Missouri Teacher Named “Ag Educator of the Year”

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Jarred Sayre from Milan High School honored as Missouri’s Golden Owl Award® 

2026 grand prize winner

Columbia, MO– As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important than ever. In Missouri, seven exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award® for their positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve. Of the finalists, Jarred Sayre, an agricultural teacher at Milan, Missouri was named Missouri’s grand prize winner and 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year.

In partnership with Nationwide and FCS Financial, the Missouri FFA Foundation recognized Sayre as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the Missouri FFA State Convention. In addition to the title of Missouri’s Ag Educator of the Year, Sayre received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 cash prize.

Sayre’s belief that teaching is his lifelong calling is reflected in his nominations that mention his warmth, kindness, and genuine desire to connect with students, co-workers, and colleagues. His classes embody the three-circle model of ag education balancing high-quality classroom instruction, hands on agriculture experiences, and leadership development through a thriving FFA chapter. Sayre is frequently described as someone who makes students feel seen and supported. His fellow teachers discuss his willingness to share ideas, provide support, and celebrate achievements. He’s seen as an inspiration to everyone around him.

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed the light on the contributions of the nation’s leading agricultural teachers. In Missouri, FCS Financial joined the effort to expand the number of teachers celebrated, especially in the local community.

“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.”

Rob Guinn, CEO of FCS Financial echoed Ligget’s comments, saying, “The future of Missouri agriculture depends on the quality of education our students receive today. We are honored to support the Golden Owl Award because it recognizes those teachers who go above and beyond to mentor our next generation of rural leaders. Their passion for ag education ensures a strong, sustainable future for our farming communities.”

Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, executive director of Missouri FFA Foundation shared, “The Foundation’s Board of Directors has placed a priority emphasis on supporting teachers. High quality teachers are integral to students being prepared to meet Missouri’s future agricultural and civic needs. A program such as the Golden Owl Award that recognizes our best teachers is essential.”

For more information, visit www.goldenowlaward.com and https://missouriffa.org/mo-ffa-foundation/golden-owl.

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