Fergus County

Fergus County is located in the heart of Montana with Lewistown as the county seat while Petroleum County sits just east with the county seat in Winnett. Most of the population is located in Fergus County with around 11,772 people, compared to the estimated 496 individuals in Petroleum County. These two counties consist of 6,024 square miles, and both are bordered by the Missouri River to the north and the Big Snowy Mountains to the south. The local economy is dominated by agricultural production with approximately $149 million in cash receipts from livestock and crops. Crops like winter and spring wheat, barley, and hay are the major crops produced, with an additional 68,000 beef cows and heifers that calved in 2023. Youth development activities are significant, as demonstrated by a 4-H program that includes 253 youth members and 73 adult leaders/volunteers.

Contact

712 W. Main St.
Lewistown, MT 59457
406-535-3919
https://www.montana.edu/extension/fergus/

Pesticide Training

Fergus-Petroleum MSU Extension hosted and assisted with multiple pesticide Private Applicator Trainings in 2025. In Montana, those holding Private Applicator Licenses must complete training courses to acquire 6 continuing education credits over a 5-year period to maintain their license. In 2025 Fergus-Petroleum County held two events that offered a total of 5 credits to assist local applicators.

One was held July 3 at the Lewistown Library to present on noxious weeds and pests in Central Montana. The second event was held October 15 with Montana Dept. of Agriculture Vertebrate Pest Specialist Stephen Vantassel, who spoke about pests that residents of Fergus-Petroleum County face, particularly, coyotes, voles, and bats. Attendees gained knowledge on how to combat each of these pests and earned most of the required pesticide credits they need this cycle.

Caption: Spotted Knapweed in Fergus County

Credit: Cody Ream

Rural Safety

Fergus County MSU Extension partnered with Montana Farmers Union to host an educational event on emergency response and safety awareness in the rural community of Roy and the surrounding area.

The rural safety program was designed to bring information to communities over 30 minutes away from medical and emergency services. The town of Roy is 35 miles from Lewistown with a 34-minute commute, meaning that medical services are not able to respond as quickly as they might in a more populated area.

Topics at the program included stopping a bleed, CPR, recognizing and responding to environmental conditions such as heat stroke and freezing, and chemical safety. Ten attendees left the program understanding how to respond to accident and provide help that could save a life while emergency services are en route.

Caption: Looking down a rural road in Fergus County. 

Credit: Cody Ream

Central Montana Fair

A big part of 4-H is the county fair, and Fergus-Petroleum County is no exception. In 2025, 292 youth participated in multiple activities and projects at the Central Montana Fair.

The ranch horse and performance horse show saw 33 youth demonstrate what they learned through a friendly competition with peers. Small animal projects (dog, cat, pocket pet, rabbit, and poultry) were exhibited by 45 youth. Livestock projects teach youth responsibility and sportsmanship, and culminate as an economic driver, with 116 youth showing and selling an assortment of cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. The livestock auction had 122 animals and closed sales of close to half a million dollars, while providing youth the opportunity to communicate and market to their buyers.

4-H youth also participated in the fair with an assortment of indoor projects. The Central Montana Fair features the culmination of lessons learned in the whole year of 4-H members working on projects. 

Caption: Grand Champion Swine

Credit: Amanda Dawn Photography

Youth Camps

In 2025, Fergus-Petroleum County youth were invited to attend camps tailored for their age. 4-H youth in the Cloverbud age group (5-7) were offered a day camp, junior-aged youth were invited to attend Junior Camp at a local camping area, Tween-aged youth were invited to a camp in West Glacier, and senior-aged youth were offered a camp experience in Yellowstone National Park. Across four camps, over 100 local youth participated. Both the Tween and Senior Camp included traveled to other parts of the state with a nature and natural resource focus. Youth attendes explored both of their nearby national parks and learned about wildlife, nature, and even practiced culinary skills.

Caption: Learning about Pond Ecosystems at Senior Camp.

Credit: Cody Ream