MT 43 News Articles View a Published Article

31 Years of Agriculture at Townsend Elementary
Author: Lisa Larson

Lisa Larson

It all began on a blustery February day nearly 31 years ago when Oklahoma State University (OSU) sent out a “feeler letter” to schools across the country. The letter sought teachers and schools interested in piloting an agriculturally based food and fiber curriculum—one that would be fully funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Lisa Larson, a brand-new teacher at Townsend Elementary, received that letter. Raised on a local farm and ranch, Lisa had a deep-rooted belief in the importance of agriculture and its role in our communities. Recognizing the growing disconnect between students and the agricultural industry, she approached her principal with a bold request: say yes.

After discussions with professors from OSU and Montana State University, Townsend Elementary was selected as a pilot school and awarded a $10,000 grant to get started. And so began our school’s long-standing commitment to agricultural education.

Though the original grant has long since run out, the passion behind the project never has. Thanks to the ongoing support of local farmers, ranchers, and businesses, this meaningful program continues to thrive. For 31 years, Townsend Elementary has remained dedicated to bringing accurate, engaging agricultural education to our PK-5 students.

While National Ag Week is officially celebrated in March, Montana’s unpredictable spring weather led our teachers to shift the celebration to the last week of May. What started as a half-day event has grown into a full day of hands-on learning and fun, all focused on agriculture.

Over the years, students have explored a wide range of topics: the lumber industry, dairy animals, grains, goats, mining, beef, aviation, horseshoeing, and more. They’ve learned how to make bread and ice cream, studied ATV safety, and discovered the many careers available in agriculture.

One memorable year, the famed PBR funnyman, Flint Rasmussen, even made a surprise visit! Miss Rodeo Montana has also made a few appearances over the years.

This year, our presenters came from near and far—from local volunteers to guests from Great Falls. We welcomed students and instructors from both Broadwater and Three Forks FFA programs. Under the guidance of Jemma Loughrey and Tyler Noyes, this marked the third year of a continuing collaboration between the two FFA chapters.

The 2026 Ag Day celebration featured a wide range of sessions:

● Vigilante Electric discussed electrical safety.

● Broadwater Extension taught a lesson on gardening and plant health.

● Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks introduced information on the pelts and lives of different fish and how to identify them.

● FFA students presented on beef, cattle and vaccination, farm equipment, drone usage, horses, sheep, goats, soil textures, line dancing, poultry.

● Cooking sessions highlighted the "Harvest of the Month" using chickpeas.

● Lauren Reiser shared her expertise on horses, their needs to stay healthy and lots of fun facts.

● Broadwater Farm Bureau returned to lead ATV safety lessons.

● Tyler Noyes taught students about the parts of plants, erosion, and the needs of plants in order to produce a thriving crop.

● Montana Farmers Union introduced a hands-on lesson using soils of different types.

● Jacobs Livestock & Shane Moran brought the energy with a thrilling bareback riding and saddle bronc riding showcase—complete with the loudest cheering section around!

● Samantha Ferret shared a great lesson on the digestive system of a cow.

● Broadwater Conservation District taught the students how to paint with different soils and water.

The partnership with Three Forks FFA was again a resounding success, with their students eager to learn from Townsend’s event in preparation for continuing to produce their own Ag Day celebration. We’re excited about what the future holds for this collaboration and deeply thankful to Mr. Noyes and Mrs. Loughery and all the students who made this event possible.

As the sun held out for our 31st year (maybe a little too much), students walked away with new knowledge, lasting memories, and a greater appreciation for the role agriculture plays in our lives. We look forward to many more years of sharing the story of agriculture with the next generation.