Mineral County MSU Extension Office

03/13/2026

Quick update: The Pig Skin & Hair Workshop that Emma was planning to hold this weekend has been postponed due to the Winter Storm. The workshop will now take place next weekend on the 21st, with the Show Day Workshop.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

One of our senior 4-H members, Emma, will be hosting a pig workshop series with four different workshop days. She’s excited to work with others and share some helpful, hands-on tips for raising market and show pigs.

These workshops are open to 4-H swine members and those interested in the 4-H Swine project. Dates and times can be found on flyer below

Where: Mineral County Fairgrounds
700 5th Ave E, Superior, MT 59872.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Mineral County MSU Extension Office.

03/12/2026

Can't think of a more deserving individual to honor.

McCoy graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in 1967 and a master’s degree in 1972.

03/10/2026

Take steps to prepare, just in case.

Heads up, western Montana! 🌬️ Damaging west winds are looking possible from Wednesday night through Thursday. We're forecasting gusts of 50-70 mph across our primary area of concern.

The mountains have an 80% chance of experiencing gusts exceeding 70 mph. In the valleys, there is a 40-70% chance of gusts over 50 mph. Even though the chance of 70 mph winds in the valleys is lower, the potential damage if they do occur is severe enough that you should prepare now.

Primary threats include falling trees and branches, potential power outages, dangerous travel for high-profile vehicles, and blizzard conditions in the backcountry. Please take time to secure loose outdoor items, avoid parking under large trees, and charge your devices in case of power loss.

03/10/2026

Free Dementia Education Drop-in Event Coming to Thompson Falls and open to all community members, caregivers, and professionals.

This event at the Thompson Falls Senior Center aims to help community members better understand dementia and caregiving.
Topics include: • What Dementia Is and How it Affects Individuals • Early Warning Signs of Memory Loss • How Dementia is Detected and Diagnosed • What to Expect After a Diagnosis • Strategies for Living Well with Dementia • Effective Communication with People Experiencing Memory Loss

Thursday, April 9, 2026 Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Drop-in event: any time between these hours)

03/09/2026

Horticulture experts are concerned about insect populations fluctuating amid unusually warm winter weather.

03/01/2026

Jane Mangold, MSU Extension invasive plant specialist, was featured on the War Against Weeds podcast. Learn why the invasive grasses cheatgrass and ventenata are thriving in Montana, and what tools land managers can use to manage the spread:
https://waragainstw**ds.libsyn.com/

03/01/2026

It is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. By taking some basic care, people can greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that they love. Here’s how:

1. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft, trailers, and equipment when boating or fishing. Comply with watercraft inspection and decontamination requirements.
2. Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear in between outings.
3. Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways.
4. Buy firewood near where you’ll burn it, or gather on site when permitted.
5. Buy forage, hay, gravel, and mulch that are certified as “w**d-free.”

Report invasive species or anything out of the ordinary using an app like iNaturalist or by contacting the local w**d district, MSU Extension office, or agency personnel.

02/24/2026

Remember, they're general guidelines. Local microclimates can vary greatly over just a short area.

Montana has eight distinct USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. Our lowest zone is a 3a and is in found in northern Montana while our highest is a 6b and can be found in the far west.
Plant hardiness zones are based on the average lowest temperatures over the last 30 years. It does not necessarily reflect the coldest weather events ever recorded. Extreme weather events can cause damage to plants that are zoned correctly. The zones range from zone 1 (coldest) to zone 13 (warmest).
All Plant Hardiness Zone Maps should serve as general guides for growing perennial plants.
To find out your exact plant hardiness zone follow this link and enter your ZIP code in the search box https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

02/23/2026

02/12/2026

Join Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension estate planning specialist, for an engaging discussion on revocable trusts during AARP's Webinar Wednesdays Live Event Series on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. Discover how revocable trusts can benefit certain estate planning situations, and learn why they may not be suitable for everyone. To register: https://aarp.cventevents.com/event/ec43f840-43e4-4346-9775-dad7d923f02a/regProcessStep1

02/03/2026

High pressure building over the Northern Rockies this week will result in warmer-than-normal daytime high temperatures. The forecast on Thursday is for temperatures to exceed or tie the historical record at three of our four official climate sites with long periods of record.