Ravalli County 4-H April 2026 Newsletter

Scroll to the end to get all the information on projects and programs happening in Ravalli County & across Montana!

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 2nd - Dog Project Meeting

Air Pistol Project Meeting

Horsemanship / Showmanship Practice

April 6th - Poultry Project Meeting

April 7th - Working Ranch Horse Practice

April 8th - Beef Breeding Project Night

April 9th - Dog Project Meeting

Teen Council Meeting

April 14th - Guidance Council Meeting

Fair Commission Meeting

Small Animal Committee Meeting

April 16th - Dog Project Meeting

Air Pistol Project Meeting

April 17th - 4-H CARNIVAL DROP OFF DAY AT OFFICE

April 21st - Rabbit Project Meeting

April 23rd - Dog Project Meeting

April 25th - 4-H CARNIVAL

April 30th - Dog Project Meeting

May 1st - 4th Grade Farm Fair

4-H Scholarship Due to Extension Office

April 29th - May 4th - EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED

May 4th - Poultry Project Meeting

May 1st - RAVALLI COUNTY 4-H EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE

May 7th - Dog Project Meeting

Air Pistol Project Meeting


Additional Upcoming Dates


April 25th - 4-H CARNIVAL

May 16th - SWINE WEIGH-IN

May 21st - MARKET GOAT & SHEEP WEIGH-IN

June 16th - MARKETING CLINIC

July 29th - FAIR ENROLLMENT CLINIC

 

NEW ENROLLMENT DEADLINES AND UPDATES!

 
 

2025-2026 4-H Advisory Council Meetings

 

When:

Mondays at 6:30PM

November 17th, 2025

January 19th, 2026

March 16th, 2026

May 18th, 2026

July 20th, 2026

September 21st, 2026


Where:

TBD


Info: If you have an item that needs added to next meetings agenda email Advisory Council President Gretchen Svee at gretchensvee@gmail.com


Join Us Online

Virtual Link:

Join from the meeting link

https://montana.webex.com/montana/j.php?MTID=maa9b9a86a1feb5f4431d7cf6db33452b


Join from a video system or application

Dial 26213224780@montana.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.


Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)

+1-855-797-9485,,26213224780## US Toll free

+1-415-655-0002,,26213224780## US Toll

 

Join by phone

+1-855-797-9485 US Toll free

+1-415-655-0002 US Toll

Toll-free calling restrictions

 

2025-2026 4-H Livestock Committee Meetings

 

When:

Mondays at 6:30PM

December 15th, 2025

February 16th, 2026

April 20th, 2026

June 15th, 2026

August 17th, 2026

October 19th, 2026


Where:

North Valley Public Library - 208 Main Street, Stevensville, MT 59870

Info: If you have an item that needs added to the next meetings agenda email jbouma.luc@gmail.com


Join Us Online

Virtual Link:

Join from the meeting link

https://montana.webex.com/montana/j.php?MTID=m66e804bac7075be30131730d4b271e4e



Join from a video system or application


Dial 26233405499@montana.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.


+1-855-797-9485,,26233405499## US Toll free

+1-415-655-0002,,26233405499## US Toll


Join by phone

+1-855-797-9485 US Toll free and +1-415-655-0002 US Toll

 

2026 Ravalli County Extension & 4-H Guidance Council Meetings

 

GUIDANCE COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!


Completed applications may be submitted to the Extension Office. Applications will be forwarded to the 4-H Guidance Council scholarship committee for review. 


Scholarships are available for 4-H project materials and various event attendance. Scholarships will be awarded for a maximum of one half (1/2) event registration cost. 4-H project material scholarships will be awarded on a case-by-case basis with a list of itemized project materials. 


A separate application is available specifically for Ravalli County 4-H Junior Camp.


 

Ravalli County 4-H Open Volunteer Positions!

Ravalli County 4-H Small Bore Pistol and Rifle Project Leaders: 2026

We are looking for some enthusiastic and organized shooting sports volunteers to take over as the Ravalli County 4-H Small Bore Pistol and Rifle Project for 2025. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you are interested in this position!


We would also like to thank Chay & Katie McWilliam for their years of dedicated service to this program and this project! You will be greatly missed!


Ravalli County 4-H Carnival Coordinator: 2026


We are looking for Volunteers to assist with the planning and coordination of the 2026 Ravalli County 4-H Carnival. This is a great fundraiser for our county and so if you are interested in helping out with this event please contact the Extension Office for more details!


