The Fence Post Magazine and Tri-State Livestock News are committed to supporting students and teachers in the rural communities we serve and call home. In an effort to ensure that every rural student has access to books that tell the stories of the places and people who they can relate to, we’re partnering with our readers through the Reading on the Ranch program.
We created the Reading on the Ranch program with the goal of promoting agriculture and literacy through the donation of books to schools that are nominated by our readers.
Between now and December 31, 2021 we will be collecting new and very gently used agriculture and western children’s books to distribute to rural libraries throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana.
With our goal being to not only promote literacy, but provide farm and ranch kids with stories they can relate to, our editorial team has hand selected 8 rural authors to support should you prefer to purchase and ship directly to our office.
To nominate your favorite teacher or elementary school, please contact Sam Tenpenny at stenpenny@tsln-fre.com and don’t forget to request to have a farmer or rancher come read to and talk agriculture with your students when the books are delivered in January.
Help us further promote this year’s Reading on the Ranch program by participating in our coloring contest! Winners will receive an autographed book, prize package, and be featured in both newspapers. Visit our website to download the image, and make sure to submit your artwork to Sam or Rachel by December 31, 2021.
Coloring Page #1: Calf Roping, Ranchin’ and Rodeoin’, Illustrations by Marilyn Domer Copy by Lindsay Keller
Coloring Page #2: Rider Watering Horse, Illustration by Jan Swan
To donate to the Reading on the Ranch program, please drop off your donations at the Tri-State Livestock New Office in Belle Fourche, South Dakota or mail your donation to Sam Tenpenny, c/o Tri State Livestock News, 1501 Fifth Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 or Rachel Gabel c/o The Fence Post Magazine, 603 Eighth Street, Greeley, CO 80631.
Featured Authors
Alternate Option
You can also purchase books from our Amazon Wishlist and have any book mailed to us at: Sam Tenpenny, c/o Tri State Livestock News, 1501 Fifth Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717