Local ranchers are stepping up to connect students with agriculture through the food they raise.
Glasgow, MT – The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance is kicking off a community-wide effort to bring locally raised, nutrient-dense beef into Glasgow schools through Glasgow Beef Into Schools. While the idea has been taking shape locally, this moment represents a coordinated step forward to build momentum, invite broader rancher involvement, and support the long-term success of the effort. At its heart, this work connects local ranchers directly with local students through the food they produce.
RSA is grateful for the opportunity to take a leadership role in this next phase and comes into the effort with strong footing. Having helped fully stock the Malta and Saco school systems with the beef needed for successful school years, RSA is now bringing that experience to support a similar outcome in Glasgow.
Local Accolades
The early groundwork for Glasgow Beef Into Schools was led by Roubie Younkin and Whitney Tatafu, whose initiative and persistence helped get the effort started and moving forward.
Strong school involvement has been essential. Katie Potter, Food Service Coordinator for the Glasgow school system, has played a key role by committing to the use of local beef in school meals. While this decision does add logistical work, her willingness to take that on reflects a deep commitment to student health and community values. The effort has also been supported by Brenner Flaten, Superintendent of Glasgow Schools, whose openness and encouragement have helped move the work forward.
Support from the agricultural community is already taking shape. Cody Cornwell of the Glasgow Stockyards has donated the first animal to the effort, setting an early example of participation. Bill Webb, a local cattle buyer, has also volunteered his time to assist with purchasing animals at the stockyards for those who wish to contribute financially.
How It Works
Ranchers can support the effort by donating a beef animal. Once an appropriate number of cattle are ready for transport, Glasgow Stockyards will serve as the drop-off location, with Producer Partnership, a nonprofit USDA-inspected facility, handling transport and processing at no cost. This approach helps reduce barriers for participation while ensuring the beef is processed safely and efficiently for school use.
Community members who do not raise cattle can participate by donating cash toward the purchase of an animal or by purchasing an animal outright to donate to the schools, with local support available to help facilitate the process. This is true throughout the year as well as during the Northeast Montana Fair.
Anyone interested in donating beef or contributing financially can contact Mary Oxarart at Ranchers Stewardship Alliance at 406-654-1405 or [email protected]. Donors will receive a tax credit letter recognizing their donation.
All beef provided to the schools will be used as ground beef to meet school meal needs. Donors may retain specific cuts from an animal if desired.
Real Needs. Real Impact.
The Glasgow schools require approximately 14 animals per year to meet their needs. Due to storage limitations, 4 to 5 animals can be handled at a time. The first batch of animals is anticipated to be ready for processing this fall, though donations will be accepted this spring if cattle are ready sooner. With the first animal already donated, the focus is now on building the initial group needed to move the effort forward.
Each contribution helps provide healthy meals for students while strengthening relationships between schools, ranchers, and the broader community. As this work continues, RSA is also open to assisting other schools in Blaine, Phillips, and Valley Counties that may be interested in developing similar local beef efforts. By sharing lessons learned and supporting local leadership, the goal is to help more communities bring locally raised beef into school meals.
Looking Ahead
This effort is about more than food. It is about building community, supporting food security for local youth, and creating meaningful connections between students and the people who raise their food. Agriculture continues to be the backbone of rural communities, and this work reflects a shared commitment within the industry to support and invest in the next generation.
As part of this broader vision, RSA, with support from Roubie Younkin at Valley County Extension and Hayley Young at the Valley County Conservation District, is planning an Ag Education Day this fall. Valley County third and fourth graders will take part in a hands-on day of agricultural learning that connects classroom lessons to real-world experience and builds appreciation for local agriculture.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to celebrating agriculture, supporting local families, and strengthening the ties that hold rural communities together.
Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out.
