Montana Schools Receive Grants for Agricultural Education

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation supports hands-on learning about ranching and food production.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A bold, graphic illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single iconic farming object, such as a pitchfork or cow skull, rendered in a vibrant, high-contrast pop art style with overlapping neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the agricultural education programs supported by the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.Colorful, stylized agricultural icons celebrate Montana's ranching heritage and the educational programs that connect students to their local food systems.Helena Today

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) has awarded $3,250 in grants to two Montana schools to support agricultural education programs. The funding will allow students to observe the lifecycle of chickens and interact with a local rancher to learn about food production.

Why it matters

These grants help connect students in Montana with the state's agricultural heritage and the origins of their food, fostering a greater appreciation for the ranching industry and its role in local communities.

The details

The MSF's Explore Agriculture Classroom Grant provided funding for two projects. Chester-Joplin-Inverness School will allow family and consumer sciences and agriculture students to observe the development of chicks from egg to maturity. Valier Elementary School will bring in a local rancher so kindergarten students can learn about where their food comes from and participate in hands-on activities like making raspberry jam and beef tallow candles.

  • The latest round of MSF grant funding was distributed in April 2026.

The players

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation

A nonprofit organization that supports Montana's ranching industry through educational programs, advocacy, and grant funding.

Chester-Joplin-Inverness School

A K-12 school that received an MSF grant to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to observe the lifecycle of chickens.

Valier Elementary School

A school that received an MSF grant to bring in a local rancher and provide kindergarten students with interactive lessons about food production.

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The takeaway

These grants demonstrate the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation's commitment to educating the next generation about the state's agricultural heritage and the importance of the ranching industry to local communities.