Golden Owl Award

The Golden Owl Award® recognizes outstanding agricultural educators in several states, including Ohio.

Presented by Nationwide®, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau®, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state.

Nominees have an opportunity to win the title of Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year and great cash prizes for their school’s ag program. Prizes include:

  • One (1) Grand Prize Winner: Trophy and $5,000 cash prize to winner’s school/FFA chapter
  • Ten (10) Honorees: Plaque and $1,500 cash prize to honoree’s school/FFA chapter

View the award rules.

Nominate your favorite ag educator by December 31, 2023

Learn more about the award and find Ohio’s past Golden Owl Award winners and honorees at nationwide.com/golden-owl-award.

2022-23 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: Jeffrey Stimmell, Big Walnut-DACC

2022-23 Golden Owl Award Honorees
Krysteena Lawrence, Elmwood
Jeffrey Karcher, Bellevue
Heather Tegtmeier, Northwestern Wayne
Donald Barnhart, Leipsic
Erynn Hayes, Trotwood-Madison
Judd Baker, Fairfield Union
Kayla Richter, Monroe Central
Kelly Rickabaugh, Greene County CC
Katherine Dickson, Gallipolis

2021-22 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: Barrett Zimmerman, Clyde
2020-21 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: Don Hammersmith, Ayersville
2019-20 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: Christi Bachman, Bloom-Carroll
2018-19 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: John Poulson, Pettisville