IKM-Manning Ag Instructor Ben Booth has been named a finalist for the 2025-26 Golden Owl Award, one of the state’s top honors for agricultural education. Booth is among seven finalists selected from a record 834 nominations submitted for 129 educators across Iowa. Nominations were made by students, colleagues, administrators, and community members, highlighting the educators’ impact in and beyond the classroom. The Golden Owl Award is sponsored by the Iowa FFA Foundation and Nationwide Insurance, and it honors educators who provide high-quality, hands-on learning experiences and inspire students to pursue careers in agriculture. Each finalist receives a $500 prize and an engraved plaque, with the overall winner earning $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl trophy. The winner will be announced on April 20 at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames.
