T&C Supports Youth With More Than $41,000 Across Six Montana Fairs
At Town & Country, we believe in the future of agriculture – and we believe in our young people. That’s why we purchase their animals at fairs, sponsor their youth groups, and provide scholarships year after year.
Teams of Town & Country staff attended six fairs across the region to support local 4-H and FFA members this year. We are honored to have supported youth in fairs across the region for more than 42 years.
Wyatt Downs
Parent: Justin Downs
Age: 16
Hometown: Molt
County: Stillwater
4-H Club: Broadview Homesteaders
Years in 4-H: 5
4-H Projects: I am currently taking two Yorkshire market pigs.
Animal’s Name: Bacon
Bacon’s Weight: 285 lbs
About Bacon: She is a pink Yorkshire sow who gained weight well. She had a short, stocky build.
4-H Experience: My 4-H experience has been good, as I’ve learned how to raise healthy and productive meat pigs every year and then sell them. 4-H is important to me because I am given a platform to sell my pigs and I get a good, real-world experience.
T&C’s Impact: T&C bought at the best price that I have ever sold a pig for at the fair, allowing me to make money on my pig this year instead of just breaking even.
Jon Morgan
Parents: Steve & Kari Morgan
Age: 11
Hometown: Fromberg
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Fromberg Go-Getters
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: Market Beef
Animal’s Name: Peppy
Peppy’s Weight: 1262 lbs
About Peppy: Peppy was a home raised Sim Angus Steer. He was pretty gentle. He always ate well, so he finished out well.
4-H Experience: I really enjoy showing steers. There is a lot of daily hard work that goes into showing.
T&C’s Impact: Thank you for your support, Town & Country. I will use the add-on to purchase feed for next year’s project.
Mandy Steiger
Parents: Rhonda Hergenrider & Cliff Steiger
Age: 15
Hometown: Bridger
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Foxie
Years in 4-H: 6
4-H Projects: My 4-H project was market swine. I have a market beef for FFA.
Animal’s Name: Franklin Deleno Roosevelt Mortemore Ransford Libby the third. aka Todd
Todd’s Weight: 1130 lbs
About Todd: During the first weigh-in, he was 770 lbs. He finished at 1130 lbs. I fed him silage and hay and slowly increased the grain amounts. I later decreased silage and added hay. He was a sweet steer, all things considered. He was a black angus Hereford cross, raised on my very own family ranch near Bridger.
4-H Experience: I think my 4-H experience has something to do with personal development. Ever since I was little, I have always been shy and it was hard for me to make friends. Through 4-H, I have become more social, made friends, and have increased my leadership skills.
T&C’s Impact: I feel very honored that a local company would come up and buy my animal.
Courtlyn Robertus
Parent: Allyson Robertus
Age: 14
Hometown: Molt
County: Stillwater
4-H Club: Molt Happy Helpers
Years in 4-H: 7
4-H Projects: Breeding beef, breeding sheep, market sheep
Animal’s Name: Cy
Cy’s Weight: 143 lbs
About Cy: Cy was fed Payback® feed from Town & Country. It has made .77 pounds per day in gains.
4-H Experience: 4-H is such an amazing program for kids. I have grown so much in my communication, leadership, and public speaking through all these years. 4-H has made me the person I am today, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Thank you for all the amazing memories over the years and all the friends I have made.
T&C’s Impact: Town & Country has made such an amazing impact on my 4-H career. T&C buying my lamb gives me the opportunity to save for college and continue growing my herd. I cannot thank Town & Country enough for all the support they have shown me over the years. It’s businesses like them that help 4-H not only survive but thrive.
Maci Vogel
Parents: Adam & Edie Vogel
Age: 10
Hometown: Ballantine
County: Yellowstone
4-H Club: Worden Riverdale
Years in 4-H: 2
4-H Projects: Market Swine, Sewing, Baking
Animal’s Name: Spring
Spring’s Weight: 232 lbs
About Spring: Spring was born in February. I brought her home at the end of March. I fed her twice a day, and walked her almost every day. She was a Hampshire/Yorkshire cross and came from my gilt last year. I was excited to have a piglet from my first year’s project. I worked with my brother and dad to track her feed and get her to weight by fair. This year I earned a blue ribbon in showmanship.
