This article was written was written by Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director and was featured in a February 2025 edition of The Farmer's Pride. 

Recognizing and supporting agriculture teachers is a priority for us here in Kentucky. The 2024-2025 school year began with five agricultural education programs missing a qualified teacher, a scary statistic.  Without ag teachers, FFA chapters cannot exist. It’s truly a teacher who can make or break the success of a program. That’s why recruiting and retaining top talent in agriculture classrooms should be a top priority for all of us who believe and depend on the future of agriculture. 

The Golden Owl Award recognizes  Kentucky ag educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in agriculture. This fall, nominations were opened for students, alumni and community members to nominate a deserving agriculture teacher. The criteria was simple: Share examples and testimonies of the incredible work this agriculture teacher is doing to Grow Leaders, Build Communities and Strengthen Agriculture

This program is made possible by Nationwide Insurance. In the award’s first year, the Golden Owl Award recognized outstanding ag educators in 2 states: Iowa and Ohio. Now, seven years later, this award recognizes an Ag Educator of the Year in 13 states. 

This is Kentucky’s first year being a Golden Owl Partner. Finalists in each state receive $500 and a plaque and a chance to compete at the state contest in June. The state winner receives an additional $3,000 and the coveted Ag Educator of the Year trophy. Through this program, Nationwide also donates $5,000 to the Kentucky FFA Foundation. 

In Kentucky’s pilot year of this program, we received 322 nominations for 88 Kentucky agriculture educators. This spring, we will share the regional Golden Owl winners in a series of surprise announcements; the state wide winner will be announced at the State FFA Convention in June. 

The nominations are heartfelt and so moving. Agriculture teachers really do change lives.  If you ever feel discouraged about the state of education, you need to spend more time volunteering with your local FFA chapter. Here is just a sample of the hundreds of nominations we received. 

“Mr. Franklin has always been a shining light to the school and community. He has never ever once given up on a single student, including myself. There were plenty of times where I wanted to absolutely quit, give up, and didn't think much of myself. Mr. Franklin was one to never ever let my head hang low and made sure I held it high. He taught me to always be proud of what I've done no matter the outcome.”

“Ms. Davis has shown me great life skills like writing checks, how to write a speech, and lots of other life skills. She showed us how to do chicken processing first hand, now I know where my food comes from.” 

“Ms. Bingham would take our chapter to volunteer at different local non-profits. In this one instance, Ms. Bingham arranged for the officer team to volunteer some hours at our local food bank for two major reasons. First, volunteering is a way to give back to the community that supports our chapter through feeding our neighbors who may be less fortunate, as well as being able to enhance our skills as leaders and learners in our community. This time benefited our chapter, our team, and our community. This is all because of the selflessness that Ms. Bingham brings to the classroom and our chapter every day.” 

“Mr. Mink has helped guide and shape me into the person I am today. Mr. Mink is someone I aspire to be as I grow up. He has helped me gain valuable life lessons that I will carry for the rest of my life. He has made me feel so understood and cared for whenever I needed it most. He has taught me things that have helped me ultimately decide the career I wish to pursue for the remainder of my life. Just by the little acts of kindness he has shown me , I know he has also shown the same care to others. He truly exemplifies those characteristics of an impactful agriculture teacher.” 

“My daughter entered high school as a freshman and spent her lunch time hiding in the bathroom.  She was very intimidated by high school.  She came from a small private school and was not accustomed to public school norms.  She was an Ag student and FFA member.  Mr. Hill drew her into many activities, speeches, creed contest, state fair, FFA camp, FFA banquet, state fair entries, and more.  I believe Mr. Hill changed her 4 year path and her life.”

Supporting the Kentucky FFA Foundation and our mission, helps us retain and recruit great agriculture teachers. In turn, they lead thriving FFA Chapters who train FFA members that grow up to be leaders in our industry, our communities and in their homes. I invite you to join us, we need all hands on deck.