4-H in Musselshell & Golden Valley Counties

Published: 2020
By Jennifer Solf

The Musselshell-Golden Valley 4-H program usually makes a round of personal invitations to the fair at local businesses in Roundup, Lavina, and Ryegate. Realizing this would not be an option this year, the 4-H program got creative to advertise for the fair in July. The Roundup High School Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor, Lindsey Harper, and Extension agent Jennifer Solf partnered to organize fair spotlights for youth members selling market animals. With prior approval and sanitation measures in place, home visits were made with youth members. They had the opportunity to introduce themselves, talk about their market animal(s), and something they have learned from their projects in 4-H/FFA. Then, youth members invited viewers to the Musselshell-Golden Valley Fair and the livestock sale held on July 25. This approach introduced several new experiences for Harper and Solf, and 4-H/FFA members. For newer families to the program, it was a great opportunity to provide guidance on projects. Youth members practiced their public speaking skills while giving some additional insight to their learning experiences. Leaders gained technology skills in recording and compiling the videos, as did a senior 4-H member who volunteered to edit the videos and share one each day as fair week approached. Due to the success of the format, planning will be similar for 2021 and will include youth members with projects other than livestock.