4-H Experience: 4-H is very important because it teaches you good life lessons and things you need to work on. 4-H helps me to raise money for my future. I have learned to be responsible and take care of my livestock. I have learned a lot about market hogs, how to feed them and keep them healthy.
T&C’s Impact: I am thankful Town & Country purchased my pig. I am saving most of my money for my future, but will use some to purchase pigs next year. I appreciate the support T&C gave me in my 4-H project.
Kasen Fauth
Parents: KJ & Lindsay Fauth
Age: 11
Hometown: Lavina
County: Golden Valley
4-H Club: Peppy
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: This year I took two market lambs. I am planning on taking a market steer next year!
Animals’ Names: My two lambs’ names were Ivan Drago and Clubber Lang.
Animals’ Weight: 128 lbs & 112 lbs
About Ivan and Clubber: Both of my lambs loved to eat their alfalfa and grain. I fed them twice a day and walked them at least twice a day for 30 minutes to an hour each time. They were very friendly and always followed me around when I was down doing my barn chores. It is always hard to sell them after working with them for so long and building a relationship with them.
4-H Experience: This is my 4th year with the Peppy 4-H Club. I feel 4-H is a great thing, as it helps with public speaking, organization, and teaches responsibility. This year I took two market lambs. We do a lot of community service, such as baking and decorating cookies for the senior citizens, as well as highway cleanup at least twice a year.
T&C’s Impact: I am very thankful for the support that Town & Country has shown not just me, but all the 4-H kids. We get a lot of our animal health vaccines and feed from them and appreciate their continued support!
Ruby Bekkedahl
Parents: Wendy & Ross Bekkedahl
Age: 12
Hometown: Laurel
County: Yellowstone
4-H Club: Hesper Hustlers
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: Horse; Pig
Animal’s Name: Phil
Phil Weight: 283 lbs
About Phil: Phil was a character. I can’t say I will miss him, but I can’t say I won’t either. He was a pill when it came to feeding him, but he was a sweetheart when it came to scratching him. He especially loved having his stomach scratched and would flop over immediately. Although I will not miss him as much as my other pig, he will still be in my heart.
4-H Experience: My 4-H experiences have been unique thus far. I have learned what to feed my pigs when they need to drop their bellies, and I even learned that watering down their food forces them to drink water so they don’t get dehydrated. I have also learned that there is more to 4-H than meets the eye. Most people think you raise an animal and sell it, but it’s more than that! You are getting to know this animal, feeding and watering this animal, and forming a bond with it. When it comes time to sell, most people don’t want to. 4-H is very important to me. I don’t know what I would do without it!
T&C’s Impact: I am very blessed to have Town & Country buy my animal because they really went above and beyond this 4-H year. By buying my animal, they have helped my college fund tremendously. Town & Country has generously donated to 4-H kids each year and I am so grateful that I got to be one this year.
Addison Vogel
Parents: Matt & Teddi Vogel
Age: 9
Hometown: Ballantine
County: Yellowstone
4-H Club: Worden Riverdale
Years in 4-H: 2
4-H Projects: Market lambs; cake decorating; wood working
Animals’ Names: Tuff and Cody
Animals’ Weights: 129 lbs & 126 lbs
About Tuff & Cody: Tuff was really friendly and liked to chew on everything he could get his mouth on. Cody was really sweet, but she hated being caught.
4-H Experience: I like 4-H because I have lots of friends in it and I get to meet new friends. I also like to learn about animals and take care of them.
T&C’s Impact: I want to thank Town and Country for buying my lamb, Tuff. We do a lot of business with them for our farm and I am glad they come to the sale and support us, too.
