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Fallon-Carter Counties

Fallon & Carter Counties Extension 2019 highlights

Published: 2019
By Michael Millward and Kodie Olsen
From Michael Millward, new Extension Agent in Fallon & Carter Counties: I had the pleasure of starting as the Fallon & Carter Counties Agricultural and 4-H Extension Agent the beginning of September 2019. I have loved the time that I have been here and am very excited to be able to share my passion for youth development, natural resources and agriculture here in southeastern Montana. After graduating from high school, I attended Brigham Young University – Idaho. Where I received my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Range, and Ecology emphasizing in range. Soon after I obtained my master’s degree at New Mexico State University in Animal and Range Science, studying grazing distribution of cattle in large expansive pastures. After completing my master’s degree. I accepted a position with NMSU as a rangeland specialist working at the USDA Jornada Experimental Range Station. I and my wife Hayley and our two little boys are very excited to be here and to have the opportunity to work and play with everyone in Fallon and Carter counties. Inspiring Youth to do.. MSU Extension Fallon/Carter Counties and the 4-H Councils from Carter and Fallon Counties have always strived to instill a sense of service in the 4-H members. A survey was conducted in both counties and the results really show what an impact these efforts have had on the youth. Of the third through sixth graders responding, an astounding 75% have led a community service project because of their 4-H involvement. As a result, another 75% felt a greater part of their community. Over a third of the respondents indicated an increase in the perception that they could make a difference in their community. Due to their 4-H participation, a third indicated an increased feeling that when they heard about a problem in their community, they looked for ways to help. Over two thirds of seventh through twelfth graders indicated an increase in learned skills through 4-H community service that would help them in the future. Because of 4-H, 60% of teen respondents felt more inspired to volunteer in their community and increased their encouragement of others to volunteer. Over half felt a greater responsibility to help in their community and 60% showed an increased feeling of being able to make a difference. As active participants in their community, 63% reported they met with more community leaders while in 4-H than before participating in 4-H. Two-thirds helped plan a community service event and paid more attention to news events that affected their community. Half talked more to their friends about issues affecting their community, state, or world and indicated an increased interest in learning about people who are different from them. In the world of social science and education, the results show incredible impact.