Welcome to Sheridan County

Published: 2019
By Sheila Friedrich

Sheridan County is located in the northeastern-most corner of Montana. Plentywood, the county seat, is located approximately 18 miles south of the Montana/Canada border and 24 miles west of the Montana/North Dakota border. The Montana Legislature established Sheridan County in 1913 from portions of Dawson and Valley Counties. It was named for American Civil War General Philip Sheridan. The Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located just south of the Town of Medicine Lake. The Extension office in Sheridan County consists of a staff of three – two Extension Agents and an Administrative Support person. Extension Agents provide research-based programs to county residents in the areas of Agriculture/Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Community Development and Family and Consumer Sciences. 4-H enrollment has surged over the past several years and increased numbers of volunteers are extremely instrumental in delivering the 4-H program to area youth. Agriculture production and agribusiness are the basis of the economy here. When agriculture faces challenging times, so do all facets of the community, including businesses, schools, health care facilities and county and city governments. As many raise the question “what next,” MSU Extension must be diligent in meeting the needs of this many-faceted county by providing producers information on new management techniques and marketing options, helping families discover strategies to deal with stress and take care of their physical and emotional health, and helping youth feel empowered to see themselves in their own futures.