Watertown Chamber Honors Scholarship Winners and Names Laurie Johnson 'Ag Advocate of the Year'
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee celebrated the future of local agriculture and recognized a dedicated community leader during the scholarship and awards portion of its annual Farm Business Banquet on Thursday night.
The Chamber presented four scholarships to outstanding students pursuing careers in agriculture and named Lori Johnson as the 2025 Ag Advocate of the Year.
Scholarship Recipients Highlight Diverse Ag Careers
Molly Randall of First Bank and Trust, the scholarship committee chair, presented awards to four recipients who embody the future of the industry:
· Hadlee Holt (Fred Morris Memorial Scholarship): A fifth-generation farmer who plans to attend SDSU to study Ag Business and Animal Science with a focus on livestock nutrition. She owns and manages her own cattle and sheep, and will pursue certification in artificial insemination.
· Wyatt James (Lake Area Technical College Scholarship): A fifth-generation cattleman who is attending LATC to pursue a degree in Precision Agriculture. He has already built a thriving registered Angus herd and is focusing on combining hands-on farming with new technology.
· Ava Luken (Gary Mack Scholarship): Currently attending SDSU for Animal Science with a specialization in industry relations and ag communications. Her goal is a career in veterinary pharmaceutical or agricultural sales, bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
· Braxton Jongeling (Gene and Mary Lois Reichling Scholarship): A well-rounded student with extensive involvement in FFA, National Honor Society, 4-H, and livestock judging. He was recognized for his exceptional work ethic, leadership, and desire to serve his community.
Laurie Johnson Named Ag Advocate of the Year
The highlight of the evening's awards was the presentation of the second annual Ag Advocate of the Year award to Laurie Johnson. The award recognizes a leader whose lifelong dedication promotes agriculture and the rural way of life.
Johnson's extensive career has consistently focused on leadership, promotion, and education within the industry. She previously served as a state FFA officer and is currently a Developing Markets Officer with Farm Credit Services of America, where she works directly with young and beginning producers on financing and educational support.
Johnson’s leadership extends to numerous organizations, including the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association, and American National Cattle Women. Along with her husband, Brandon, she raises sheep, cattle, and crops. She is actively growing the next generation of advocates through her children's involvement in the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassadors and 4-H.
The Chamber acknowledged Johnson’s personal strength, noting that after the passing of her father in 2020, her deep rural roots provided the foundation for her to continue her family's legacy.
