County extension reports surge in 4‑H activity, adult education and asks for modest MSU funding increase

An extension agent told Jefferson County commissioners that local 4‑H and extension programming has steady enrollment and new programming needs, and that Montana State University (MSU) has requested a modest $2,000 increase in county support for the FY27 personnel budget.

The extension update reported roughly 330 youth participants and about 50 volunteers in the program, with particular attention this year to younger participants ('clover buds') and deeper livestock workshops such as ‘‘Bovine Belly’’ and livestock judging. The presenter described educational events including an entomology workshop, small‑animal school in May and a two‑night backpacking trip planned for June.

On adult programming, the extension described four rancher roundtables across counties, a nine‑week master gardener class with about 13 weekly attendees, increased soil sampling made possible by mild winter conditions, and plans for a leadership program launching in September to serve Madison and Jefferson counties.

Staff also said MSU has requested a $2,000 increase from participating counties to cover agent personnel costs in FY27; the extension noted recent legislatively mandated pay raises and higher medical benefit costs as context for the request.

The presenter described operational items such as labeling shared vehicles to clarify service area and an ongoing need for an intermittent cook at the Boulder senior center while the regular cook is on leave. The record shows commissioners acknowledged the presentation and that the county will review the proposed MSU personnel increase during upcoming budget discussions.

The extension material included program counts and staffing requests; commissioners asked follow‑up questions about transportation coverage, volunteer stipends for foster grandparent and senior companion programs and housing resources for affordable housing applications.