In addition, efforts to enhance protective factors and eliminate the risk factors for youth were recognized as the best long-term approach for youth education and youth development. While the 4-H program is recognized for providing life skill education and working in the area of prevention, more youth would benefit from involvement. Currently, nearly 11,000 youth are in the club program and 20,000 youth participate in non-club educational activities. More youth could be reached through after-school programs and other innovative projects. Montanans' average wage levels are lowest in the nation, while the number of people working more than one job ranks first.
Extension can work with other agencies to help with job skill training.
A statewide survey revealed that the public cares about environmental issues at many levels-air and water quality, soils, rangelands, forests, wildlife and multiple use of public lands. Prominent among the issues raised were concerns about coping with environmental regulations. Because of an underlying desire to care for Montana's natural resources, the Extension Service must provide to families at home and on farms and ranches and to small businesses information and programs that help them care for the land, water and air while using the resources that are essential for Montana's economic future and that allow traditional lifestyles to continue. The Vision 2005 Task Force on Agriculture and the MSU Extension Service Strategic Planning Committee identified value-added strategies and technology transfer needs as top priorities for the upcoming years. When agricultural commodity prices decline, the importance of adding value to crop and livestock products and increasing net returns becomes imperative.