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.
Read More
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
Legal with Leah: Rails to Trails and Eminent Domain
Leah Curtis discusses Rails to Trails projects, potential impact on farmland when these conversions happen and Farm Bureau’s role in a North Carolina case.
Read More
Understanding your financial snapshot
While often seen as paperwork, a balance sheet is actually one of the most important tools producers have for evaluating risk and making informed decisions.
Read More
Collegiate Farm Bureau launches at University of Findlay
Collegiate Farm Bureau creates opportunities for students to connect with Ohio’s agricultural industry, develop leadership skills and prepare for careers in food and agriculture.
Read More
Results: AFBF survey on fertilizer affordability
In response to current fertilizer market conditions, American Farm Bureau recently surveyed farmers regarding fertilizer availability and affordability for their…
Read More
Farm Bureau at the table
OFBF leadership participated in several key discussions with current and prospective lawmakers, bringing to light the real-world challenges Ohio farmers are facing.
Read More
Mohr named senior accounting assistant
Karen Mohr of Union County has been named senior accounting assistant for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read More
What EPA’s new DEF guidance means for farmers
EPA released new guidance allowing diesel equipment manufacturers to move away from traditional DEF quality sensors and use alternative technologies, such as nitrous oxide sensors.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau applauds results of OACI’s 2026 Assessment Survey Report
The report provides a data-driven look at conservation practices across the Western Lake Erie Basin and emphasizes farmers are doing their part in water quality.
Read More
Registration open for 2026 ExploreAg STEM camps
2026 camps feature an expanded lineup of one-day experiences and a weeklong immersive camp for high school students. Registration closes 10 days before each experience.
Read More