Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
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Ayersville High School’s Don Hammersmith selected as Ohio’s
Golden Owl Award grand prize winner and ‘Ag Educator of the Year’
Agricultural teachers play an essential and selfless role as they work to prepare future generations for successful careers. After recognizing 10 exceptional Ohio teachers as finalists through the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide, in partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ohio FFA, selected Don Hammersmith, agricultural teacher at Ayersville High School, as Ohio’s 2020-2021 “Ag Educator of the Year.”
Hammersmith was formally recognized as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the Ohio FFA State Convention. In addition to the title of Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year, Hammersmith received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and Ayersville High School received a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further its agricultural education efforts.
Hammersmith’s nominations described him as humble, dedicated, and selfless. One nomination read, “He works tirelessly to provide opportunities for his students to succeed in whatever path they choose.” Another one states, “Since he took over the program nearly 30 years ago, he has been able to produce dozens of State degree winners as well as dozens of National degree winners through FFA. Our students benefit greatly from Mr. Hammersmith’s program. He is a true educator and is vital in our small community’s lifeblood.”
As the No. 1 insurer of farms and ranches in the United States¹, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of Ohio’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.
“With deep roots in agriculture, Nationwide is proud to recognize the men and women who are making a difference in our communities as they help students pursue their passions,” said Brad Liggett, Nationwide’s president of Agribusiness. “We’re honored to recognize the contributions of teachers, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide students with optimal learning experiences.”
Nationwide supports the future of the ag 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.
The Golden Owl Award is the result of a partnership between Nationwide, the California FFA, California Farm Bureau, Illinois FFA, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Farm Credit Illinois, Indiana FFA, Farm Credit Mid-America, the Iowa FFA Foundation, New York FFA, New York Farm Bureau, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania FFA, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Compeer Financial.
¹ Source: A.M. Best Market Share Report 2019
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.
Featured Articles
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Apply now for 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships
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Build Smart. Deduct More.
With 100% bonus depreciation now permanent, farmers can deduct the full cost of a new agricultural building in the year it’s placed in service.
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2026 Young Ag Professionals award winners announced
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