Colton Thompson
Parent: Meagan Thompson
Age: 12
Hometown: Joliet
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Boyd Bandits
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: Market goat, breeding market goat, rabbits, and livestock judging
Animal’s Name: 66
66’s Weight: 95 lbs
About 66: He was the best, kindest, and my favorite market goat. He wasn’t always cooperative and drug me 10 feet at fair. I spent the most time working with this goat to get him ready for the fair.
4-H Experience: I like 4-H as it is fun! I’ve learned a lot about raising goats.
T&C’s Impact: By purchasing 66 from me, I can buy more goats for my breeding project. I also can buy new show supplies for next year’s fair, like a shampoo foamer.
Delaney Bauwens
Parents: Doug & Michaela Tucker
Age: 18
Hometown: Edgar
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Fromberg Go-Getters
Years in 4-H: 11
4-H Experience: 4-H and FFA have had a huge impact on my life. I’ve been in 4-H for 11 years and FFA for 5. I graduated this year from Joliet High School and will be attending MSU Bozeman in the fall to study Agriculture Education, which was heavily influenced by my 4-H and FFA involvement.
4-H Projects: Market Swine
Animal’s Name: Bandit
Bandit’s Weight: 285 lbs
About Bandit: He is a Hampshire cross. I was really happy with how he finished. We made the final drive in judging, earning a blue ribbon. He also showed really well for me. We made the final drive also in showmanship, earning 5th place.
T&C’s Impact: I want to say thank you to Town & Country Supply for purchasing my market swine this year. With this being my last year and college in my future, the money will help further my education and future in agriculture.
Rachel DeVries
Parent: Randy DeVries
Age: 14
Hometown: Roberts
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Rock Creek Ranchers
Years in 4-H: 6
4-H Projects: Swine, sewing, baking, photography
Animal’s Name: Walter
Walter’s Weight: 249 lbs
About Walter: Walter was a Yorkshire Cross Barrow who was born in March. He was a sweet pig who loved belly scratches. He was only 25 lbs when I got him so he had to eat a lot to get up to weight. This is my second year raising a pig and I have enjoyed getting to learn about how to care for them.
4-H Experience: 4-H has been a wonderful experience for me. It has helped me become more confident in myself. I have learned a lot while trying different projects in 4-H and making new friends.
T&C’s Impact: I am very thankful to Town & County for purchasing my pig. I plan to continue to take swine to fair and having the support of Town & County helps me to be able to get other pigs in the upcoming years.
Wyatt Hess
Parent: Nicole Hess
Age: 14
Hometown: Park City
County: Stillwater
4-H Club: Park City Wranglers
Years in 4-H: 7
4-H Projects: Poultry, Breeding Beef, Dairy Goat, Market Goat
Animal’s Name: Papaya
Papaya’s Weight: 56 lbs
About Papaya: Papaya trained to walk very easily this year. Like most boer goats, he was silly and friendly!
4-H Experience: I love my animals and 4-H gives me the chance to exhibit them! My siblings and I get so much out of this organization and we love helping younger members.
T&C’s Impact: Town & Country has purchased my animals for a few years. I appreciate their support, especially since we buy their feed. Having buyers that come to our sales is so important because without them, I couldn’t continue showing goats. The money I earn will go toward buying my first car and then toward college.
Luke Bunting
Parents: Brad & Amy Bunting
Age: 15
Hometown: Molt
County Fair: Stillwater
FFA Chapter: Broadview FFA
Years in FFA: 2
FFA Projects: Market steer and swine
Animal’s Name: Pepè
Pepè’s Weight: 1280 lbs
About Pepè: My steer is an Angus Hereford cross. I got my steer on December 31 and fed him twice a day until I sold him.
FFA Experience: FFA has been a great experience for me. It has helped me learn so much about agriculture.
T&C’s Impact: Town & Country has impacted me though the purchase of my animal by helping me to have money to put towards my future.
