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Madison-Jefferson Counties

Welcome to Madison and Jefferson Counties

Published: 2020
By Katherine Smith
Jefferson and Madison Counties encompass an expansive 5,262 square miles of Southwest Montana and are home to nearly 21,000 residents. Agriculture, mining, recreation, and tourism represent the top industries in these counties. Centrally located between the two counties, our office is in the unofficial Southwest Montana hub of Whitehall. Shared county Extension services have been available in Madison and Jefferson counties since 1936, and a sole agent in Madison County as early as 1917. Currently the office staffs three full time MSU Extension Agents, one part time Agent and two support staff, offering programming in Agriculture, Natural Resources, 4-H/Youth Development and Community and Economic Development. Our two community and economic development agents manage the Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC), whose mission is to promote the general welfare of Jefferson County through business assistance, enhancing the tax base, and development of projects and studies. JLDC maintains a strong partnership with local government, civic bodies, and area businesses to foster the renewal and development of Jefferson County. JLDC also employs a full time project officer and continues to be a resource for small businesses seeking COVID-19 related support and guidance. For more information about JLDC and its partnership with Montana State University, please visit https://www.jldcmt.com/.
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