Montague County

AgriLife Extension Service Office

A Place to Grow

Montague County isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life. From thriving cattle ranches to peaceful wildlife habitats, the county offers opportunities for agriculture, recreation, and community engagement. Whether you’re planting roots or passing through, Montague County welcomes you with open skies and open arms.

Montague County, Texas: Agriculture, Wildlife, and Extension Services

Montague County, located in north-central Texas, is a region rich in agricultural heritage and natural resources. The county’s economy is strongly supported by cattle production, with cow-calf and stocker operations thriving across its expansive pasturelands. In 2022, livestock and related products made up 81% of agricultural sales, totaling over $50 million. Complementing this is a robust hay industry, producing Bermudagrass and other varieties that generated $5 million in cash receipts in 2023.

The county’s diverse ecosystems—spanning the North Central Prairie, West Cross Timbers, and Grand Prairie—support abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, dove, and migratory birds. Wildlife management is actively practiced, with landowners participating in conservation programs that enhance habitat and biodiversity.

Land ownership in Montague County is a mix of small and large holdings, with over 22,000 parcel records and a median land value of $13,532 per acre. Farms average 283 acres, and many are family-operated, reflecting the county’s deep agricultural roots.

The Montague County AgriLife Extension Office, part of the statewide Texas A&M AgriLife network, provides research-based education and outreach tailored to local needs. Through a team of dedicated professionals, including County Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, and Family & Community Health, the office offers:

🐄 Agriculture & Natural Resources

Livestock and forage management
Pasture improvement and soil conservation
Wildlife habitat planning
Landowner education and ranch management workshops

🍀 4-H Youth Development

Leadership and citizenship programs
Livestock and ag mechanics projects
S.T.E.M., food & nutrition, and public speaking
Montague County Youth Fair and educational contests

🏡 Family & Community Health

Nutrition and wellness education
Chronic disease prevention
Food safety and healthy cooking
Family financial literacy

The Extension Service acts as a vital resource for farmers, ranchers, youth, families, and landowners, helping them make informed decisions and improve their quality of life. Whether you’re managing a ranch, raising a 4-H project, or seeking health and wellness guidance, the Montague County Extension team is here to support you.

Resources Available in Montague County

AgriLife Extension offers key programs across the state that are organized and supported at the county level. Click the links below for more information about local programming or contact your county office.

Major Show Entries

It is that time to get ready to enter the majors for this spring. Here are details for each of the shows, some are online entry that the parents can do and some may have to bring paperwork by the office. Please be aware of each show and how they are handled. The show deadlines vary some, but the main thing is to have them done by the deadline I send due to us having to have a County 4-H Check made out and sent off, before the deadline.

Make sure you have completed or have your Quality Counts number before entering or bringing your paperwork to me. https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/contactsupport/other-faq/quality-counts

Fort Worth – January 17 – February 7
Due to Office – November 12^th
Schedule – https://www.fwssr.com/events/livestock-show
Books – https://www.fwssr.com/p/livestock-shows/livestock-premium-list
Rabbits/Poultry – https://www.fwssr.com/p/livestock-shows/ppr-premium-list (entries are due later and don’t have to be entered through my office, Deadline December 15^th)
Entry forms – https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=FortWorthStockShow&f=AST-CEA_Entry_Worksheet_Final.pdf&cb=aab8ec08
Must fill out the above form and an Exhibitor Agreement form – https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=FortWorthStockShow&f=2026_Open_PPR_Exhibitor_Agreement_2_Fillable(3).pdf&cb=3F150ED9
Let me know if you have Stall Requests so I can fill out a form if you would like to be stalled with another school/county.

San Antonio – February 10 – March 1
Forms to my office – November 20^th
Look under “Important Forms” to find what I need
- Jr Show Agreement form
- Jr Show Entry form
Forms I need, if you decide not to enter yourself on the Exhibitor Portal by November 20
All information about show – https://www.sarodeo.com/p/competitive-events

San Angelo – February 5 – 22^nd
- Due to my office by November 20^th
- All information about show and entry forms – https://www.sanangelorodeo.com/p/livestock1/entries-premiumbook
- Jr Entry form
Houston – March 2 – 22^nd
- Due to my office by November 20^th
- All information about show and entry forms – https://www.rodeohouston.com/exhibitors-contestants/livestock-show/
- Entry form – 6 page entry form filled out
Rodeo Austin – March 11-28^th
- Due to my office by November 20^th
- Entry forms – https://rodeoaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Junior-Livestock-Show-Entry-Worksheet.pdf
- Entry Form – 5 page entry form to fill out