Resident urges Cascade County to continue funding MSU Extension services

Mariana Dean, a Cascade County resident, urged the commission to continue funding Montana State University Extension services, saying the programs provide research-based education for producers, families and youth. "Montana State University Extension provides unbiased research based education in various formats, often at no cost to the recipient," Dean said, and asked the commission to sustain its funding share because the value of extension services exceeds their cost.

Dean cited benefits including support for agricultural producers, family consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development programs. She offered to provide additional materials to the commission and asked that the county recognize the extension's role in local agricultural and community education.