Celebrating Ag Teachers: Golden Owl Award Nominations Open in 15 States

Celebrating Ag Teachers: Golden Owl Award Nominations Open in 15 States

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Across the country, agricultural educators are shaping the future of farming, food systems, and leadership. These dedicated professionals go beyond the classroom to mentor students, build community and drive innovation in agriculture. To honor their impact, Nationwide continues its commitment to recognizing outstanding ag teachers through the Golden Owl Award®.

Since its inception in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has supplied more than $600,000 to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFA organizations. Last year, there were over 4,600 nominations across 13 participating states, and the program recognized 96 exceptional ag teachersincluding 13 "Ag Educators of the Year."

Now, the Golden Owl Award is expanding to two new states - Delaware and Utah - due to its positive impact and popularity. The award program will now recognize leading agricultural teachers across 15 states: California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah.

To nominate an ag teacher for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award, visit https://www.GoldenOwlAward.com.¹

"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."

Following the state's nomination period for 2025-2026, 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 Award nomination period is Sept. 2 - Jan. 16, 2026. Delaware Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, 2025. Illinois Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Nov. 15, 2025. Indiana Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 15, 2025. Iowa Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 2 - Dec. 1, 2025. Kansas Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. Kentucky Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 18 - Nov. 30, 2025. Maryland Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. Missouri Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 15 - Dec. 31, 2025. Nebraska Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. New York Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 10 - Nov. 15, 2025. Ohio Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award nomination period is Aug. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. South Dakota Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025. Utah Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 - Dec. 15, 2025.

² Ohio 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.