Thank you for registering for the Montana Farm to School Producer Training! This page has been converted from a resource page for the two trainings hosted in 2022 and 2023 to a self-paced virtual training.

More Information + Questions

Aubree Roth, Montana Farm to School Coordinator

[email protected]

(406) 994-5996

 

About The TrainingBringing F2S Logo

Farmers, ranchers, processors, and other local food businesses can learn strategies for selling products to schools and child nutrition programs with the Montana Farm to School Producer Training. This training was developed using Bringing the Farm to School curriculum and originally offered live in 2022-2023. This page has been converted to allow for the training recordings and resources to be accessed as a self-paced virtual training.

Producers that attend this training will:

  • Learn about accessing school markets and growing products for schools.
  • Hear from producers that have successfully navigated school markets.
  • Gain new knowledge and resources for integrating school markets into a business plan.
  • Meet local peers and experts.
  • Experience school markets and farms.

Hosts and Sponsors

The two original trainings were hosted by Montana Team Nutrition Program at Montana State University and Montana Office of Public Instruction in collaboration with project partners including: Alternative Energy Resources Organization, Great Northern Development Corporation, Headwaters RC&D, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Mission West Community Development Partners, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Farmers Union, Montana State University Extension, National Center for Appropriate Technology, Northern Plains Resource Council, Northern Pulse Growers Association, Snowy Mountain Development Corporation, and USDA Office of Community Food Systems.

This project was supported in part by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Farm to School Network, Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, and Great Northern Development Corporation.

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Training Sessions + Resources

How to Navigate This Training

This self-paced virtual training is divided into four sessions. Each of the four sessions provides different content and it is intended that individuals will complete all four sessions. Each session has a section below that includes the training video, slides, recording transcript, and a list of resources referenced in the recording.

Training Materials

If you requested a printed packet in your registration, we will mail you a packet of resources to the address your provided. Please have the Producer Workbook, Action Planning Guide, and Worksheets with you during each of the sessions. You will be referring to and using these materials throughout the sessions. The Action Planning Guide and Worksheets are also found in the Appendix of the Producer Workbook, but we have provided them separately, so they are easily accessed rather than flipping through the Producer Workbook.

Alternately, you can use the electronic versions available below.

Session 1

Session 1 Resources

 

Session 2

Session 2 Resources

  • Where to Get Help with Food Safety:

Montana County Sanitarians

Grower Training courses  

  • Meat - School Sales and Food Safety Regulations  

Procuring Local Meat, Poultry, Game, and Eggs for Child Nutrition Programs

ATTRA - Working with Your Meat Processor 

  • Contact Information 

Produce Safety website

Food and Consumer Safety website 

 

Session 3

Session 3 Resources

Session 4

Module 4 Sections A + B

 

Module 4, Section C: Crop Production and Planning

Module 4, Section D: Animal Protein Production and Planning

Hardin Farm to School Presentation

Farm to School at Hardin School District, NFSN

Hardin Chosen for Get Schools Cooking Program

 

Conclusion Module

 

In the Field with Wickens Ranch

In the Field with Local Bounti

 

Session 4 Resources

 

Next Steps

You may be wondering, "what's the next step"? A good first step is to use the content provided in the training to prepare information about your business and products you can offer to schools. Next, begin contacting child nutrition programs (schools, early care and education sites, afterschool programs, etc.) in your area to set up meetings with child nutrition professionals and/or administrators.

You can also look for events that can connect you with these programs! Montana Team Nutrition Program, Abundant Montana, and partners are hosting a series of producer and school connection events in 2023 called Montana Food for Montana Schools. Learn more on the Montana Farm to School Trainings & Events page.