Nominate Now: 13 States Seek Leading Agricultural Educators

Nominate Now: 13 States Seek Leading Agricultural Educators

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."

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.

To nominate an ag teacher for the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.¹

Following the state's nomination period for 2024-2025, a selection committee will determine each state's finalists, who will receive an individualized plaque and $500 to support their agriculture programs. One grand prize winner in each state will then be selected to win the Ag Educator of the Year title for their state, the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy, and an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check.²

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 organization to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.

To learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.

¹ California Golden Owl nomination period is Sept. 1 - Jan. 17, 2025. Illinois Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024. Indiana Golden Owl Award nomination period is Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. Iowa Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Dec. 1, 2024. Kansas Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. Kentucky Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 1, 2024. Maryland Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. Missouri Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 16 - Dec. 31, 2024. Nebraska Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. New York Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024. Ohio Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. South Dakota nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024.

²Ohio finalists will receive a personalized plaque and $1,500 to fund their programs. Ohio's Ag Educator of the Year title will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $5,000 to help fund future educational efforts for their program. Ohio's partners, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, provided funding for the increase in prize money. In accordance with Ohio law, cash prizes in Ohio are awarded to the winner's school ag program.