Montana Clovers 4-H Club, I greatly appreciate the county support for the 4-H project books… [they] are a useful asset to the 4-H members … and a wonderful learning tool.”

 

A sampling of 4-H curriculum books.

Caption: A sampling of 4-H curriculum books.

 

 

 

 

 

Contact

800 Main Street
Anaconda, MT 59711
406-563-4035
https://www.montana.edu/extension/deerlodge/

 

Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and provider of educational outreach.