California Teacher Named “Ag Educator of the Year” Nipomo’s Russell Zimmerman honored as California’s Golden Owl Award® 2025-2026 grand prize winner

Russell ZimmermanGALT, Calif. — The California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, has announced Russell Zimmerman, an agricultural teacher at Nipomo High School, as California’s 2025-2026 “Ag Educator of the Year.”

Preparing Students for What's Next

 

By Dr. Kasey DeAtley, Chico State College of Agriculture

Over my 13-year career as a faculty member in the College of Agriculture at Chico State, I’ve seen college students change in a number of ways. Early in my career, more students came from agricultural backgrounds. Today, many come from urban areas with limited exposure to agriculture. That shift has challenged me to slow down, meet students where they are, and adapt how I teach.

Reflecting on the Journey: 2025–2026 State Officer Retiring Addresses

The 2025–2026 California FFA State Officer Team spent the past year traveling the state, visiting chapters, advocating for agricultural education, and helping students grow as leaders. Their service made a lasting impact on thousands of members, and during the State Leadership Conference, each officer shared a retiring address—reflecting on their journey, lessons learned, and gratitude for those who supported them along the way.

RECAP: Sixth Session of the State FFA Leadership Conference

Session Six, “Legacies of Light,” brought an exciting and emotional evening as members gathered for one of the most anticipated sessions of the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.

State FFA Officers Ryan Taylor and Sophia Camou chaired the session, opening with ceremonies that set the tone for a night of celebration, reflection, and looking ahead to the future of California FFA.

RECAP: Fifth Session of the State FFA Leadership Conference

Session Five, “Beyond the Horizon,” brought energy and anticipation to the afternoon as members gathered for another impactful session at the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.

State FFA Officers Lily Vaughan, Tessa Camacho, and Sophia Camou chaired the session, opening with ceremonies that set the tone for reflection, recognition, and looking ahead to the future.

Subscribe to

Colleges and Universities

Scholarship Sponsors

Contact Us

Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Sed porttitor lectus nibh.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Vestibulum ac diam sit amet quam vehicula elementum sed sit amet dui. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi.

Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Proin eget tortor risus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Resources

Agricultural education strives to maintain its status on the cutting-edge of rigorous classroom instruction, relevant skill acquisition and premier leadership development. Check out the expansive and evolving catalog of resources to generate new ideas, enhance curriculum delivery skills or identify new ways to engage in FFA and SAE activities.

Beginning in the early 20th century in California, agricultural education has a long tradition of preparing students for rigorous, satisfying careers both within and outside of the industry. As a school-based learning program, agricultural education operates as a unit within the California Department of Education and is written into the state’s legislative education code.

About

Rich in history with an eye toward the future, California’s school-based agricultural education program seeks to prepare all students for satisfying careers in and outside of the agriculture industry. The multi-faceted approach to growing the whole person includes a focus on character and interpersonal skill development, technical acumen and critical thinking capabilities.

 

Events

From personal growth to career skill enhancement, the focus of California’s agricultural education events is always on the experiential development of the student. With activities ranging from local to national, the statewide organization offers a number of premier events each year that are suited to best meet the interests of an ever-diversifying student population.

news 

Stay updated on the latest news from the California Association FFA and the California Department of Education. Select from archived newsletters covering chapter spotlights, alumni stories, and statewide agricultural education initiatives. Stay informed, inspired, and engaged with everything happening across California FFA and Ag Education.

Events

Support

Support

Support Agricultural Leadership, Growth and Career Education

The mission of the California FFA Foundation is to promote, aid, and assist, financially or otherwise, California FFA to ensure the success of Agricultural Education by preparing tomorrow's agricultural leaders, today.

Donate

Donate

California FFA Foundation’s goal is to provide individuals, businesses, foundations, and others the opportunity to invest in the premier secondary Agricultural Education leadership development program in California: FFA. The Foundation provides award recognition for student projects, competitive team events, leadership development events, as well as leadership training conferences.

DONATE NOW!