Mark Forbush Earns National Agriculture Education Award
The Michigan FFA state advisor is the first from the state to receive the Outstanding State Supervisor honor.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Michigan FFA state advisor Mark Forbush has been honored with the Outstanding State Supervisor award from the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural. This recognition marks the first time a representative from Michigan has received this national distinction.
Why it matters
Forbush's leadership has significantly expanded agricultural education in Michigan by overseeing curriculum revisions and fostering strong industry support. His efforts have contributed to the growth of school-based programs and the professional development of new educators.
Forbush has dedicated 40 years to agriculture education, including 30 years teaching in Reading, Perry, and Corunna. His tenure has seen the chartering of over 20 new Michigan FFA chapters and the placement of nearly 50 agriscience educators.
The players
Mark Forbush
He serves as the Michigan FFA Association state advisor and has a four-decade career in agriculture education.
National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural
This professional organization represents state-level leaders who oversee agricultural education programs across the United States.
Michigan FFA Association
A youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The details
As the state advisor, Forbush has spent over a decade working with the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan State University to modernize state curriculum. He focused heavily on building community and industry partnerships to strengthen the reach and resources of local FFA programs.
Timeline
The award was presented during the National FFA Convention and Expo.
Culture Shift
Forbush's career reflects a broader shift toward professionalized agricultural education that bridges local classroom instruction with state-level administrative strategy. This evolution emphasizes the importance of sustained industry partnerships in ensuring the longevity of vocational training programs.
For local students and aspiring agriscience teachers, this recognition underscores the continued stability and support for agricultural programs in the state. The expansion of FFA chapters and teacher placements suggests a sustained commitment to hands-on vocational learning for Michigan youth.
The takeaway
The success of these programs relies on deep, long-term collaboration between educators and regional industry partners. Aspiring educational leaders can implement similar models by focusing on community-specific curriculum needs and vocational workforce development.
Further reading
Learn more about local school initiatives and programming at the Michigan Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brownfield Ag News.
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