Agriculture Education

Published: 2021
By Tyler Lane

CHOUTEAU COUNTY JUNIORS AND SENIORS LEARN ABOUT AGRICULTURAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Eighteen agricultural businesses educated 70 up-and-coming graduates on employment opportunities in Chouteau County to promote growth in agricultural-related careers. Planning of the event was a collaborative effort between Chouteau County MSU Extension, Chouteau County FFA advisors, and Highwood School. AG DAY FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS The fifth annual Chouteau County Ag Day took place in May at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds. In attendance were 95 fourth and fifth graders from Big Sandy, Fort Benton, Geraldine and Highwood. Planning of the event was a collaborative effort between Chouteau County MSU Extension and six other agricultural groups. Presentations included Sheep to Sweater, Soil Erosion and Soil Tunnel, Farm to Table, Farm Machinery, Pollination, and Horses on the Ranch. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Agricultural education and outreach for farmers was achieved through the Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar and Integrated Pest Management of Grasshopper presentations. One producer will improve Canada thistle management. Another will scout more for grasshopper pests. Potential lost revenue would total $140,000. A range management field day took place near Geraldine. One producer stated that the field day helped him accurately determine stocking rate, which in turn gave him the comfort level to increase the number of cows he manages. Just this year alone, he was able to increase profitability by $20,000.