Garfield county is what many would call the middle of nowhere, and some call home, including in the county seat of Jordan. With all the wide-open spaces there are sections with more cattle than people. Garfield county’s estimated population is 1,209.

Agriculture is the primary industry, with commercial and registered cattle herds run on the land. In this area, sheep were once the top livestock produced. Over the years, sheep ranching has declined. Dryland barley and wheat are the predominant crops in the area.

Garfield County is known for tourism at various times of the year. Many come for the dinosaur trail and to visit the museum. Hunting, fishing, and boating are other tourist attractions in Garfield County. Fort Peck Lake, with the Hell Creek State Park recreational area, draws people from all over.

Moving cows' home for fall shipping time.
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Lewis

This year Garfield County MSU Extension saw the departure of agent Eric Miller after 25 years of service to the county, Over these past 25 years, Miller has made a positive difference in the community in many ways: through serving producers by helping them with livestock nutrition, nitrate tests, and making decisions for ranching; evaluating unhealthy trees; helping and running 4-H. Miller's many years of service haven't gone unnoticed.

After Miller's retirement, the county welcomed new MSU Extension agent Teo Sinks, who was ready to start working within the community. Sinks was raised on a small cattle ranch in Wyoming. She attended college in Wyoming and then found herself in Jordan. She is looking forward to working with farmers and ranchers in the community to help improve or keep their production. Sinks also looks forward to working with community youth through the 4-H program.

Eric Miller
Photo Courtesy of Anne Miller

The county fair is a busy week for an MSU Extension agent, running from one project to the next, making sure everything is happening as expected. Youth are getting animals washed and ready to take into the show ring to show off their challenging work over the past year. 4-H members come in ready to perform at their best in displaying their projects.

This year's county fair looked a little different than in the past. The county gained new agent Teo Sinks just before the week of the fair. Ready to tackle whatever came at her, the county fair kicked off with interviews for 4-H members and their projects. Other county agents and local volunteers who specialized in topic areas attended to judge and listen to the members teach about their projects.

On Thursday, animals began checking in and being weighed by the livestock board. At the same time, the horse show began with great attendance in 4-H and in the open show. Livestock shows (hogs, sheep, goats, steers) began on Friday at 8 a.m. Garfield county had a record number of lambs at the fair this year. Saturday was the livestock sale day and arrived with rain and wind; people still came out to support youth and their efforts. With an outstanding turnout came outstanding sales numbers for the members.

The week was a success, with everything running smoothly and efficiently all week. The county fair would not have been possible without all the volunteers, parents, 4-H members, and the support of the community.

Market steer show at the county fair 2022.
Photo Courtesy of Jeana Bliss