Ohio Farm Bureau county presidents travel to Washington, D.C. for annual advocacy trip
Over three days, participants will hear from experts and, in turn, voice their thoughts on topics as far reaching as the farm bill to trade to taxes.
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Presented by Nationwide, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders and crowns the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year.
Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher who is currently teaching agricultural education courses at the secondary (middle/high school) level.
To enter, the nominator as well as the ag teacher’s contact information is required plus an essay (250 words or less) describing how the teacher’s dedication to agriculture education and commitment and impact on today’s youth make the teacher the best in the state. Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 31, 2021.
Prizes
Nominees have the opportunity to win great cash prizes for their school’s ag program and the distinction of Ohio Ag Educator of the Year, which will be announced during the 2022 Ohio FFA State Convention.
Prizes include:
- $500 to each of the 10 honorees’ school ag program and an engraved plaque to each honoree
- $3,000 to the grand prize winner’s school ag program and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy to the grand prize winner (Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year)
Application and judging
Each of 10 honorees will be required to complete a short form to finalize their application for the overall state winner. The completed form is due no later than March 25, 2022.
Ahead of the 2022 Ohio FFA State Convention, the selection committee will review forms submitted. The committee will deliberate and make their final selection for the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year.
Nominations will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Teacher’s dedication to agriculture education.
- Teacher’s commitment to his/her student(s).
- Teacher’s impact on his/her student(s).
- Teacher’s impact on their local community.
- Number of nominations for the teacher.
Online extras
Meet 2021 winner Don Hammersmith, recently retired from Ayersville High School
Meet 2020 winner Christi Bachman, from Bloom-Carroll High School
Meet the 2019 winner John Poulson, from Pettisville High School (pictured)
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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