After recognizing six exceptional California teachers as finalists through the Golden Owl Award, the California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, selected Rick Neugebauer, agricultural teacher at Fall River Junior-Senior High School, as California’s 2023-2024 “Ag Educator of the Year.”
Neugebauer was formally recognized as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the California State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento on March 22. In addition to the title of California’s Ag Educator of the Year, Neugebauer received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Fall River Junior-Senior High School’s agricultural education efforts.
Upon receiving the award, Neugebauer expressed heartfelt appreciation for his supportive community. "I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. Receiving the Golden Owl Award means a great deal to me personally, however I would be remiss to take all the credit,” he said. “This award represents the collective effort of an entire community dedicated to educating and guiding the leaders of tomorrow. It reflects the unwavering support and belief of everyone within the Fall River/McArthur Valley. I am honored to continue my service and contribute positively to the growth and development of the students at Fall River Junior-Senior High School and McArthur FFA."
Each Golden Owl Award finalist was also presented with an individualized plaque in front of attendees at the California FFA State Leadership Conference and received a $500 donation to support future educational efforts. The finalists were:
- Daniel Crookham – Exeter FFA
- Rebecca Freeman – Lodi-Tokay FFA
- Randy Mendes – St. Helena FFA
- Deanna Morton – Shandon FFA
- Marlisa Nordstrom – Buena Park FFA
Neugebauer's passion for agriculture and his commitment to his students have made him an outstanding educator, and his recognition is well-deserved. His nomination, submitted by a fellow teacher, describes Neugebauer as hard-working, dedicated, and involved in his community. “Mr. Neugebauer has been an ag teacher at our school for 24 years. In those years, he has led many students to success in public speaking and leadership roles; earning state champion titles and mentoring numerous regional and state officers. He has taught kids how to be confident in their abilities and become well-rounded, productive members of society.”
As the number one insurer of farms and ranches in the United States, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.
“Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide their students with optimal learning experiences.”
In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.
The Golden Owl Award is the result of partnerships between Nationwide, the California FFA Foundation, and the California Farm Bureau.
