28 Years of Agriculture at Townsend Elementary
Author: Lisa Larson, Townsend Schools
28 Years of Agriculture at Townsend Elementary Lisa Larson Townsend Schools It all began on a blustery February day about 29 years ago because OSU (Oklahoma State University) sent out a ”feeler letter” to a wet-behind-the-ears teacher here in Townsend along with other school teachers in other areas across the United States. The letter asked for interested schools and teachers to pilot an agriculturally based food and fiber curriculum.
This pilot would be fully funded by the W.K. Kellogg Corporation. Lisa Larson was the wet-behind-the-ears teacher. She just happened to be someone who grew up on a local farm and ranch and still very much believed in the agricultural industry.
Lisa went to her principal at the time and asked if she would respond to this letter in the affirmative. Lisa was concerned with the growing gap between agriculture and our students. She felt this could definitely be an opportunity to enhance the curriculum for our students and grow their knowledge base.
After meeting with two professors from OSU and a professor from Montana State University, it was decided that Townsend Elementary was a great fit and we would be a recipient of a $10,000 grant. The work would now begin for these teachers.
Though this grant has long since run out, the drive to share the world of agriculture with students is still running in full force. Many local businesses and farmers and ranchers have continued to donate their hard-earned cash to keep this valuable project fully funded.
This grant has led teachers to 28 years of trying to get good, accurate agricultural information to our K-5 students. National AG Week is celebrated in March, but the weather in Montana in March is less than ideal for a big, outdoor celebration here in Townsend. Many years ago the teachers made the switch for their celebration to the last week of May to take advantage of the nicer weather.
The celebration has gone from a half day to the current full day for learning and celebrating agriculture. Topics that have been shared over the years with our students have included things such as the lumber industry, dairy animals, alfalfa, grains, goats, the mining industry, the beef industry, making ice cream and making bread.
We have discussed the varying opportunities for careers in agriculture, rodeo, farm equipment, and ATV Safety. One year we even had a surprise from the famed and recently retired PBR Funnyman, Flint Rasmussen.
This year our presenters have come from as far as Great Falls and as close as our local people, including our Broadwater FFA students. The 2023 celebration saw presentations from Vigilante Electric on electrical safety, FFA students covered subjects on swine, beef bingo, bees, farm equipment, the use of a forge, archery, dairy cattle, and small animals such as chickens and rabbits.
Miss Last Chance Stampede, Amber LaCross joined us for the day and shared information about rodeo. Rusty Ruchert gave up his time to discuss hunting. Broadwater Farm Bureau, again, shared the importance of ATV Safety. Tyler Noyes created a Jeopardy game on plants such as wheat and barley. Montana Farmers Union developed a hands-on lesson on DNA. Local cattlewoman, Melanie Weyant and crew taught a high-intensity lesson on gathering cattle.
The weather held out for our 28th year and much was learned by everyone. We look forward to continuing to share the message of agriculture with our students and staff in the coming years.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
