Agriculture educators play a crucial role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry.
In recognition of their invaluable contributions and to offer additional resources for their programs, Nationwide introduced the Golden Owl Award in 2018.
Since its inception, the Golden Owl Award has awarded nearly half a million dollars to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFAs. Last year, there were over 3,500 nominations across 11 participating states. Due to its positive impact and popularity, the award is expanding this year to include Kentucky and Maryland.
“Agricultural educators are so much more than teachers; they’re community servants who are shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “Together with our partners, we encourage students, parents, fellow teachers and other community members to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.”
Indiana FFA is now accepting nominations for Indiana’s top agricultural teachers for a chance to be named as the Ag Educator of the Year. Nominate any Indiana agriculture educator for the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Nominations can be submitted HERE.
After the nomination period closes on Dec. 31, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select eight finalists in Indiana. These finalists will be recognized in front of their peers and students, receiving a personalized plaque and $500 award. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year title for Indiana, along with the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.
The 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award recognized 79 exceptional agricultural teachers, including 11 Ag Educators of the Year. This year, the award program will recognize leading agricultural teachers across 13 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
Nationwide is committed to supporting 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 Indiana FFA, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.
The owl, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, is one of the five symbols in the FFA emblem. It inspired the name of the Golden Owl Award program, reflecting the dedication and investment agriculture teachers make to empower their students.
To learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.
Keystone Cooperative announces next CEO
Indiana's county fairs allowed alcohol service areas starting July 1
Kroger members can now redeem Points for dollars off groceries in-store and online
First responders rescue multiple people in recent days
Countrymark fueling stations hosting Fueling Freedom on Friday
Step right up! Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window returns to the Indiana State Fair
Congressman Baird ioins President Trump for Medal of Honor ceremony for Major Nicholas Dockery
INDOT with chip seal operations on area roads
Conservation officer serving Vermillion Co. completes advanced public safety diving instructor training
May unemployment rate in state still below national average
IDEM recycling grants available
Identity released in fatal U.S. 36 crash
Longtime educator tabbed to lead new Montezuma Elementary
Gov. Braun unveils Indiana’s exhibit for the National Mall during The Great American State Fair
Nominations now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees
CBP officers in Indianapolis seize counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise
