Sheridan County MSU Extension is located in the very northeastern part of the state, with Plentywood as the county seat. MSU Extension proudly serves the county through research based education in a partnership between Sheridan County, Montana State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Through this partnership, MSU Sheridan County MSU Extension serves in Agriculture/Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Community Development and Family and Consumer Sciences. Currently the Sheridan County 4-H program has seven clubs and multiple popular projects within the county.

Agriculture in Sheridan County is the main economic driver through cropland and rangeland. Columbia Grain's pulse processing facility calls Plentywood its home and is a modern facility for cleaning and processing pulse crops grown in Sheridan County.

Sheridan County is home to 3,448 people, but cattle outnumber people with a staggering 10,804 head throughout the county according to the 2022 Census. With such a tight knit community there is always a sense of home as well as great events being held through organizations, agencies, and/or boards and associations.

 

Contact

100 W. Laurel Ave.
Plentywood, MT 59254
406-765-3406
https://www.montana.edu/extension/sheridan

 

Agriculture & Natural Resources

 

Leafy Spurge's New Location

June was a month of worry for farmers and ranchers in Sheridan County. The ground was dry and precipitation was sparse, but July finally brought rain to the county. During a field call, leafy spurge was found invading a new area in Westby on dry pasture land. With moisture levels down at the time, the plants had invaded heavily. The area was documented and with the information given, a plan was set for management and control over the weed. Currently there no control measure used on the area, but with communication and follow-up, management practices will help control the spread.

Sheridan County does have a biocontrol area being managed with leafy spurge beetles. Originally introduced by the Sheridan County Weed District, this plot of land stands hopeful for biocontrol methods that are safe and effective for plant and insect species alike to keep areas free and clear of leafy spurge.

 

Leafy Spurge plant located near Westby, MT in Sheridan County.

Caption: Leafy Spurge plant located near Westby in Sheridan County.

Credit: Photo by Layne Dawley, Sheridan County MSU Extension

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

County Fair Success

With a new agent in the office, the Sheridan County fair for 2025 couldn't have gone any better. With 123 exhibitors through 4-H and FFA, the county had an outstanding turnout for indoor exhibits and animal projects. For three days, there were 136 animals at the fairgrounds, ranging from breeding projects all the way to market animals.

County youth sucessfully showed animals in all areas and are proud of their achievements. The county and the 4-H program recognized three youth graduating from high school. The Sheridan County fair started on July 16 with the youth horse show and concluded on July 18 with the youth livestock auction, where 77 animals were sold for sales totaling more than $260,000. Buyers from across the county helped youth fund their current and future projects and endeavors through this sale. Looking into next year, Sheridan County MSU Extension is excited for what is to come and ready for another great fair.

 

Joriga Shackelford and Sophie Nathe pose with awards for Jr. and Sr. High Point Performance Horse.

Caption: Joriga Shackelford and Sophie Nathe pose with awards for Jr. and Sr. High Point Performance Horse.

Credit: Photo by Layne Dawley, Sheridan County MSU Extension

 

Community Vitality

 

Health Fair Fun

Throughout the year, Sheridan County holds many events that involve all support areas of MSU Extension. The beginning of September held the Sheridan Memorial hospital Associations Health Fair. This event helps MSU Extension get out into the community and connect over nutrition, estate planning, and family matters that community members may not be aware of.

The event allows for many conversations about what MSU Extension does within the county. This expands knowledge and understanding in the community and opens doors to new ideas with hospital association staff for coordinated community programs. In the upcoming months and years, Sheridan County MSU Extension is hoping to grow programs with the help of staff at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and other vendors from the Health Fair.

 

MSU Sheridan County Extension booth at local health fair.

Caption: Sheridan County MSU Extension booth at local health fair.

Credit: Photo by Layne Dawley, Sheridan County MSU Extension

 

 

 

 

Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and provider of educational outreach.