Ravalli County Corner Cafe Manager & Leaders: 2026


We are looking for Managers and Volunteers to assist with the 2026 Corner Cafe Food Booth at the Ravalli County Fair. This food booth is our counties largest fundraiser and it is a big lift! If you are interested in helping out at this years food booth please contact Taylor at the Extension Office for more details!


BIG THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 MANAGERS

ANGELA WILSON, BECKY CAMPBELL, JOLENA BUGLI & MICHELLE MEYER

Upcoming Local 4-H & Community Events Information

 

2026 4-H Carnival

Club packets now available for pick-up at the Extension Office!


As a reminder all youth are required to sell at least 1 packet but if any youth sells 6 packets of tickets they will earn either a fair week gate pass or carnival pass (their choice!)

2026 Spring Weigh-Ins

Keep an eye out for updates on entering your weigh-in entries into the Showman App!

Murdoch's Animal Project Showcase


Help us Share 


A BIG BLUE Party for Prevention!

 

April is Strengthening Families Month (also recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month) and we want to make sure everyone celebrates with us!

 

Will you please help us by sharing the invitation for the Big Blue Party for Prevention with your communities?

 

The Big Blue Party for Prevention is your chance to have fun while celebrating the connections that help families thrive. Wear blue, explore hands-on activities including Bluey Bingo, a treat walk, give-aways, and more! Meet community partners, grab resources, and enjoy a joyful day with those you love.

 

Plan on going to the Easter egg hunts that morning, and then keep the fun going by joining us afterwards!

 

Thank you so much for everything you do to support children and families in our community!

 

Warmly,

 

Anita Wotkyns


2026 Bitterroot Classic Jackpot

2026 Rec Lab Follow-Up

2026 Archery Project Follow-Up

2026 Competition Days Follow-Up


Thank you to all participating clubs!

Big Sky Horizons, Bitterroot Saddlebusters, Bitterroot Trailblazers, Hoofbeats, Lucky Horse Show, Rocky Mountain Kids, Rocky Mountain Ranchers & Summerdale!

 

Fairgrounds Update

 

Camping & Gate Pass QR Code

Gate Pass ONLY QR Code

4-H/FFA ONLY Specific QR Codes, these links are to to purchase your wristband and or camping passes prior to fair.


AS A REMINDER - all wristband purchases will need to present proof of receipt at Welcome BBQ/Mandatory Barn Meetings to receive your gate pass wristband


Please speak to your club leader prior to purchasing in the event your club decides to purchase gate passes for it's members instead.


🏕️ Camping Registration – Now Online!

We’re excited to offer a new QR code option for 4-H families to pay for camping ahead of Fair time! This makes reserving your spot easier than ever. (QR code will be included in the newsletter layout.) Once you pay for camping, make sure you PRINT YOUR RECEIPT that needs to be visible in your camper!


🎟️ Gate & Carnival Tickets – Available Online

Once the camping form is filled out, families can also purchase gate and carnival tickets online!

🎡 Carnival Ticket Options:

  • Online Promo: $30 (Summer special)
  • Online Promo: $25 ( LEFTOVER FROM HOLIDAY SPECIAL )


💵 Premium Payout Schedule

Premium payouts will be available at the Premium Office during the following times:

  • Saturday, September 5: 12–6 PM
  • Sunday, September 6: 12–4 PM
  • After that, payouts will continue to be available at the Premium Office until September 10.
  • 📌 Please note: Unclaimed premiums after September 10 will be forfeited.


📱 Stay Connected – Follow Us on Facebook!

We’re sharing weekly contests, announcements, and all things Fair on our Facebook page. Be sure to follow us and stay in the loop!


📅 Important Dates & Info:

  • 📝 Online entries are expected to open the first week of June.
  • 📘 Fair books WILL BE available online, at the Fair Office, and at several locations around the valley.


⚠️ Fairground Safety Reminder

For public safety, skateboards, ATVs, and bikes are not permitted past the ticket booths.

Please leave them in the racks provided at the gates or in your vehicle.


If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at the Fair Office:

📞 406-363-3411


Thanks, and we’ll see you at the Fair!

– The Ravalli County Fair Team

 

State 4-H Information

 

Together, let’s celebrate the rich history of Montana 4-H! For more than 100 years, 4-H youth across Montana have pursued projects, invested in their communities, and faced both challenges and successes to make the best better. And behind them, there have been countless Montana volunteers and families supporting their efforts. It’s time to honor the efforts of both youth and adults who have contributed to the fabric of Montana’s 4-H Country. 


