Garfield County

Jordan, located in Garfield County, serves as the county seat, serving approximately 1,250 people, and 600 are incorporated in the town of Jordan. Fort Peck and the Missouri River Breaks at the northern boundary offer recreationalists a diverse destination when visiting the county. Cohagen marks the midpoint of the southern landscape on Highway 59, while Sand Springs greets travelers on the western side of highway 200. Brusett can be accessed only by dirt roads. These locations add to the uniqueness of Garfield County and the opportunities that it offers families.

Agriculture is the primary industry, with commercial and registered cattle herds on rangeland. Historically, the area was a sheep-producing community, though the sheep population has dwindled over the past 20 years to a few thousand. Dryland barley and wheat are the predominant crops in the area, followed by annual forages and pulse crops. Tourism, fishing, hunting, boating, and dinosaur digging are available throughout the year. Fort Peck Lake, the Hell Creek formations, and Hell Creek State Park recreational areas draw individuals from all over the world.

Garfield County MSU Extension offers non-formal educational programs backed by research-based knowledge to community members to bring new opportunities to them. Programs include the Winter Ag series, 4-H project workshops, and other educational classes for the community on a variety of topics to serve community needs and interests.

Cloverbuds: Where the 4-leaf clover begins

In October of 2023, at the start of a new 4-H year, we restarted the Cloverbud program for 5-to-8-year-olds. Each month, different activities highlighted project areas that 4-H offers. At the first meeting, we talked about what 4-H is, projects available in 4-H, learned the 4-H pledge and did a craft activity. Every month following featured an activity for a project in 4-H: cake decorating, a creative craft, entomology, pets, gardening, visual arts and ‘preparing for a fair.’

At the county fair we honored 11 Cloverbud members right before the 4-H livestock sale, introducing them and the program they participated in. Each Cloverbud member received an award to celebrate their year of learning and growth in 4-H. 

Caption: Garfield County 4-H Cloverbuds members are excited to grow cabbage plants.

Credit: Teo Sinks

Program Attendance Increase

Garfield County MSU Extension is experiencing a notable rise in attendance at programs, reflecting a growing interest among community members in agricultural education and resources. Workshops and events have drawn larger crowds, showcasing the community's commitment to improving farming practices and enhancing knowledge on various agricultural topics.

This increase may be attributed to several factors, including the relevance of programs such as Winter Ag Series, Beef Nutrition, and canning and gardening classes. Additionally, MSU Extension's efforts to engage with local farmers and residents through direct outreach and hands-on learning opportunities have resonated well. The MSU Extension team is excited about increased participation, viewing it as a testament to the value of their work. They plan to continue expanding programs and adapting to needs of local farmers and residents. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, Garfield County MSU Extension aims to strengthen the agricultural community and promote sustainable practices for the future. 

Caption: Members of Garfield County learn more about beef nutrition going into calving season and the winter.

Credit: Teo Sinks

Nitrate Testing

Garfield County MSU Extension is now providing nitrate testing services specifically for hay samples, a vital resource for local livestock producers. With the importance of quality forage in livestock health and productivity, understanding nitrate levels in hay is crucial, especially following periods of drought or excessive fertilization. High nitrate concentrations can pose significant risks to livestock, potentially leading to toxicity. To help farmers ensure the safety of their feed, MSU Extension offers convenient testing options, enabling producers to submit hay samples for analysis. This proactive approach helps farmers make informed decisions about feeding strategies and effectively managing potential risks.

In addition to testing, Garfield County MSU Extension hosts educational workshops to discuss the implications of nitrate levels in hay and best practices for managing forage quality. By equipping local farmers with knowledge and tools, MSU Extension aims to enhance livestock health and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the community.

Caption: Nitrate Testing Supplies

Credit: Teo Sinks

Contact

352 Leavitt Ave
Jordan, MT 59337
406-557-2770
https://www.montana.edu/extension/garfield