Richland County

Named to attract settlers, Richland County is the thirty-second largest county in Montana with 2,084 square miles. Richland County is Montana’s twentieth most populous county with an estimated 11,491 residents according to the 2020 decennial census data. Sidney, the county seat, is the state’s nineteenth-largest city, with a population estimated at 6,346. Other towns in Richland County include Crane, Fairview, Lambert, and Savage.

Agriculture and oil production are widely recognized as two of the staples of Richland County’s economy. Much of Richland County is in the Bakken Oil Zone and cattle, wheat, pulse crops, and other small grains are the top agricultural commodities produced. Richland County MSU Extension currently has two agents to bring research-based information to residents to better their lives and futures.

Contact

1499 N Central Ave
Sidney, MT 59270
406-433-1206
http://www.montana.edu/extension/richland

Women’s Night – An Opportunity for Learning and Connection

While MSU Extension programs are open to all, the attendees at MSU Extension Richland County agriculture programs are a majority male. Women’s Night was a collaboration of MSU Extension Richland County agriculture agent Marley Voll, with the Richland County Conservation District, to provide local women in agriculture with an opportunity geared towards them to learn, connect, and ask questions.

The program included presentations from fellow women in agriculture including a neighboring Extension Agent, a local veterinarian, and a local FSA employee. Topics included Pesticide Safety and Wellness for Female Ag Producers, Biological Control of Noxious Weeds, Common Toxicities in Bovine Patients, and FSA Youth Farm Loan Participation. Following the presentations, participants enjoyed dinner together as well as a fall floral arranging activity led by a local florist.

Of the 23 program attendants, 70% were first time attendees at an MSU Extension Richland County program during Voll’s time as the agriculture Extension Agent. When surveyed, program participants said by attending this session they gained answers to their questions (20%), resources to use (100%), ideas to try immediately (40%), and connections/networking (50%). One participant said, “It was a fun and interesting evening with other women. I enjoyed learning new information and refreshing old information. Always beneficial as a woman to gain information related to the farm/ranch lifestyle.”

Beyond these results, the program provided an opportunity for women in agriculture to come together to network and listen to presentations given by other local professional women in agriculture that now can be resources for them and their operations. 

Caption: Women’s Night attendees participate in agriculture related learning and a floral arranging activity.

Credit: Marley Voll

Richland County 4-H Horse Project Grows

The Richland County 4-H Program continued to grow and thrive over the past 4-H year. Community clubs continued to increase in enrollment numbers and clubs collaborated to complete more than 65 community service projects throughout the year. Members take a variety of projects in Richland County, with increasing interest in Horse projects in recent years. The 4-H Horse project provides youth an opportunity to learn how to ride, care for and handle horses. 

Beyond an increase in membership and new leadership, the program has expanded offerings including sending a team to Montana 4-H Congress for the Horse Skillathon, as well as competitors in Horse Judging. The group also hosted community events including an Equine Costume Contest. The Richland County 4-H Horse Program conducted community service projects including Halters for Heroes where they taught local law enforcement officers how to halter a horse and provided each of them with a halter in case they ever need to catch a loose horse. In the new 4-H Year, the Horse Program is hoping to host more community events and attract more members.

Richland County SAIL classes

At least 16 percent of Richland County residents are over 65, and the majority of these residents continue to live on their own. Through a community needs assessment, residents requested the return of SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), a 12-week fall-prevention fitness program designed for older adults that focuses on strength, balance, and mobility.

After securing a trainer, MSU Extension helped coordinate training for five new instructors. Additional trainers allowed multiple classes to be offered. Sidney is already hosting their second course, with another class offered in Fairview. The new year will provide more opportunities to offer additional classes to outlying communities that often find it more difficult to make it to Sidney, especially during the winter months.

Caption: Residents share a laugh while doing leg exercises

Credit: James Falcon