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Laurie Zubke Johnson has been named the 2025 Ag Advocate of the Year by the Ag Committee of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.
Members of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee serve dinner to guests at the banquet. Photo by Brandon Heim, Watertown Current.
The award was presented by Jarod Weber, chair of the ag committee, on Thursday, November 20, at the annual Farm Business Banquet.
Johnson is a developing markets officer with Farm Credit Services of America, where she works with young farmers just starting out. She is also involved with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association, American National Cattlewomen, and South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership. She is an active 4-H volunteer, helping with Achievement Days and the farm show. A 2006 graduate of Watertown High School, Johnson served as a state FFA officer. Johnson and her husband, Brandon, own a cattle, sheep, and crop operation.
“Laurie’s lifelong dedication to promoting ag, her leadership across countless organizations, and her commitment to teaching future generations truly exemplify the spirit of advocacy,” Weber said.
The banquet also featured a surprise appearance by Gov. Larry Rhoden. The governor delivered brief remarks praising ag producers and those who support them.
Gov. Larry Rhoden chats with Tom and Kathy Tesch at the Farm Business Banquet. Photo by Brandon Heim, Watertown Current.
“When I heard there was an opportunity to stop in Watertown and talk to a thousand farmers and ranchers, (I said) ‘Count me in.’” Rhoden said. “South Dakota is a special place, and I’ve come to believe that’s because of our heritage and our culture.”
Several scholarships were awarded by Molly Randall of First Bank and Trust. Randall is chair of the ag scholarship committee.
Hadlee Holt of Lake Preston won the Fred Morris Memorial Scholarship. Holt plans to attend South Dakota State University and study ag business and animal science, with a focus on livestock nutrition.
Wyat James of Estelline was awarded the Lake Area Technical College Scholarship. James, who owns his own Angus herd, attends LATC studying precision ag.
Ava Luken of Watertown received the Gary Mack Scholarship. Luken studies animal science with a specialization in industry relations and ag communications at SDSU.
Braxton Jongeling of Estelline won the Gene and Mary Lois Reichling Memorial Scholarship. He attends LATC, where he studies diesel technology.
Molly Randall (far left), ag scholarship chair, is pictured with winners (left to right): Braxton Jongeling, Ava Luken, Wyat James, and Hadlee Holt. At right is MacKenzie Ries, Chamber ag engagement director. Photo by Brandon Heim, Watertown Current.
