2020-2021 Golden Owl Award

In partnership with Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio FFA and Farm Credit Mid-America, the Golden Owl Award returns to Ohio to crown the state’s top ag educator. Now through Dec. 31 2020, students, parents, fellow teachers or other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher for a chance to win great cash prizes and the distinction of Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year.

“It’s an honor to recognize outstanding teachers for their dedication to agricultural education in their communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “This award symbolizes the hard work individual teachers put into agricultural education to help students pursue their passion for farming or other careers in ag.”

Nationwide, OFBF, Golden OwlFollowing the nomination period, an established selection committee will evaluate nominations received and select 10 finalists. Each finalist will receive an individualized plaque, and $500 will be awarded to each finalist’s school ag program. During the 2021 Ohio FFA State Convention, one finalist will be crowned the 2020-2021 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year and will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. That teacher’s school will receive an additional $3,000 in funding to help bring new educational opportunities to its ag program and students.

As the No. 1 farm insurer in the country*, Nationwide supports the future of the agricultural community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Ohio FFA, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.

Nominations are due Dec. 31, 2020. Teachers will be judged for their dedication to agriculture education, their commitment to students and their impact on students

Contest rules

Online extras

Meet 2020 winner Christi Bachman, from Bloom-Carroll High School

Meet the 2019 winner John Poulson, from Pettisville High School

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed.
All rights reserved. © 2020 Nationwide
*Source: 2018 SNL Financial Report. Based on statutory data.
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Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
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.
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Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
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.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
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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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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