Calls open for Agricultural Educator of the Year award

The California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, is accepting nominations for California’s top agricultural teachers for a chance to be named Agricultural Educator of the Year. Nominate any California agricultural educator for the 2026-2027 Golden Owl Award through Dec. 15. 

Since its inception, the Golden Owl Award has given more than $800,000 to support teachers, students and FFA programs. Last year, there were more than 4,600 nominations across 15 participating states.

After the nomination period closes, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select six regional finalists in California. The finalists will be recognized in front of their peers and students, receiving a personalized plaque and $500 award. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2026-2027 Agricultural Educator of the Year title for California, along with the Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass, an FFA alum, highlighted the youth organization’s lasting influence on the agricultural community and the leaders who serve it.

“Farm Bureau sees firsthand the tremendous impact that FFA makes, as many of our current leaders across agriculture have roots in FFA,” Douglass said. “We are so appreciative of the hard-working ag teachers who provide a great foundation for FFA members that in turn benefits all of agriculture.”

Last year, the Golden Owl Award recognized 107 agricultural teachers, including 15 Agricultural Educators of the Year. This year, the award program will recognize leading agricultural teachers across 16 states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisers.   

To nominate, visit www.cognitoforms.com/CaliforniaFFAAssociation/GoldenOwlAwardApplication3.

Reprint with credit to California Farm Bureau. For image use, email agalert@cfbf.com.

In this edition…

• View full issue
• 2026 Voter Guide
• Advocacy in Action: Legislation, diesel and wolves
• Roadless Rule has kept forests from being managed
• Farm Bureau team seeks solutions in D.C.
• Diesel price spike increases financial stress for farmers
• New date crop hits market as fruit goes 'mainstream'
• From the Fields: Ray Yeung, Yolo County farmer
• From the Fields: Joe Zanger, San Benito County farmer
• From the Fields: Blake Wilbur, Tulare County farmer
• From the Fields: Paul Vermeulen, Stanislaus County almond grower and huller
• Vineyards turn to UV-C light to fight powdery mildew
• Pumpkin growers target trends, Halloween demand
• Calls open for Agricultural Educator of the Year award
• How to effectively manage stored grain fire risks