Green clover with white "h"'s in each leaf, Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection and another green clover with white "h"'s in each leaf

 

CURRENT EDITION

Alternatively, download a printable version of the June 2025 Cascade County 4-H Clover Connection

Thank You!

Thank you to the following people and businesses that donated to the Cascade County 4-H program over the last month!

William Kessler

Charlie Russell Back Country Horseman

Brad Thurber

Skyline Veterinary Clinic

Nelson Brothers Construction

4N Farms

Montana Valley Irrigation

Cascade County Farm Bureau

Fourmile Creek Angus

Tiger Butte 4-H Club

Check Reminder

As we move through a busy summer season, please remember that any checks issued from 4-H committees or the 4-H Foundation must be cashed within 90 days of the issue dated. After 90 days they are void and will not be reissued.

Office Closure

The Extension Office will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of 4th of July.

4-H Volunteers

Do you know someone that would like to help with project areas of 4-H? Our county is always looking for new volunteers. Please have them contact Jenn at Jennifer.volkmar@montana.edu

Shooting Sports 10 Gun Raffle Winners

Robert Jenkins

Jack Hodgskiss

John Dresel

Trevor Peterson

Warren Briest

Taylor Saum

Kara Emery

Ryan Woods

Kevin Deming

Bethany Kramarich

MontanaMakeitwith Wool Competition

The competition is open to all ages that sew, knit, crochet or felt garments with wool fabric or yarn.

A variety of opportunities including quilt tops, applique, Afghan, clothing apparel for competitions.

We would love to have Cascade County Represented with this competition next fall.

More information can be found on their website, makeitwithwool.com or please contact the Extension for more information on how to get involved.

MontanaStateFair                         

Montana State Fair Registration

The theme for this year is, “Christmas in July.”

Fair dates are Friday, July 25th - Saturday, Aug 2nd

Deadline for Fair Entries is July 16th at 4:00 PM

The 4-H portion of the State Fair includes static exhibits, domestic animal shows, small livestock shows, and contests in communications (public speaking), sewing, quilting, and foods.

4-H State Fair Event Schedule

All events, except rabbit and poultry, are in the Family Living Center building.

Rabbit and poultry shows are in the Rabbit and Poultry Barn.

  •  Monday, July 21st
    • Agent building set up  
  • Tuesday, July 22nd
    • 4:00-6:00 pm Club Booth set up  
  • Wednesday, July 23rd
    • 4:00-6:00 pm Club Booth set up  
  • Thursday, July 24th
    •  2:00-4:00 pm Static Exhibit Interview Judging
    • 4:00-6:00 pm Club Booth set up  
  • Friday, July 25th
    • Club Booth Judging  
  • Monday, July 28th
    • 9:00-10:00 am Rabbit Show Check in
    • 10:30 am Rabbit Show
    • 12:00-1:00 pm Breeding Display  
    • 7:00 pm rabbits released
  • Tuesday, July 29th (all to be held at the stage area-pending weather and equipment)
    • 10:00 am Communications Contest
    • 2:00 pm Cat show  
    • 3:00 pm Dog Show
    • 4:00 pm Pocket Pet  
  • Wednesday, July 30th
    • 12:00 pm Fashion & Sewing Review and Quilt Show
  • Thursday, July 31st
    • 9:00 am Poultry check in  
    • 10:30 am Poultry Show
    • 12:00pm-1:00 pm Pen Display  
    • 7:00 pm Poultry Released
  • Friday August 1st
    • 12:00-2:00 pm Food Preservation Demonstrations/Make and Takes
  • Saturday August 2nd
    • 12:00 pm Foods Festival
    • 2:00 pm Cake Decorating Challenge
  • Sunday August 3rd
    • 8:00-11:00 am Booth Take Down

4-H State Fair Dairy Booth

Please check with your club leaders to see when your club is scheduled to work the 4-H Dairy Booth. This is a required 4-H fundraiser event for all clubs and members.

AroundtheState

Montana4-HCongress

Mark your calendars! 2025 Montana 4-H Congress will be held July 8th-11th in Bozeman.

Montana 4-H invites all members 4- H age 13 and older from across the state an opportunity to come together on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman for four days and participate in an event like no other. Congress offers both youth avenue in which to learn, be challenged, and most of all, have a great time with their peers.

RegistrationisopenonZSuite!

RecordBooks

It’s time to start thinking about completing your Record Books for the 2024-2025 4-H year! Record Books are an important part of 4-H that teach youth responsibility and record keeping, as well as providing youth a chance to reflect on what they did and learned in the 4-H program this year.

Record Book questions can be answered by your club leader and junior leaders, project leaders, or Extension office staff.