We’re in the planning stages of a high-quality museum exhibit at the new Montana Heritage Center that will tell the story of 4-H, from its beginnings in the early 1900s to today. Together, we’ll share this vital story all the way to today’s chapter, demonstrating how 4-H is just as vibrant and valuable 2026 as it was more than a century ago. The exhibit will go on display in January 2027 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of 4-H. 


Do you have historic 4-H artifacts that could enrich this exhibit? We would love to see what you have. We’re seeking items from all decades. Artifacts can be temporarily loaned for this exhibit or even donated to a permanent 4-H archive and collection at the Montana Historical Society. We need to have a complete inventory of artifacts by June 1, 2026, so that museum fabricators can assemble the exhibit display materials. Please visit the Montana 4-H History website to learn more about this exciting project, and to share your potential artifacts with our efforts at: https://mt4hhistory.com. Artifacts for the exhibit will be selected based on their significance to Montana 4-H history, and space available. Your artifacts will be reviewed by a Montana Historical Society curators team and are not guaranteed to be included in the exhibit. In the interest of our deadline, please respond soon! 


There’s even the possibility that this could eventually become a traveling exhibit that could cross the state or even find a permanent home at a future dedicated 4-H history center. Feel free to contact Luke Duran at elementl@icloud.com if you would like more information. 


Get connected!

Website: https://mt4hhistory.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Montana4HHistory


State Shooting Sports Schedule


Click on the link below to see what shooting sports events are available - registration links included in the document. (updated on 1/20)

 

Scholarship & Grant Information

2026 Ravalli County 4-H Education Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st, 2026

2026 MSGA Scholarship Information

Deadline May 1st, 2026

BCD Vogt Memorial Scholarship Information

Deadline April 21st, 2026

4-H SENTENCE GRANTS

Soroptimist International Scholarships

 

Air Pistol Project Information

 
 

Market Beef Project Members

 

Dear Ravalli County 4-H & FFA Beef Families,


Thank you for your participation in this year’s Beef Project and for attending weigh-ins earlier this season. As we prepare for the 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale, we are implementing a new system this year, the Showman App - to manage exhibitor entries and sale information.


Action Required


All beef exhibitors must complete their registration in Showman and enter their project(s). Please note that registration in Showman does not replace Fair Entries. All exhibitors will still have to enter their project(s) through the Ravalli County Fairgrounds ShoWorks platform. 

Register here: https://showman.app/shows#/ravalli-county-fair-4-h-livestock-eb56/


Please complete all entries by May 15th.


What to Do

  • Log into or create your Showman account
  • Add your exhibitor profile
  • Enter your market beef project(s)
  • Review all information for accuracy

Online Add-On Opportunity

Once your exhibitor profile and projects are entered, you can begin collecting online add-ons immediately. Add-ons will be distributed after the 2026 Livestock Sale and only to exhibitors that are eligible to sell a market animal. Add-ons given for exhibitors who do not sell in the Livestock Sale will be returned to the donor.


Add-ons are additional financial contributions made by supporters to recognize your hard work and help offset the cost of your project. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with friends, family, local businesses, and community members who may not be able to attend the sale in person but still want to support you.


We strongly encourage exhibitors to actively promote their project and the Ravalli County 4-H & FFA Livestock sale by sharing their add-on link. Many exhibitors find that consistent outreach significantly increases their overall sale earnings. Remember to always sincerely thank supporters for their time and donation.


Add-ons can be made here:

https://showman.app/auctions/event/711f1f58-1cc5-11f1-af99-0eb8c56ff0c3/add-ons


Need Help Getting Started?

Creating a Showman account:

https://vimeo.com/330909150?fl=pl&fe=cm

Creating an entry:

https://vimeo.com/330855654?fl=pl&fe=cm


Note: Families only need one account. Multiple exhibitors and animals can be added within that account.


Questions


Kayla Binder

Livestock Sale Administrator

kaylabinder715@gmail.com


Thank you for your prompt attention to this and for supporting a successful livestock sale.



Ravalli County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Committee

 

Beef Breeding Project Meeting

 
 

Cloverbud Meeting

 
 

Dog Project Updates

 
 

Horse Project Meetings

 
 

Poultry Project Meeting

 
 

Rabbit Project Meeting

 
 

Teen Council Meeting

 
 

Sophie Kolb

MSU Extension Agent

4-H Youth Development

sophie.kolb@montana.edu


Kimberly Richardson

MSU Extension Agent

Agriculture, Horticulture and Natural Resources

kimberly.richardson@montana.edu


Taylor Edmunds

Administrative Assistant

tedmunds@rc.mt.gov

MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office

215 S. 4th Street, Ste G
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: 406.375.6611

Connect on Facebook:
 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Director of Extension, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.