Indiana FFA Unveils 114 Nominees for Golden Owl Award

The annual award honors the state's top agricultural educator.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indiana FFA Organization has announced the 114 agricultural educators across the state who have been nominated for the prestigious Golden Owl Award, recognizing the 2025-2026 Indiana Ag Educator of the Year. Later this spring, eight finalists will be selected, with one educator ultimately receiving the coveted Golden Owl trophy and an additional $3,000 to support future classroom and program initiatives.

Why it matters

The Golden Owl Award is a prestigious honor that highlights the vital role agricultural educators play in cultivating the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders in Indiana. By recognizing outstanding educators, the award helps promote the agricultural education field and inspire more people to pursue careers in this important area.

The details

The 114 nominees will be narrowed down to eight finalists, each of whom will receive a personalized plaque and a $500 award. From that group, one educator will be selected as Indiana's Ag Educator of the Year, taking home the Golden Owl trophy and an additional $3,000 to support their classroom and program initiatives. Nationwide will also donate $5,000 to the Indiana FFA to help strengthen the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors statewide.

  • The winner will be revealed during the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention in June 2026.
  • Last year's Golden Owl Award winner was Jim Wildermuth of North Miami High School in Miami County, Indiana.

The players

Indiana FFA Organization

The Indiana FFA Organization is responsible for administering the Golden Owl Award and recognizing the state's top agricultural educators.

Nationwide

Nationwide is the sponsor of the Golden Owl Award and will donate $5,000 to the Indiana FFA to support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors.

Farm Credit Mid-America

Farm Credit Mid-America is a co-sponsor of the Golden Owl Award.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The eight finalists for the Golden Owl Award will be announced in the coming months, with the winner revealed at the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention in June 2026.

The takeaway

The Golden Owl Award is a testament to the dedication and impact of agricultural educators in Indiana, who play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders. By recognizing these outstanding educators, the award helps promote the importance of agricultural education and inspire more people to pursue careers in this vital field.