McCone County

Nestled in the heart of eastern Montana, McCone County is a place where the pace of life follows the rhythm of the land. It’s a rural, agricultural community built on hard work, strong family values, and a deep sense of pride in preserving the traditions that make small-town life special. The county seat, Circle, serves as the gathering place for residents spread across 2,600 square miles of open prairie, rangeland, and farmland. With just over 1,600 residents, McCone County is a community where people still wave when they pass on the road, neighbors help neighbors, and local events bring everyone together.

Agriculture is the heartbeat of McCone County. Family farms and ranches form the backbone of the local economy, producing high-quality small grains, pulse crops, and livestock. McCone’s producers are resourceful and forward-thinking, finding new ways to adapt to the challenges of Eastern Montana’s dry climate while maintaining a commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

Youth and families are at the core of community life. From 4-H projects to school events and county-wide gatherings, young people learn early on the values of leadership, responsibility, and service. Volunteers, local boards, and community members work hand in hand to support these efforts, ensuring McCone County remains a vibrant and supportive place to live and grow.

McCone County MSU Extension continues to be a trusted local resource, connecting the people of McCone County with the research, education, and innovation of Montana State University. Through hands-on learning, outreach, and community partnerships, MSU Extension helps residents strengthen their farms, families, and futures one program at a time.

Contact

P.O Box 200
Circle, MT 59215
406-485-2605
https://www.montana.edu/extension/mccone

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders through 4-H

McCone County MSU Extension continues to grow youth leadership opportunities through hands-on 4-H programs, officer trainings, and community service projects. The county currently has 64 members and 5 active leaders who are deeply committed to helping youth learn by doing. Members participate in a wide variety of projects, from livestock and small animals to indoor, creative, and leadership projects.

A major highlight for McCone County 4-H is the annual spring fruit sale, which has long served as a learning opportunity and community favorite. This year, the program expanded to include its first-ever fall fruit sale, giving members an additional chance to practice marketing, teamwork, and communication skills while engaging the community in support of local youth. Proceeds from sales help fund 4-H programming, camp scholarships, and educational activities, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow through hands-on experiences.

The 2025 McCone County Fair showcased the dedication and hard work of local 4-H members, featuring 18 market beef, 10 market lambs, 23 market hogs, and 7 market goats, along with breeding projects in beef, lamb, and dairy goats. Members exhibited poultry, rabbits, geese, ducks, horses, mini horses, and mini market steers. Through these projects and community events, youth gain valuable skills in responsibility, leadership, and lifelong learning, embodying the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better.”

Caption: 2025 McCone County 4-H members. 

Credit: Tandi Kassner

Empowering Producers through Research and Education

With over 1.1 million acres of farmland stretching across open prairie and rangeland, nearly every acre tells the story of hard work, perseverance, and family tradition. The county’s producers raise a mix of small grains, pulse crops, and hay, alongside cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs that thrive on the region’s pastures. McCone County is home to an estimated 40,000 head of cattle, making livestock production a key part of the local economy.

Despite the challenges of a dry Eastern Montana climate, producers continue to adapt with resilience and innovation using conservation practices and crop diversification to sustain their operations for future generations. Agriculture contributes nearly 80% of the county’s economic output, with crops leading the way, but livestock remaining the foundation of many family operations.

McCone County MSU Extension worked closely with producers on nitrate and water testing, an important service for livestock health and feed safety. Over 100 forage samples and 30 water samples were analyzed locally. According to MSU Extension guidelines, forage with nitrate levels below 1,500 ppm is considered safe for all livestock, while levels between 1,500–5,000 ppm warrant caution. Most forage samples tested in McCone County this year fell within the safe or low-risk range, with only a few registering at moderate levels of concern.

Through educational programs, on-farm consultations, and research-based resources, McCone County MSU Extension continues to support local producers in making informed, science-backed decisions to strengthen their operations and the community. These efforts align with Montana State University Extension’s statewide mission to advance Montana agriculture through education, innovation, and partnerships that keep rural communities strong, resilient, and thriving.

Community at Work: Rebuilding, Restoring, and Rising Together

McCone County MSU Extension thrives on the strong partnerships and deep-rooted community pride that define rural life in Eastern Montana. Collaboration is at the heart of every effort from working alongside the Fair Board and 4-H Council to supporting fundraisers, educational programs, and local events that bring people together and strengthen county-wide connections.

In March 2025, the community faced a major setback when a fire destroyed the long-standing kitchen at the McCone County Fairgrounds, an essential gathering place for 4-H events, fairs, weddings, meetings, and countless community meals. What could have been a devastating loss quickly became a powerful example of McCone County’s resilience, generosity, and unity. Donations poured in from individuals, organizations, and businesses across the region, including $20,000 from McCone Electric and Basin Electric, $75,000 from AgWest Farm Credit Services, and additional support from the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee, local families, and community members.

Plans are now underway for a new 80x150-foot event center that will include two sets of ADA-compliant restrooms, a commercial kitchen, conference room, and an open-concept seating area designed to adapt to any event or community need.

McCone County MSU Extension, in partnership with the McCone County Commissioners, is playing a central role in coordinating this rebuild—bringing together local expertise, volunteers, and resources to create a facility that will serve generations to come. From hosting educational workshops and facilitating community conversations to volunteering at local events and supporting advisory boards, MSU Extension continues to strengthen the fabric of McCone County through service, connection, and shared purpose.

Caption: McCone County Fairgrounds Fire

Credit: Jared Wright

Engaging Youth through Hands-On Learning

McCone County MSU Extension continues to inspire curiosity and leadership in youth through hands-on, experience-based learning. From Cloverbuds and afterschool programs to summer day camps and school collaborations, young people ages 5-18 have the opportunity to explore agriculture, leadership, and life skills in creative and engaging ways. Whether planting gardens, exploring livestock science, or building teamwork through group challenges, McCone County youth truly learn by doing.

MSU Extension partnered with community organizations to deliver Safety Days in Culbertson, at the Circle Fairgrounds, and Circle Public Schools, reaching dozens of local students. Topics included bike safety, grain entrapment awareness, and auger safety, giving youth practical knowledge they can use both on and off the farm. These interactive demonstrations helped students understand how to stay safe while still participating in the agricultural and outdoor activities that are part of everyday rural life.

Through these programs, McCone County MSU Extension continues to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that build skills and foster confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.

Caption: Local safety days for youth included a Grain and Auger Safety presentation. 

Credit: Megan Knuth