Farm Bureau honored for contributions to state FFA

The California Farm Bureau was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation in recognition of its outstanding contributions to agricultural education and FFA. 

California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass and Chief Operating Officer Dan Durheim accepted the award last week during the 97th California State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento. 

In presenting the award to Farm Bureau, the California FFA cited the organization’s dedication to “protecting, promoting and advancing the agricultural industry,” which it said aligns with FFA’s mission. 

“However, it is their ongoing commitment to foster the success of agriculture and FFA members that makes them deserving of the Distinguished Service Citation,” the state FFA said.

The student association went on to highlight Farm Bureau’s support of jackets for FFA members, noting the two groups have long maintained a strong relationship. During the California Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in December, for example, the organization worked with county Farm Bureaus and members to ensure every sectional and regional officer received an official blue corduroy FFA jacket. 

“Through these efforts, they have nurtured future agricultural leaders, recognizing that many will go on to serve as Farm Bureau members and advocates for the industry,” the California FFA said.

The youth association also recognized Farm Bureau for being “a steadfast supporter of the California FFA Foundation and its awards program, further demonstrating their commitment to the growth and success of FFA members.” Farm Bureau provides “invaluable support to FFA members and chapters at the local level, making them truly deserving of this recognition,” the association added.

The annual Distinguished Service Citations are chosen by the California FFA executive committee. 

Also recognized during the conference was Marc DeBernardi, an agricultural teacher at Santa Maria High School in Santa Barbara County, who won the Golden Owl Award as California’s 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year. 

The annual honor is awarded by the California FFA Foundation in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau.

As part of the grand prize award, DeBernardi received a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further invest in Santa Maria High School’s agricultural education efforts. 

The individual who nominated DeBernardi described him as a driving force in agricultural education, dedicating himself to student success through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Five other California teachers earned honors as Golden Owl Award finalists, receiving $500 donations to support future educational efforts. 

The finalists were: Carrie Phillips, Altaville-Bret Harte FFA in Calaveras County; Lori Porter, Livermore FFA in Alameda County; Vernon Clark, Bakersfield-Foothill FFA in Kern County; Krystal Thomas, San Marcos FFA in San Diego County; and Jim Shanks, Dorris-Butte Valley FFA in Siskiyou County.

As the No. 1 insurer of farms and ranches in the United States, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to highlight the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide also donated $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisers.