FFA names 6 Purdue alumni as Ag Educator Golden Owl finalists

A graphic of the eight 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award Finalists
April 10, 2026

The Indiana Future Farmers of America (FFA) named eight Indiana agricultural educators as finalists for the 2026 Golden Owl Award, which honors their exceptional dedication to students and FFA programs. Six of the finalists are Purdue agricultural education alumni.

Chosen from community nominations, finalists received a plaque and $500 for their programs. The winner will be announced at the Indiana FFA Convention in June.

The first six finalists are Purdue Agricultural Education alumni:

  • Mike Jones (BS Agricultural Education ’99), Tippecanoe Valley SC
  • Chris Kaufman (BS Agricultural Education ’00), Westfield Washington Schools
  • Lynette Markley (BS Agricultural Education ’94), Argos Community Schools
  • Emily Russ (BS Agricultural Education ’11), Clinton Prairie SC
  • Mike Shirey (BS Agricultural Education ’33), Heritage Jr/Sr HS/East Allen County Schools
  • McCord Snider (BS Agricultural Education ’18), William Henry Harrison HS
  • Zoeann Chernowsky, Blue River Valley
  • Rebekah Peterson, DeKalb

Congratulations, Purdue University alumni!

About the Golden Owl Award

Presented by Nationwide, Indiana FFA, and Farm Credit Mid-America, the Golden Owl Award recognizes outstanding agricultural educators across Indiana for their tremendous contributions to help the next generation of agricultural leaders. The 2021, 2022, and 2023 winners are all Purdue agricultural education alumni.

Source: B. Allen Talbert; and Hoosier Ag Today