Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture

Published: 2022
By Tyler Lane

Ag Day for Fourth and Fifth Graders The annual Chouteau County Ag days occurred in early May at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds. In attendance were 95 fourth and fifth graders from Chouteau County. Planning the event was a collaborative effort between Chouteau County MSU Extension and six other agricultural groups. Presentations include entomology, soil cups, cheese-making, 4-H livestock, animal husbandry and the rolling river demonstration trailer. During the 4-H livestock class, 4-H youth educated the audience about the 4-H livestock projects. Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources A variety of seminars, one-on-one consultations, mailings, and newspaper columns helped improve agricultural production practices and efficiency for Chouteau County agricultural producers. Seminars included the Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar, the Golden Triangle Barley Conference and Pesticide Education Seminars. Other projects promoting agricultural sustainability include the Chouteau County soil moisture monitoring program and pest monitoring for the orange wheat blossom midge. Five producers stated they would consider using the RATTS method when managing grasshoppers, resulting in a $15,000 savings in insecticide. Three producers wrote they were switching to solid stem varieties to help manage the pest. Not having to swath can save $12 per acre, resulting in a $72,000 savings. Level 1 Master Gardener Program A total of 27 people attended Level 1 Master Gardener programs in Big Sandy and Fort Benton, which were offered in March and April. Attendees learned about soil biology, plant biology, vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs, lawn and irrigation, growing fruit trees and integrated pest management. Thirteen gardeners passed their Level 1 test and will take Level 2 next year. They will do 20 hours of community service, contributing 260 hours. Improving knowledge and understanding of garden management improves the quality of life through increased social stability and community development.