Isabella Walter-Beckman
Parent: Alese Beckman
Age: 13
Hometown: Edgar
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Fromberg Go-Getters
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: Market swine and crochet
Animal’s Name: Bingo
Bingo’s Weight: 323 lbs
About Bingo: Bingo is a BIG boy. He was the heaviest pig at the fair. He was a very nice-looking pig, very muscular, and broad. He was first in the heavy weight class and was called back for the final drive. He has the best personality, more like a dog than a pig. He was so excited every morning when I’d come to feed him and would greet me at the gate.
4-H Experience: 4-H is important to me because I am able to participate in things that I wouldn’t even know existed without it. I have learned the proper way to conduct a meeting, sell items at a bake sale, participate in community service, and most importantly, how to raise and sell an animal. I’ve learned that it takes money to make money. Feeding your animal is not free and it takes work to train them, but you make up for it in the end. It has also helped me overcome some fears of feeling like the spotlight is on me while in interviews and the show arena. I have made lifelong friends that I would not even know if it wasn’t for 4-H.
T&C’s Impact: I appreciate Town & Country purchasing my pig so much. It means a lot to me that these guys took time out of their weekend to come to the fair and hang out in the sale arena all day and pick my pig! I also think it’s really cool that the same guys I see driving the big sprayers in Edgar are the ones supporting me at the 4-H fair.
Chase Asay
Parents: Matthew & Kellie Asay
Age: 11
Hometown: Hysham
County: Treasure
4-H Club: CB&R
Years in 4-H: 3
4-H Projects: Market hog
Animal’s Name: Cody
Cody’s Weight: 227 lbs
About Cody: Cody was a Berkshire guilt that we purchased from a farm in Kansas. (My mom had a 4-H friend from her childhood who now raises market hogs.) Cody loved her belly and back scratched, as well as her stall partner, Sally. They equally loved the water pool that I made for them with the help of my grandpa. They had a lot of fun.
4-H Experience: 4-H has been a lot of fun, and taught me a lot of things. I’m glad I chose a market hog project. It was fun getting to know my pig and all of the necessary skills to care for and grow my pig.
T&C’s Impact: Town & Country Supply’s support is very meaningful to me since this was my first year selling a hog, not knowing what to expect. I wasn’t sure if anyone would buy my pig and with your support, I am able to now invest in a project and feed for next year. My goal is to also save money for my first car and future education. I hope to have your support next year.
Will Nedens
Parents: Brett & Holly Nedens
Age: 16
Hometown: Hardin
County: Big Horn
4-H Club: Big Horn 89’ers
Years in 4-H: 4
4-H Projects: Market Swine, Market Beef
Animal’s Name: Jamal
Jamal’s Weight: 1230 lbs
About Jamal: My steer was a black angus with a great disposition.
4-H Experience: I enjoy learning about and working with my animals. The time I spend caring for them and the memories of each animal are special to me.
T&C’s Impact: I greatly appreciate Town & Country and all the buyers at the Big Horn County Youth and Open Fair. It’s fun to show our animals and all the hard work we put into them. It’s also a huge blessing to have the support of so many. All the preparation and work that goes into making the fair possible is greatly appreciated.
Leo Schmaus
Parent: Suzanne Schmaus
Age: 13
Hometown: Hardin
County: Big Horn
4-H Club: Community Hustlers
Years in 4-H: 5
4-H Projects: Air gun, shot gun, archery, 22cal, swine, rabbit, sheep
Animal’s Name: Bob
Bob’s Weight: 144 lbs
About Bob: I purchased my lamb from Anne Allen. My lamb is a Suffolk/Hampshire cross. I fed my lamb alfalfa and Payback® feed. I worked with my lamb every day.
4-H Experience: 4-H is helping me learn life skills that can continue to use through my adulthood: community service, talking in front of people, and knowledge on raising animals and taking care of them.
T&C’s Impact: By purchasing my animal, it allows me to continue to take animals next year and also save money for the future.
