Golden Owl Award Nominations are Open in 15 States

Across the country, agricultural educators are shaping the future of farming, food systems, and leadership, and insurance company Nationwide is again honoring that impact through its 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 teachers including 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.

“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.

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

»Related: Golden Owl Awards expands to honor ag teachers in 13 states