Homegrown 4-H

Published: 2022
By Liz Werk

Even with the uncertainty of the last two years, the communities of Fort Belknap were able to interact with the MSU-Extension Fort Belknap 4-H program. The Lucky Charms Club’s 22 members of Fort Belknap Reservation 4-H met virtually from December through April, then in person from May to August. The 4-H members learned important 4-H and life skills: 4-H book and journal training, gardening, sewing, Livestock Quality Assurance Training, club building activities, and 4-H showmanship. They also prepared for the 4-H Fair, which was held in August at the Wasay Wakpa Rodeo Arena in Lodge Pole, presenting 11 steer projects and Agriculture in my Family Poster Sessions. Averaging 1185 lbs, the steers sold at an average of $4.86/lb. All the 4-H beef projects and the fair were supplied, organized, and judged by community volunteers, parents, and families with the purchase support of local tribes, businesses, and families. The top priority of 4-H programs at Fort Belknap is the health and safety of our youth, families, volunteers, faculty, staff and supporters throughout our communities. Through this year and in the future, we encourage our future 4-H leaders to learn resiliency and to continue to develop community support.