RAPID CITY, S.D. — Students, parents, fellow educators and community members are being encouraged to nominate outstanding agricultural teachers for the 2026-27 Golden Owl Award®, which recognizes educators who go above and beyond to prepare students for careers and leadership in agriculture.
The annual award, presented by Nationwide in partnership with state FFA organizations, honors agricultural educators who make a lasting difference in the classroom, their communities and the agriculture industry. This year’s program has expanded to 16 states, including South Dakota, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah.
In South Dakota, nominations for the 2026-27 Golden Owl Award are being accepted through Dec. 31. Anyone can nominate a South Dakota agricultural educator who demonstrates exceptional dedication to students, agricultural education and the future of the industry.
The Golden Owl Award recognizes teachers for more than what happens inside the classroom. Agricultural educators frequently devote additional time and resources to FFA activities, hands-on learning, leadership development, community projects and helping students explore careers throughout agriculture.
“Ag teachers play such an important role in preparing the next generation,” the South Dakota FFA Foundation said. “The Golden Owl Award provides an opportunity for students, parents, colleagues and community members to recognize those educators who make a lasting impact.”
The recognition has grown significantly since the program began. During the 2025-26 award cycle, more than 4,900 nominations were submitted across 15 participating states, resulting in 107 educators being recognized as finalists. Fifteen teachers ultimately were named their state’s Ag Educator of the Year.
In South Dakota, eight agricultural educators were named finalists for the 2025-26 award. Dave VanderWal of De Smet was selected as South Dakota’s Ag Educator of the Year.
For the 2026-27 program, finalists will receive recognition and funding to support their school’s agricultural education program. One educator in each participating state will be named Ag Educator of the Year and receive the Golden Owl Award trophy, along with additional funding for agricultural education efforts.
Since its inception, the Golden Owl Award has provided more than $600,000 to support agricultural teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFA organizations.
Nominations for South Dakota agricultural educators can be submitted through the South Dakota FFA Foundation at sdffafoundation.org. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 31.
The Golden Owl Award is designed to shine a light on the teachers helping develop the next generation of farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals and community leaders — and to provide resources that help those educators continue their work.
