Daniels County

Daniels County MSU Extension is a non-formal educational program designed to assist county residents through research-based resources and programs. Established in Daniels County in 1922, MSU Extension assists in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer science, community health and development, and youth development through 4-H. Daniels County is in the northeast corner of the state, adjacent to the southern border of Saskatchewan, Canada. Based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, the population in Daniels County is approximately 1,700. Agriculture is the main industry, with over 84% of the land in the county being classified as farmland. The principal crops produced by acre include durum wheat, spring wheat, lentils, hay and haylage, and peas. Established in 1920, Daniels County boasts a variety of small-town community events including Lutefisk dinners, snowmobile races, ranch rodeos, the county’s annual Pioneer Days, and a county fair.

Contact

113 Main Street
Scobey, MT 59263
406-487-2861
https://www.montana.edu/extension/

Daniels County offers Hands-On Horticulture Classes

Starting in fall 2024, Daniels County MSU Extension collaborated with neighboring Valley County to offer two hands-on horticultural classes for gardening enthusiasts in the Daniels County community. The first class focused on bulbs and started with a presentation on planting bulbs outdoors, guiding 12 participants through the essential steps of selecting, planting, and maintaining a variety of fall bulbs to ensure a vibrant and colorful spring bloom. Participants followed this by learning about the art of forcing bulbs such as tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths—an ideal opportunity for those looking to bring a touch of spring indoors during the colder months. Participants learned step-by-step techniques for chilling, planting, and timing bulbs to bloom beautifully indoors, and the class culminated in building a take-home bulb kit.

In spring 2025, Daniels County MSU Extension offered another hands-on class designed to teach gardeners how to successfully start garden transplants and direct seed in Montana’s cold climate. This informative workshop guided 15 participants to choose hardy seed varieties and create the right indoor environment for strong, healthy seedlings. Participants learned about the ancient technique of soil blocking and everyone took home trays of soil blocks planted with herb seeds.

Overall, the interactive classes were tailored for gardeners of all experience levels. The following comments were shared from the two events:
• “Speakers had information for beginners about bulbs and shared new techniques. Applicable for wide audience. Fun and engaging!”
• “Thank you, the class was wonderful. I’m excited to start seeding!”
• “She shared her soil blocking mistakes and experiences with us and encouraged us to try a few times before getting discouraged. Thank you!”

Caption: Class participants learning about soil blocking and seed starting.

Credit: Inga Hawbaker

Daniels County Supports Regional County Weed District Education

In early June 2025, Daniels County Weed District and MSU Extension organized and hosted a Regional Weed District Crew Training aimed at equipping county spray crew members with essential knowledge and skills for safe and effective weed management. The comprehensive training covered a range of critical topics, including pesticide safety and current pesticide laws, proper interpretation and use of chemical labels, and accurate record keeping practices.

Nearly 40 participants also received hands-on instruction in identifying local noxious weed species, which are a continual concern across northeastern Montana. Additionally, the training emphasized safe operation of UTVs and ATVs used in fieldwork and included basic first aid instruction to ensure crew members are prepared for emergencies. Both Agent Inga Hawbaker and Coordinator Connie Wittak presented topics at the training. The event played a key role in promoting environmental stewardship and workplace safety among the region’s county weed districts.

Caption: Plants and models used for weed identification presentation.

Credit: Inga Hawbaker

Fresh Sausage-Making & Meat Processing Opportunity in Daniels County

In December 2024, Daniels County MSU Extension hosted a hands-on sausage-making workshop that brought together 14 youth and adult participants for an interactive and educational experience in food processing. Adults and youth alike often do not consider what happens after livestock is sold and do not have an opportunity to be involved in the next step of a market animal—the processing of meat.

Under the guidance of instructor Wendy Becker, Roosevelt County MSU Extension Agent, attendees learned how to mix and stuff fresh pork sausage using natural casings and their own custom spice blends, creating flavorful, personalized products. All equipment and supplies were provided, allowing participants to focus on learning and practicing new skills. The workshop's educational objectives included understanding the value of a food product, exploring different meat processing techniques, and demonstrating the role of curing ingredients, spices, and flavor additives. Additionally, the session covered important concepts such as food safety, chemical reactions, and meat quality, while guiding participants through the full meat processing sequence—from raw product to finished sausage.

Caption: Pork and beef sausage made by class participants.

Credit: Inga Hawbaker