Garfield County

Jordan, located in Garfield County, serves as the county seat, serving approximately 1,250 people, with 600 in the incorporated town of Jordan. Fort Peck and the Missouri River Breaks at the northern county boundary offer recreationalists a diverse destination when visiting. 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.

Contact

P.O. Box 81
Jordan, MT
406-557-2770
https://www.montana.edu/extension/garfield

Community Vitality Comes to Garfield County

In 2025, Garfield County MSU Extension broadened its educational outreach by introducing new community vitality programming designed to strengthen local leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement. Recognizing a growing interest among community members to enhance connection and shared purpose, MSU Extension took a proactive role in bringing statewide opportunities directly to the local level.

Through participation in Reimagining Rural, MSU Extension helped community members explore fresh perspectives on rural resilience and identify locally-driven projects that could positively impact Garfield County’s future. To complement these efforts, MSU Extension hosted a Real Colors personality styles training to build stronger interpersonal understanding and communication skills among participants, equipping local leaders and volunteers with tools to work together more effectively.

Garfield County MSU Extension also partnered with the MSU Local Government Center to host a session for community members and leaders, providing education and resources to strengthen local governance and informed decision-making. To cap these efforts, MSU Extension organized a “Night of Connect” event—an evening focused on bringing residents together to share ideas, celebrate local strengths, and foster a renewed sense of community connection.

Through these initiatives, Garfield County MSU Extension has taken meaningful steps toward building a foundation for long-term community vitality efforts. By connecting local residents with state-level programs and providing practical, relationship-based learning opportunities, MSU Extension continues to support the growth of a vibrant, engaged, and future-focused Garfield County.

Caption: Local Government Training

Credit: Teo Sinks

Community Education & Collaboration

In 2025, Garfield County MSU Extension strengthened local partnerships and expanded community learning opportunities by collaborating with the Garfield County Conservation District to host a series of monthly educational speakers. This partnership was designed to bring timely, research-based information directly to the community, supporting continued learning and engagement around key agricultural and natural resource topics.

Each month, local residents, producers, and youth were invited to presentations from subject-matter experts covering topics such as rangeland health, soil conservation, livestock management, and rural leadership. Sessions provided opportunities for community members to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss local challenges and opportunities with professionals and peers.

Through this partnership, Garfield County MSU Extension and the Garfield County Conservation District successfully created a consistent platform for education and dialogue, strengthening community networks and fostering collaboration among producers, agencies, and residents. This effort reflects MSU Extension’s ongoing commitment to bringing relevant, accessible, and local programming to the people of Garfield County.

Caption: Predator Control with Stephen Vantassel

Credit: Macy Bliss

Youth Development Highlights

In 2025, Garfield County 4-H continued to build on its strong foundation of hands-on learning and youth development by offering a variety of educational opportunities tailored to members’ interests. The program hosted monthly classes and workshops on topics of agriculture, STEM, leadership, and life skills, providing youth with engaging, practical experiences that support personal and project growth.

These ongoing efforts allow members to deepen their knowledge, explore new areas of interest, and connect with local mentors and peers who share their passions. Through countywide activities, leadership events, and community service projects, 4-H youth continue to strengthen their confidence, communication, and teamwork skills.

By continuing to host classes and programs that reflect the interests of its members, Garfield County 4-H remains dedicated to empowering youth with the skills and experiences needed to lead and thrive—both within their clubs and in the wider community.

Caption: Members at the Garfield County Fair leading the Community in the 4-H Pledge to kick off the day.

Credit: Teo Sinks