Bryan Estes, retired agriculture teacher at Logan County High School, was recently recognized for his statewide impact with the Ag Teachers Changes Lives Award from the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators. 

Established in 2009, this award recognizes Kentucky agriculture teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in agricultural education. Honorees are nominated and chosen by their colleagues from across the state.

Originally from Auburn, Kentucky, Estes grew up on a family dairy farm where he developed a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. That passion led him to a distinguished 30-year teaching career that began at Ohio County High School in 1989. In 1993 he returned to his home community to serve Logan County High School until his retirement in 2019.

Under Estes’ leadership, Logan County FFA consistently maintained Gold Emblem Chapter status, saw significant student involvement in leadership roles, and achieved remarkable success in Career and Leadership Development Events. 

Perhaps the greatest testament to Estes’ impact as an agriculture teacher is his own son, Wesley Estes, who followed in his dad’s footsteps and is now the agriculture teacher at Logan County High School. Inspired by his father’s dedication, Wesley ensures that the values and traditions his father championed will continue to thrive for future generations.

Throughout his career, Estes received numerous awards and honors, including being named NRCS Conservation Teacher of the Year five times and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year in 2019. He was also recognized multiple times by graduating seniors as the "most influential" teacher in the yearbook, a testament to his lasting impact on students.

As an Agriculture Teachers Change Lives recipient, Estes will receive $1,500 and have a plaque honoring his legacy permanently displayed at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center. 

The Agriculture Teachers Change Lives award is sponsored by the Forever Blue Endowed gift from Ken & Brenda Reed. Mr. Reed is passionate about supporting teachers because of the profound impact his agriculture teacher, Mr. C.O. Neal, made in his life in the 1950’s. 

Bryan and his wife, Jan, have two children: Robyn Smotherman, married to Austin, and Wesley Estes, married to Morgan. They also have 4 grandchildren: Bella Rose Smotherman, Linken Smotherman, Colton Estes, and Millie Smotherman.

The Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators is the professional organization for individuals involved in school-based agricultural education at any level. To support its members, KAAE advocates for agricultural education, provides professional development opportunities, and works to recruit and retain educators in the profession. KAAE is part of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, which has more than 9,000 members nationwide.