One Creed, Many Voices: California FFA Makes History
One Creed, Many Voices: California FFA Makes History
California Teacher Named “Ag Educator of the Year” Nipomo’s Russell Zimmerman honored as California’s Golden Owl Award® 2025-2026 grand prize winner
GALT, Calif. — The California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, has announced Russell Zimmerman, an agricultural teacher at Nipomo High School, as California’s 2025-2026 “Ag Educator of the Year.”
Putting Skills into Action
Q&A with John Tamayo, FFA Alumnus and Relationship Manager at AgWest
What is your role in the agriculture industry, and what led you to this career?
Preparing Students for What's Next
By Dr. Kasey DeAtley, Chico State College of Agriculture
Over my 13-year career as a faculty member in the College of Agriculture at Chico State, I’ve seen college students change in a number of ways. Early in my career, more students came from agricultural backgrounds. Today, many come from urban areas with limited exposure to agriculture. That shift has challenged me to slow down, meet students where they are, and adapt how I teach.
RECAP: Closing Session of the State FFA Leadership Conference
Session Seven, “A New Dawn,” marked a powerful and emotional close to the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.
Chaired by the entire 2025–2026 State FFA Officer Team, the session opened with ceremonies reflecting on a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable moments, while looking ahead to the future of California FFA.
Reflecting on the Journey: 2025–2026 State Officer Retiring Addresses
The 2025–2026 California FFA State Officer Team spent the past year traveling the state, visiting chapters, advocating for agricultural education, and helping students grow as leaders. Their service made a lasting impact on thousands of members, and during the State Leadership Conference, each officer shared a retiring address—reflecting on their journey, lessons learned, and gratitude for those who supported them along the way.
RECAP: Sixth Session of the State FFA Leadership Conference
Session Six, “Legacies of Light,” brought an exciting and emotional evening as members gathered for one of the most anticipated sessions of the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.
State FFA Officers Ryan Taylor and Sophia Camou chaired the session, opening with ceremonies that set the tone for a night of celebration, reflection, and looking ahead to the future of California FFA.
RECAP: Fifth Session of the State FFA Leadership Conference
Session Five, “Beyond the Horizon,” brought energy and anticipation to the afternoon as members gathered for another impactful session at the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.
State FFA Officers Lily Vaughan, Tessa Camacho, and Sophia Camou chaired the session, opening with ceremonies that set the tone for reflection, recognition, and looking ahead to the future.
California FFA Announces Proficiency Award Winners at the 98th State FFA Leadership Conference
California FFA is proud to recognize the winners of the Agricultural Proficiency Awards, announced during the 98th State FFA Leadership Conference held from March 21 to March 24 in Ontario. These prestigious awards honor FFA members who have developed specialized skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which are integral to agricultural education and help prepare students for career success.
