MSU Extension provides unbiased, science-based education to the residents of Valley County to improve their lives and enhance their livelihood. MSU Extension educators provide programs, resources, and outreach in the areas of youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, natural resources, and community health and development. Carved from territorial Dawson County in 1893, Valley County boasts a population of 7,369 individuals on over 5,000 square miles. Approximately one-third of the county lies within the confines of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The county seat, Glasgow has been identified as the official “middle of nowhere,” a source of pride for residents. Tourist highlights include the Fort Peck Summer Theater, built in the 1930s during the construction of Fort Peck Dam; the Pioneer Museum; the Northeast Montana Children’s Museum; C.M. Russell Refuge; Fort Peck Reservoir; and the Fort Peck Interpretive Center with dinosaur displays, dam construction exhibits, and an observation beehive.

Fall color along the Milk River.
Photo Courtesy of Shelley L Mills

MSU Extension in Valley County improves lives through: • Promoting healthy living – A commitment to education and encouraging healthy choices builds a foundation for positive change. MSU Extension offered 24 workshops covering many healthy living topics. • Growing tomorrow’s leaders through positive youth development – Thirty-nine life skill learning opportunities were available through traditional 4-H and school enrichment programs, reaching 163 youth. • Mental health, strengthening our response – Stress management resources and strategies are available through MSU Extension programs. • Strengthening families – MSU Extension supports families through education in estate planning, caregiving/respite care, and family economics.

Growing Tomorrow's Leaders.
Photo Courtesy of Roubie Younkin

MSU Extension in Valley County integrates learning, discovery and engagement by: • Raising Awareness – MSU Extension is providing outreach on identifying, preventing, and managing three new invasive species: Palmer amaranth, Ventenata dubia, and spotted lanternfly. • Food Security – Through science-based, researched information and resources, MSU Extension helped 172 clients with successful gardening, food preservation, farm-to-table, and stretching their dollar when buying groceries. • Diagnostic Services – MSU Extension identified 57 plants, insects, and diseases for Valley County residents, tested 27 forage samples for nitrates and provided research-based management strategies. • Learning Laboratory – With an MSU Center for Faculty Excellence grant, MSU Extension set up an apiary of five hives where beginning and novice beekeepers can gain greater understanding through experiential learning. • Professional Development – MSU Extension Agents gained and shared valuable knowledge through attending and presenting at 15 state and national conferences.

Research-based information results in successful gardens!
Photo Courtesy of Shelley Mills