Britney Lardner and Roswell ECHS FFA members.
Across New Mexico, Britney Lardner has made it her mission to help students discover the importance of agriculture. For over five years as the program coordinator for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC), she’s been inspiring students, teachers and volunteers to connect with the industry that keeps our world running. Through her work, Lardner shows what it truly means to live to serve, as she uses her passion and leadership to make a real difference in her community and beyond.
In her role, Lardner travels across the state leading hands-on lessons for K–12 students, organizing AgXplorer field days, and hosting teacher workshops. She also trains volunteers from FFA and 4-H to present agriculture lessons in classrooms, helping them grow their confidence and communication skills along the way. “We encourage volunteers to get ‘AG’tive in the classroom,” she said. “It helps us reach more students while helping presenters find their voice in agriculture.”
Though she isn’t directly involved with the Adopt a Cow program, Lardner proudly promotes it each year to help teachers bring agriculture to life. Her support for programs like this highlights her heart for service — she always finds ways to connect students with agriculture, whether through a fun classroom activity or a simple social media post encouraging teachers to get involved.
Lardner’s passion for agricultural education started in high school when she joined FFA as a senior. Inspired by her siblings’ involvement and her ag teacher’s enthusiasm, she decided to pursue agricultural education at New Mexico State University, later earning her master’s degree in international agriculture from Oklahoma State University.
One of her favorite memories came from a third-grade class in Albuquerque. After presenting lessons about sheep, goats, and weaving, she was met in the hallway by two students carrying a folder of thank-you cards and a class poster showing everything they learned. “Moments like that remind me why I love what I do,” Lardner said.
Her advice for FFA members who want to make a difference is simple: Start now. “Try something new, get out of your comfort zone, and travel whenever you can,” she encourages. “Even reading to an elementary class can spark the next generation of leaders.”
Whether filling 1,200 cups of cream for a butter-making activity or driving hours to reach a classroom, Lardner pours her heart into everything she does. Through her hard work and heart, she demonstrates how one person’s passion can inspire hundreds — truly living out the motto of “Living to Serve.”
