Musselshell and Golden Valley counties are in the Southcentral region of Montana. As of July 1, 2021, Musselshell County had a population of 4,896 and Golden Valley County had a population of 831. The Musselshell Valley has an exciting history that may be learned at the local museum, open May through September. The Heritage Trail and River Walk follow the Musselshell River which offers beautiful scenery of the Musselshell County Fairgrounds. Ryegate is the county seat for Golden Valley County and includes the town of Lavina. Roundup is the county seat for Musselshell County and includes the towns of Melstone and Musselshell. The major industries for both counties include cattle production, crop production, and coal mining. MSU Extension continues to foster a positive relationship with county commissioners in each county to communicate emerging program needs for area communities.

A view of the Little Snowy Mountains North of Ryegate, Montana.
Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Solf

Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension and the Musselshell-Golden Valley Weed District held a workshop in the late fall. This workshop included information on weed control and herbicide use. Meriel Beck, Musselshell-Golden Valley Weed Coordinator, and Extension agent Jennifer Solf collaborated on the topics and speakers for the workshop. Melissa Maggio, Montana Biocontrol Project Coordinator, informed attendees of several different biocontrol agents used throughout the state. Jane Mangold, MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist, discussed weed control following fire and how plants may respond following wildfire. Rory Lewis, Helena Chemical Sales representative, provided an overall update on herbicide products and symptoms of some herbicide damage from various modes of action. Beck addressed the short-cut methods used to properly calibrate sprayers and the importance of personal protective equipment. Solf addressed key factors which may lead to herbicide incompatibility when mixing different products. At this point in the workshop, attendees used a worksheet with instructions and questions at one of six testing stations with supplies. They followed the instructions on the worksheet to determine if the products created a compatible solution. This activity allowed attendees to document the changes when adding different products to a mason jar to mimic creating a tank mixture with herbicide products.

A portion of Melissa Maggio's presentation on Montana biocontrol options.
Photo Courtesy of Meriel Beck

The Musselshell-Golden Valley 4-H program held a family orientation event this past November. The event was created to help all new and/or interested families learn more about the 4-H program at the state and county level. Jennifer Solf addressed the basics of the 4-H program, such as the life skills learned through 4-H and record books. County-specific information was covered, so families learned about the expectations and requirements of the Musselshell-Golden Valley 4-H program. Organizational and project leaders assisted with this event by answering any questions specific to their club and/or project area. Each club had a table set up with resources. Project leaders utilized our many different skill-a-thon kits to have hands-on activities for the children in attendance. The primary project areas represented included shooting sports and small and large animals. In addition, the kits allowed youth to ask further questions about the projects of the volunteers assisting with the orientation. The orientation event had approximately 26 in attendance and will be held annually to continue informing new families of details about our program.

One of the several skill-a-thon kits set out for youth.
Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Solf