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.
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
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Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
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Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
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Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
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Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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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