Hattie Myhre
Parents: Justin & Kristy Myhre
Age: 13
Hometown: Custer
County: Big Horn
4-H Club: Peg Away
Years in 4-H: 5
4-H Projects: pig, sheep, goat
Animal’s Name: Raven
Raven’s Weight: 118 lbs
About Raven: The animal I showed was one that my family has raised. I was second in my weight class and third overall.
4-H Experience: I live on a ranch, so I have experience with animals and hard work. I go to jackpots a lot, so I get a lot of practice. 4-H is important to me because I have learned a lot of responsibility and how to manage my money.
T&C’s Impact: They have impacted me by helping me expand my goats and pay for feed.
Cash Shick
Parents: Tim & Julie Shick
Age: 17
Hometown: Lodge Grass
County: Big Horn
4-H Club: Little Horn Beef Rustlers
Years in 4-H: 8
4-H Project: Swine
Animal’s Name: Spade
Spade’s Weight: 301 lbs
About Spade: He was a pig I raised through my swine breeding program.
4-H Experience: I have been a 4-H member since I was 6 as a Cloverbud until now. I have taken Market Beef and Market Swine every year and have always taken animals that I raised myself. 4-H is a great program for any youth, not just Ag Raised Kids. I have enjoyed the friends I have made, the projects I have taken, and the lifelong skills that 4-H has taught me over the years.
T&C’s Impact: I appreciate Town & Country supporting the Big Horn County Youth & Open Fair, as well as purchasing my pig this year. Their support of the youth of this county is greatly appreciated.
Connor McCandless
Parent: Rachael Seitz
Age: 13
Hometown: Broadview
County: Stillwater
FFA Chapter: Broadview Homesteaders
Years in FFA: 2
Projects: Air Rifle shooting sports, market swine
Animal’s Name: Porky and Ham
Henry’s Weight: 245 lbs
About Animals: The pigs are a lot of fun. They are actually very smart animals that learn very quickly. They enjoy playing and soaking in the mud.
4-H Experience: 4-H has been a great learning experience for me. It has taught me lots of responsibilities and the importance of finishing projects.
T&C’s Impact: My pigs were not as heavy as I would have liked them to be. I think it’s because they were able to run in a large area and play frequently. It was a wonderful relief that Town & Country was at the sale and bought my pig. It was very nice seeing someone I knew there to support me and offer such a great price per pound.
Paul Bergin
Parents: Jennifer & Bill Bergin
Age: 18
Hometown: Melstone
County: Rosebud/Treasure
FFA Chapter: Melstone FFA
Years in FFA: 5
Projects: Sheep; Pig
Animal’s Name: Henry
Henry’s Weight: 143 lbs
About Henry: I really enjoyed working with Henry this year. I spent a lot of time with him each day to try and get him to a point where I know he would do well. I ended up taking 1st in showmanship with him and 2nd in market. I am going to miss him quite a bit. He was different than some of the sheep I have taken in the past and was extremely friendly. I hope next year I can find another sheep like him.
FFA Experience: I started showing animals for FFA in 2020 as a beginning to my SAE. I took animals to Montana Fair and had a great time. I took a sheep to the Rosebud/Treasure County Fair in 2022 and in 2023 I took a sheep and a pig. FFA has turned me into the great leader that I am today. I have learned so many great life skills that I will use from now on.
T&C’s Impact: Thank you so much for buying my sheep, Henry. I really appreciate the support Town & County has shown for me all throughout high school and this is definitely going to help me pay for college. Thank you so much!
Kasen Krook
Parents: Kraig & Christie Krook
Age: 15
Hometown: Boyd
County: Carbon
4-H Club: Boyd Bandits
Years in 4-H: 8
4-H Projects: Market beef for 4-H and market swine for Joliet FFA
Animal’s Name: Spider Man
Spider Man’s Weight: 1390 lbs
About Spider Man: My black angus steer was home raised from my family’s herd.
4-H Experience: 4-H and FFA are great experiences.
T&C’s Impact: Thanks to Town & Country and many other buyers, our county fair is a huge success.