  • Record books are due to club leaders on August 18. (Leaders may require Record Books be due to them earlier)
  • September 2 – Narratives and Award Nominated Record Books due to Extension Office for Memorial, 25-Year Leader, and Special Achievement Awards

Club Attendance Sheet

Club Leaders, here is the link to the attendance sheet for club meetings: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ d/1JD3whjpESrnNeuuteKTweufkkxqtA49KMDnNa7WCVY/ edit?usp=sharing Please be sure to update your club's tab after each meeting. If you need your club secretary added, please email cascade@montana.edu with the email to be added for access.

4-H Green Clover Fundraiser

Extra Green Clover Raffle Tickets are available by club leaders at the office. Office hours: 8am-12pm and 1-5pm daily.

Livestock Updates

Record book Judging is June 24 from 5:30-8:30pm at extension office. We need judges as many hands make light work. Judges, please come at 5:00pm for orientation.

  • Show entries are due June 24.
    Register for the Livestock Show & Sale at: https://showman.app/shows#/cas cade-county-livestock-show-and- sale-4be3
  • Late entries due July 1st.

Questions, call Brook @ 406-750- 1838.

4-H Livestock Fitting and Showmanship Clinics

Hog, Lamb, & Goat Fitting and Showmanship Clinic

  • June 22 at the Montana ExpoPark Livestock Pavillion, 1:00-5:00pm
  • bring your animal and any fitting supplies you have (Lambs/Goats - stand and clippers too!)

Dairy Goat Fitting and Showmanship Clinic

  • June 28 at the Extension Office, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Bring your clean (washed) dairy goat, fitting stand, and clippers

4-H Dairy Booth

The Dairy Booth is Cascade County 4- H’s main fundraiser. Our program nets over $10,000 just from the Dairy Booth. Our 4-H program runs solely from fundraised, sponsorship, and donated dollars. We fundraise to keep costs down for our 4-H families. Enrollment cost for Cascade County 4-H has not gone up for many, many years because of this fundraiser. The Cascade 4-H Foundation can purchase project books and provide them free of cost to Cascade County 4-H members because of this fundraiser. Without the Dairy Booth, costs for all Cascade County 4-H activities will go up.

The Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council Operating Policy states “All 4-H members are required to participate in Council fundraising events, especially if the member wishes to participate in county-sponsored events. County- sponsored events may include County Awards, 4-H Camp, Citizenship Interviews and trips, Congress, Project Days, Livestock Judging events, Ambassadors, Exchange, Leaders Training, and any other event funded by or through a committee or Council line- item budget.”

Working in the Dairy Booth is a fun way to ensure Cascade County 4-H remains affordable to all members! Make sure to communicate with your club leader to find out when your club will be working in the Dairy Booth.

Summer Opportunities

Chatcolab in Bloom

If you're interested in leadership training, community building, escaping routine, exploring new self-expression, and trying exciting activities in a summer camp setting... The 2025 program is designed with two groups in mind - a formal camp will include tracks that will inspire, educate, and re-charge adult-sized needs and is open to ages 14 and older, and a less formal, half-day experience for children that will encompass STEAM and recreation activities for children 8 and up. All ages, however, are invited to join us with familial supervision. 2024 CHATCOLAB PROGRAM -CHATCOLAB Please check out the link if you think you want to learn more.

Montana Natural Resource Youth Camp

Save the Date: July 13-18, 2025 Lubrecht Experimental Forest, Greenough, Montana Questions? Please call (406) 243-2773 or send an email to christina.oppegard@montana.edu Application and $150 deposit is due July 1st (deadline). The balance is due by start of camp. Core Program: $300 Program costs are all inclusive. Please inquire about educational and travel scholarships. montana.edu/extension/forestry/mnryc/in dex.html If there is any unforeseen circumstances involving the ability to run camp, a written notice and full refund will be issued.

Scholarships and Other Financial Opportunities

Montana Department of Agriculture

Now available contact Jenn at the office if you are interested. Rural Community Development Grant applications are open now for 4-H Clubs. Postemark for qualifying no later than June 2, 2025. The purpose of the grant is to assist funding community development projects conducted by Rural youth organizations. The projects should help to improve the quality of life in rule Montana communities. $500 per organization.

Montana Farmers Union 4-H Sentence Grant

Montana Farmers Union is awarding $100 grants to 4-H clubs to further their project work. All you need to do is submit one sentence on how you would use the funds! Apply at montanafarmersunion.com

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Youth Loans

FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H, FFA, tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills. Call the Great Falls FSA office at (406) 727-7580 for more information.

Russell Country Federal Credit Union

Russell Country Federal Credit has developed a program to assist youth and young adults from 8-19 years of age, who are actively participating in 4-H to learn financial responsibility and good saving habits. Visit https://www.russellcountryfcu.org/4-h-suite/ for more information.

