The Nebraska Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Nebraska for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Out of many nominations, six finalists were selected. Finalist, Ben Robison, from the Alma FFA chapter, changed career paths early into his professional life. He found a passion for agricultural education and has never looked back.
Mr. Robison never planned to be an agricultural educator. Originally from Alma, Nebraska, he pursued a degree in Mechanized Systems Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and returned to his family’s farm after graduation. However, after returning to his home community, the Alma superintendent approached Mr. Robison about starting an ag ed program at Alma. Because of his passion for agriculture and because FFA was something he wished he had available in high school, Mr. Robison agreed to take on the challenge. And, the rest is history. He is now wrapping up his 16th year of teaching.
During those 16 years, Mr. Robison built Alma FFA from the ground up.
“It was a lot of work and a lot of recruitment when we started,” remembers Robison. “It was a big learning curve for everybody.”
Alma FFA had only 11 members during its first year. That number has now grown to over 60. For Mr. Robison, mentorship was vital in his early years of teaching. He recalls two experienced ag teachers in the state being wonderful mentors for him.
“They were always a phone call away and definitely an asset for me,” said Robison.
Alma FFA is known for community outreach and willingness to help when asked. It has become known in the area for its highly successful spring plant sale, which attracts people from 30 minutes away to buy flowers on sale day.
“Through all of these experiences, Mr. Robison prepares students not just for FFA contests but for a lifetime of service, responsibility, and involvement in our community,” shared one of his students.
Some of Mr. Robison’s favorite memories include taking students to the National FFA Convention for the first time and qualifying for National Land Judging multiple times. Additionally, he has enjoyed building an FFA test plot program for Alma FFA.
Mr. Robison’s advice for future ag teachers is to support the community, the students, and what they’re involved in.
“Just buying into the community and the students has probably made the biggest difference in our chapter’s growth,” shared Robison.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Robison enjoys farming with his brother and spending time with his family. Mr. Robison would like to thank his family, parents, and mentors (Mr. Rocker, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Moore) for all of their support during his journey.
The Nebraska Golden Owl Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, and Nationwide.
