Phillips County

Set in the heart of north-central Montana along the state’s iconic Hi-Line, Phillips County spans more than 5,200 square miles of sweeping prairie, rolling hills, and rugged badlands. It’s the second-largest county in Montana by land area and the third-largest overall, with a deep-rooted agricultural heritage that drives the local economy and community spirit.

The county encompasses roughly 363,000 acres of cropland, including 40,000 acres of irrigated fields. Local producers grow staples like winter and spring wheat, alfalfa, and pulse crops, while irrigated acres support corn, alfalfa, and grass hay production. Livestock operations are a cornerstone of the region, dominated by cow-calf beef cattle herds and a few sheep and goat enterprises, reflecting the area’s long ranching tradition.

With a population of about 5,000 residents, Phillips County remains a place where neighbors help neighbors. The Phillips County 4-H program plays a major role in youth and community development, involving 150 youth members, 35 volunteers, and five active clubs that foster leadership, responsibility, and agricultural skills.

Beyond agriculture, Phillips County offers an authentic taste of Montana’s outdoors. Residents and visitors enjoy boating and fishing on the scenic Nelson Reservoir, hiking and wildlife viewing in the expansive Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and exploring backroads on horseback or UTV. The area also boasts rich paleontological sites, local museums, and community events that celebrate frontier heritage and small-town pride.

Contact

10 1/2 S 4th St W
Malta, MT 59538
406-654-2543
https://www.montana.edu/extension/phillips/

Multi-County 4-H Camp

Phillips County 4-H campers came together for another unforgettable year of adventure, teamwork, and growth at 4-H Camp 2025. This year’s camp was held at the Montana Farmers Union Camp in the scenic Highwood Mountains, a perfect setting dedicated to hands-on youth learning and outdoor fun.

Campers spent the week diving into creative and educational activities, from making homemade ice cream and sorbet to crafting bead lizards, lanterns, and oobleck (and plenty more).

Here’s to learning by doing, building friendships, and creating lifelong skills and memories in Montana’s great outdoors!

Caption: Phillips County 4-H Campers

Credit: Christina Murphy

Horse Clinics

The Phillips County 4-H Horse Program continues to thrive, now boasting over 25 active members and countless exciting projects. This year, members added a book work session to strengthen their knowledge while others honed their riding and handling skills in the arena. Over the past year, the program has tripled in both size and skill, reflecting the dedication and enthusiasm of its members. Each participant worked hard to grow their horsemanship, in and out of the arena, showcasing the true spirit of 4-H learning and teamwork.

None of this progress would be possible without our capable team of horse project leaders, whose commitment, expertise, and encouragement continue to guide youth toward confidence, responsibility, and success in the saddle.

Caption: Western Horsemanship Level 1-2 members learning from a leader. 

Credit: Christina Murphy

Swine Showmanship Clinic

Phillips County 4-H members participated in a Swine Showmanship Clinic, learning the importance of proper handling, presentation, and animal care. Understanding how to confidently show a pig goes hand in hand with developing strong animal husbandry skills, a cornerstone of responsible livestock management and the 4-H program.

Caption: Swine Showmanship Clinic

Credit: Christina Murphy

Rain, mud, and all, the show went on! That’s the Phillips County Fair way

The 2025 Phillips County Fair was truly one for the books! Despite the rain turning the grounds into a mudhole any pig would love, we didn’t let it stop us. This year reminded us of the strength of our community, how we can pivot and keep going even when nothing goes as planned. The barns may have filled with water, but thanks to our amazing members and their families, animals were kept dry and comfortable. The steer show found a new home under the tent, and spectators continued to cheer, even as Montana poured a whole summer’s worth of rain into just a few short days. The 2025 fair was a shining example of small-town pride and perseverance.

Caption: Macey Blunt still smiling despite the weather.

Credit: Christina Murphy