Montana Department of Agriculture Junior Agriculture Loans

The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are provided by the MSU Extension Service, Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions. Visit https://agr.mt.gov/Topics/E-G/Grants-Pages/Junior-Agriculture-Loans for more information.

Montana 4-H Foundation Grants

The Montana 4-H Foundation supports 4-H initiatives that focus on healthy living, citizenship, leadership, science, engineering, and technology. The mission of the Montana 4-H Foundation is to "help 4-H youth by raising private funds, managing financial resources and partnering with the MSU Extension Service to fund educational opportunities for Montana 4-H youth, volunteer leaders, and staff."

Montana 4-H grants provide opportunities for youth and adults to strengthen their skills and maximize their positive impacts on the communities in which they live. Grants - MONTANA 4-H FOUNDATION

Youth Representative Application for Montana 4-H Foundation Board

Are you a Montana 4-H member who wants to gain life and career skills while serving Montana 4-H?

We are seeking dedicated and engaged youth applicants to serve on the Montana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors. You must be at least 14 by October 1 of the current 4-H year and be enrolled as a 4-H member the following year. The position is for youth who are enrolled/active 4-H members during their year of service, which will start at the July annual meeting.

What will you give?

You should be able to give your opinion and perspective. You should be able to share a strong youth voice in our organization.

What will you receive?

An opportunity to “learn by doing” in a youth-adult partnership. Past members have said that serving as a youth on the Montana 4-H Foundation gave them an opportunity to build their confidence, to learn how to work toward common goals as a team, to learn about team dynamics and professionalism. You will gain exposure to non-profit management details and build an understanding that will serve you in your future.

What will you do?

You will be expected to participate in four meetings. The first one will be during Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman. The other three will be during the school year, with video conference available. Traditionally, the meetings have been during the business day. Your travel and lodging expenses will be covered by the Montana 4-H Foundation. You are responsible to organize your travel. You will also be expected to serve on at least one committee during your service.

Other Criteria:

  • Must be a 4-H member in your home county for at least three consecutive years.
  • Must be a current member of a Montana 4-H program (club, county, tribal area) when applying and when serving on the Board.
  • Each teen director shall serve a one-year term. July 2025 to July 2026
  • Must have the approval of MSU Extension County agent (or approved substitute if position is vacant).
  • Those serving as a Montana 4-H State ambassador officer or on the Montana 4-H Council are not eligible to serve simultaneously on the Montana 4-H Foundation Board.

Montana 4-H Foundation

The Montana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors serves to raise private funds to support the Montana 4-H programs. The Montana 4-H Foundation assists with the financial support of the Montana 4-H program for youth members, volunteer leaders and Extension staff.
If you are interested in serving on the Montana 4-H Foundation, please complete the following application by June 15, 2025.
Link to Application: https://forms.office.com/r/Jxktghqnr3 Link to Website: https://www.mt4hfoundation.org/youthrepresentative-
application.html

Meetings & Important Notices

Horse Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Horse Leaders will be on Tuesday, June 3rd at 5:30 pm at the Extension Office. The meeting will also be virtual via WebEx.

Shooting Sports Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders Committee will be held on Thursday, June 5th at 6:00pm at the Extension Office.

Leaders’ Council Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Leaders’ Council will be on Tuesday, July 15th at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office.

Foundation Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Foundation will be on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00pm at the Extension office.

Livestock Leaders Meeting

The next meeting of the Cascade County 4-H Livestock Leaders will be on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office.

Important Dates

June

1 - Horse ID Cards Due

3 - Horse Leaders Meeting 5 - Shooting Sports Meeting 7 - Camp JD Day

8-11 - Camp

18 - Green Clover Raffle Baskets Due to Extension Office

21 - Horse Clinic

22 - Hog, Lamb, & Goat Fitting and Showmanship Clinic

24 - Livestock Record Book Judging

24 - Livestock Show & Sale Entries Due 28 - Dairy Goat Fitting and Showmanship Clinic

July

1 - Late Entry Deadline for Livestock Show & Sale Entries

4 - Extension Office Closed

8-11 - 4-H Congress in Bozeman

15 - Leaders Council Meeting

16 - Shooting Sports Record Books Due to Extension Office

16 - 4-H State Fair Entries Due

22-24 - State Fair 4-H Club Booth Set Up 23 - Green Clover Raffle Tickets Due to Extension Office

24 - 4-H State Fair Static Exhibit Interview Judging

25-8/2 - State Fair

August

7/25-8/2 - State Fair

3 - 4-H Club Booth Take Down

18 - Record Books Due to Club Leaders

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.