As the marketing and events manager for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, Britney Lardner, MIAT, AXED, leads efforts to strengthen public understanding of agriculture across the state while working closely with legislators in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She oversees outreach initiatives, coordinates large-scale events, and guides her team in showcasing the work of farmers and ranchers. Her responsibilities include organizing “Agriculture at Your Baseball Stadium” at Isotopes Park and the biennial AgFest in Santa Fe. Through social media, member engagement, and year-round educational support, she works to elevate the bureau’s visibility and reinforce agriculture’s place in everyday life.
Ms. Lardner’s academic preparation laid the foundation for her work in agricultural communication and education. She earned a master’s degree in international agriculture with an emphasis on agricultural education from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from New Mexico State University. These studies shaped her instructional approach and strengthened her ability to design educational programs that resonate with diverse audiences. Her academic training also instilled an appreciation for global agricultural systems and the role of education in promoting responsible stewardship, concepts that continue to influence her work today.
Before assuming her leadership role with the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, Ms. Lardner worked as senior program coordinator for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom, a nonprofit under the bureau’s foundation. Her work centered on bridging the gap between producers and the public through classroom programming, teacher support, and community outreach. During her time with the organization, she launched the weekly Facebook Live series “Breakfast with Brit,” which introduced viewers to local agriculture through informal conversations and cooking demonstrations. The program provided teachers with material for classroom lessons and broadened the organization’s digital reach.
In addition to digital outreach, Ms. Lardner developed classroom presentations that incorporated hands-on activities to help students understand agricultural concepts. Many of these lessons were arranged through referrals from teachers or Farm Bureau members, and aligned with national Agriculture in the Classroom standards. She maintained an online lesson matrix that supported curriculum integration across subjects such as STEM, history and English. She also planned and delivered teacher workshops that equipped educators with strategies for incorporating agriculture into their instructional practices.
Ms. Lardner’s leadership extended to managing the New Mexico Grow Project, which introduced students to raised garden beds and hydroponic systems, and taught them about plant development and nutrient cycles. She also directed a composting initiative in which schools received composting bins and vermicomposting systems, enabling students to compare methods and explore sustainable waste management firsthand. These projects reinforced her belief that experiential learning helps young people understand where food comes from, and why resource stewardship is essential.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Lardner gained experience in human resources at the New Mexico Heart Institute, where she worked with staff and patients and developed skills in communication and personnel support. She later accepted a teaching position in Dexter, New Mexico, where she taught agriculture and participated in the local Future Farmers of America chapter. She also worked at a turquoise museum in Albuquerque, assisting with tours and gift shop operations while strengthening ties within her community.
Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Lardner remains active in civic engagement. She has volunteered with New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom and continues to support agricultural and community initiatives throughout the state. She enjoys crafting, painting, wood burning, hunting, hiking, tennis, and traveling, pursuits that reflect her appreciation for creativity and the outdoors.
Looking ahead, Ms. Lardner plans to expand engagement opportunities for members of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau while strengthening the public’s understanding of agriculture’s importance. She also intends to collaborate more closely with organizations such as New Mexico CowBelles by contributing to their quarterly newsletter. Through each endeavor, she upholds her commitment to education, service, and the enduring connection between producers and the communities they serve.