Mother Nature Doesn't Stop Ag Day

As spring was welcomed with open arms and brooms standing solo in the kitchens, the rush to exchange seasons lasted less time than it took to brush the cobwebs off the screen door. Montana's winter season swung back around and dumped moisture across the state, and did not forget to visit Phillips County. The eager beavers found themselves swapping out flip flops and jogging shorts to locating the kids' winter caps and gloves again.

It was a sure sign spring is here...the storm was just Mother Nature's way of saying don't forget who's boss...don't forget me!

Still, the 2024 Ag Day went on as planned, minus quite a few ranchers and farmers who were tending to new baby calves and lambs, in pens, in jugs, or in the porch.

Hosted by the Phillips County CattleWomen, the last big "hurrah" before spring work and chores take the upper hand has continued now through its third generation. Ag Day is the opportunity for the businesses involved with those who work hand in hand with the daily life on a farm or ranch to take a quick breath and visit and share what is new in their particular field.

Taylor French, President of the CattleWomen, was pleased with the results. "We had a nice turnout. The judges awarded first prize in the pie contest to Mardy Demarais (peach), second prize to Julie Moore (banana cream/coconut) and third to Kayla Warren (rhubarb/berry). The top four pies were auctioned off, I think the highest selling pie was the rhubarb.

We really had a creative group of cupcake entries this year, which I thought that was more than remarkable. The kids did an outstanding job." She said the priority for the event is keeping the Ag Day and the burger feed (Firemen) together, "...it's just such a great tradition."

Phillips County Extension Agent Christina Murphy assisted with the table assignment and vendor/business registration. "I spoke to quite a few of the vendors and visitors and everyone was ecstatic at the turnout. They were happy with the variety of the vendors and stuff given away.

Everyone mentioned how important it is to keep our event next to the fire hall and really encompass the community aspect. I must agree with the community of keeping these two events together because if they are separate then both the entities lose community support and that's what this event is about...doing something for the community, as well as advocating and appreciating those in agriculture. They felt as though they were able to enjoy it more since they were located across the street from each other."

Murphy said, "We had 32 vendors and a good number of public visitors."

Tables, easels, and displays sat atop the tarp-covered floor at the City Hall on Friday, and with the opening and closing of each door, the aroma of fried beef burgers, glazed onions, and baked country beans drifted through the air. That aroma originated at the City Hall where the men from the Volunteer Fire Department were showing their culinary skills at one of their annual fund-raiser. In addition to burgers, they prepared fish, had cheese slices to top the burgers and served the homemade buns prepared by the Malta School Lunch Ladies. Of course, the coffee was hot and the lemonade was cold.

And...the best part for the farmers and ranchers...neither they nor their wives had to do dishes. Could one ask for a better lunch?

Ag Day was also a day of promotion for businesses and there were many who offered door prize drawings, guessing the money or jelly bean count, and we can't overlook what draws a good portion of the crowd to the event....the handouts, freebies, pens, pencils, yard sticks, cattle sorting sticks, Frisbees, mugs, water containers, caps, note books, bags, squeeze stress relaxers, back scratchers, and visitors were elated.

With the closing of the gym doors when the lights went off, Ag Day 2024 ended with some energy and thoughts as well as plans for next year; after all...this is 'next year country' and a progressive community with much going for itself doesn't sit idle. See you at Ag Day 2025, the date will be determined in the spring.