Stillwater County

Stillwater County, located in south-central Montana, is 1,800 square miles with a population of 9,000. From the plains to the north and the mountains to the south, we share diverse geography with recreational opportunities for all.

Columbus is the county seat and located 40 miles west of Billings, and home to Montana Silversmiths, producing custom belt buckles for major Western events. In 2024 Stillwater County experienced a major layoff of roughly 700 Sibanye Stillwater Mine employees (the largest employer of the county) and awaits the economic impacts of this transition.

Contact

PO Box 807, 17 North 4th Street
Columbus, MT 59019
406-322-8035
https://www.montana.edu/extension/stillwater/

New Agriculture Agent focuses on identifying Community Needs in Stillwater County

Over the past year, the Stillwater County MSU Extension Office’s new Agriculture Agent, Sarah-Jane French, has been actively identifying local priorities and learning where producers and landowners need the most support. Through informal needs assessments at learning events and one-on-one consultations, she gathered valuable insights to help shape future programs.

Throughout the year, French received numerous consultation calls from local residents on topics such as forage quality (27%), integrated pest management (33%), land management (10%), horticulture (23%), and livestock management (6%). These conversations provided a clearer picture of the issues most important to producers within the community. Using this information, Sarah-Jane developed and delivered educational workshops and resources addressing the county’s most prevalent needs—particularly pest management, pesticide application, and the newly launched Gardening in Montana series. Looking ahead, Stillwater County MSU Extension will continue to strengthen its connection with the community and provide practical, research-based programs in Stillwater County.

Caption: Learning about herbicide application at a fall lecture series.

Credit: Amber Elliott

4-H Launches New Livestock Judging Program

Livestock judging is more than placing four animals with reasoning—it’s a program that instills lifelong skills that can apply in any career or everyday life. Participants gain confidence, public speaking abilities, and develop critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.

In 2024, 10 members began honing their livestock evaluation skills and learning how to effectively present oral reasons. By June 2025, six members competed at Montana 4-H Congress, earning 4th place as a team. Most recently, the team represented our community at the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) in Billings, continuing to grow their judging knowledge and teamwork.

One team member said, “Being part of the Stillwater County 4-H livestock judging team has taught me more than just how to evaluate animals, it's shown me the importance of critical thinking, confident decision-making, and effective communication. These skills are irreplaceable, not just in the show ring, but in all aspects of life.”

Through their hard work, they show that 4-H is about more than competition—it’s about growth, teamwork, and lifelong learning.

Caption: Stillwater County Livestock Judging team at 4-H Congress on the MSU campus.

Credit: 4-H Congress

Stillwater County launches caregiver support group

Stillwater County MSU Extension hosted the Caregiver Respite Retreat, a research-informed initiative designed to enhance and sustain the well-being of caregivers through structured social engagement and evidence-based activities. As an outcome of the retreat, a caregiver support group was established in partnership with Carbon Stillwater Community and Senior Programs and Carbon County MSU Extension.

Over a four-month period, caregivers convened monthly to exchange experiences, build connections, and learn about available local and statewide support resources and services. Given the demonstrated impact and identified need for continued caregiver support, efforts are underway to sustain the existing group and develop additional support networks in communities throughout the county.

Caption: Respite retreat participants.

Credit: Haley Barker

Stillwater County 4-H Exchange hosts new fundraiser

Stillwater County’s 4-H Exchange initiated a new fundraising effort by hosting a community comedy event. The evening was well attended and provided an enjoyable experience for a diverse audience. Exchange members contributed by preparing and serving a steak and fettucine alfredo dinner, demonstrating teamwork and providing hospitality. The event was a successful fundraising endeavor and an excellent opportunity to foster community engagement and support for the 4-H program.

Caption: 4-H Exchange hosted a 2025 community comedy event. 

Credit: