By Andi Anderson
Laura Brecht, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Prairie High School, has been named the 2024–2025 Iowa Ag Educator of the Year. She received the prestigious Golden Owl Award during the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference held in Ames. Along with the title, Brecht was awarded $3,000 from the Iowa FFA Foundation.
The Golden Owl Award is a joint initiative by the Iowa FFA Foundation and Nationwide Insurance. It recognizes outstanding contributions made by agricultural educators who play a critical role in preparing future agricultural leaders.
The award focuses on an educator’s impact over the past school year, highlighting their commitment, innovation, and influence in the classroom and beyond.
Since joining Prairie High School, Laura Brecht has led remarkable growth in the agriculture program. Under her leadership, student enrollment in agricultural classes and FFA has surged from about 146 students to over 250. Within just five years, Prairie's FFA chapter has become the fourth largest in Iowa.
The Iowa FFA Leadership Conference, held from April 13–15 in Ames, gathered nearly 7,000 FFA members, educators, and guests. The event featured leadership training, competitions, and career development opportunities for students across the state.
Brecht’s recognition reflects her dedication to enhancing agricultural education and student leadership. Her work ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in agriculture, equipping them with essential knowledge, experience, and confidence.
Through her efforts, Prairie High has not only gained state recognition but also set a high standard for agricultural programs in Iowa. Her achievement highlights the importance of strong educators in shaping the future of farming and agribusiness.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle