HOT SPRINGS – Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Harold McCain of Vilonia High School as the state’s Outstanding Ag Educator. McCain received the award at the organization’s 80^th annual convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Outstanding Ag Educator Award recognizes a high school agriculture education instructor for their efforts in teaching young people about agriculture, leadership and involvement in FFA.

McCain’s program includes 240 students in ag education and 100 FFA members. Through his leadership, the program has had numerous students become state FFA winners in Career Development contests. The program also produced 2013-14 State FFA President Taylor McNeel.

Vilonia High School is well-known for its livestock program and through McCain’s leadership the school built a model animal science facility. McCain has been a vocational agriculture teacher for 28 years.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

 Harold McCain, center, is the 2014 Outstanding Ag Educator. Andy Guffey, assistant director of education and Ag in the Classroom, and Chris Schaefer, President of Faulkner county Farm Bureau presented the award on Thursday afternoon.