Growing the next generation through ag education
Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.
March is National Agriculture Month and in today’s world, agricultural education and awareness is needed more than ever because consumers are more and more removed from agriculture and where their food comes from. Agricultural educators and FFA chapter advisors play an important role in this education because they have a unique opportunity to help bridge the gap between consumers and producers through the eyes of youth, the next generation of agriculturalists.
In an effort to show appreciation for the hard work and influence these educators have on their students and communities, the Golden Owl Award is presented by Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio FFA, Farm Credit Mid-America and Ag Credit, to an agricultural educator each year to recognize their contributions in helping educate and prepare young leaders for the future. The Golden Owl recipient receives $5,000 in funding to bring new opportunities to their program.
“As we looked at the landscape of what was going to be needed and equipping this industry with the best leaders, we recognized that ag educators are at the center of that conversation.” ~ Devin Fuhrman, Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer at Nationwide.
Stimmel made a few significant changes to the FFA program that led to an expansion so large a second teacher had to be hired.
“I try to look outside traditional agriculture and see what students are interested in. Ag education is awesome because there are so many areas that can be covered,” he said.
Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast host Ty Higgins asks Golden Owl Recipient Jeffrey Stimmel to describe the growth of his FFA chapter.
Wuebker has touched the lives of many students in her 31 years of teaching at Versailles and has helped students develop career paths and indefinite leadership skills.
“I love seeing students come in at a really young age and by the time they leave as seniors, their communication skills have improved and they’re well spoken and they go out and become active citizens. I really enjoy looking out at the community and seeing the success of my former students,” she said.
This is the last paragraph of the FFA Creed, written by E.M Tiffany: “I believe that American Agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert and influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”
Ag educators execute this statement everyday in their classrooms giving young minds the tools and resources they need to be successful advocates for agriculture and leaders in their communities.
Alexis Howell: Evergreen, Fulton
Jaime Chenevey: West Holmes, Holmes
Neijla Shaheen: Bio-Med Science Academy, Portage
Donna Hohman: Carey, Wyandot
Alison Derringer: Twin Valley South – MVCTC, Preble
Kris Guthrie: Ridgedale, Marion
Tom Holton: East Knox, Knox
Laura Kackley: Meadowbrook, Guernsey
Jamie Loudon: Georgetown, Brown
Haley Davis: New Lexington, Perry
The 2025 winner will be announced at the 97th Ohio FFA Convention May 1-2. Nominations for 2026 open Sept. 1.
March is National Agriculture Month and in today’s world, agricultural education and awareness is needed more than ever. Hear from two of Ohio’s top ag educators.
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Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up…
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Dr. Ron Hanson helps counsel farm families to resolve conflicts while helping the next generation assure their financial future. He is a featured speaker at the 2025 Winter Leadership Experience.
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The people you will meet, the experiences you gain will guide you for years to come, and the knowledge learned and networking will help you lead boards and communities.
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State Committee members assist with creating educational and leadership development programs for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals, specifically the Winter Leadership Experience, each year.
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Bethany Schappacher, a Clinton County Farm Bureau member, and her family own Schappacher Farms, a 50-acre pumpkin farm featuring a corn maze, hayrides, fall treats and other family activities.
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Meet Abby Campbell, Sara Tallmadge, and Catherine Wolcott – Ohio’s Young Ag Professionals contestants who will compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio.
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Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up…
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This year, the Land and Living Exhibit will be merging with the Little Farmers Exhibit to ensure that Ohio Farm Bureau and agriculture still have a presence outside of the livestock barns.
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Allowing people a sneak-peek into our farm is a way to break negative stigmas. ~ Mackenzie Deetz
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