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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. 

Hear from the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award recipients 

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.

Dena Wuebker

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.

The FFA Creed

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.  

2025 Golden Owl Award finalists

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.

Upcoming Events

• ExploreAg Camp applications are due April 30.
• Apply to serve on the State YAP Committee. Applications are due May 2 at 5 p.m.