2026 Ag Appreciation Banquet

The Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its annual Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the 4 Seasons Pavilion in Bowman. This free event honors the vital role agriculture plays in our region while recognizing the 2026 Farmer/Rancher of the Year, Mark and Marcia Lermeny.

The evening begins with a social hour and open bar at 5:00 p.m., followed by a complimentary dinner at 6:00 p.m. The Welcome and Award presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m., with entertainment by Michelle Miller, The Farm Babe, to close out the celebration.

All are welcome to attend, especially friends and neighbors from Bowman, Slope, and Harding Counties, as we gather to celebrate the backbone of our communities and agriculture.

It is an honor to recognize Mark and Marcia, and their many hours devoted to the ag industry. Please join in the celebration at the 2026 Ag Appreciation Banquet.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

5:00pm- Social- Open bar courtesy of Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce and Sponsors

6:00pm- Dinner- Free meal courtesy of Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce and Sponsors

7:00pm- Welcome, Award Presentation- 2026 Farmer/ Rancher of the Year, Entertainment

2026 Farmer/Rancher of the Year

Mark and Marcia Lermeny

Mark and Marcia Lermeny are dedicated members of the Harding County community, where service and commitment run deep in both their family and their daily lives.

Mark Lermeny was born and raised on the Lermeny Ranch near Reva, South Dakota. The ranch was homesteaded in 1908 by his grandparents and great-grandparents. Mark graduated from Harding County High School in Buffalo, South Dakota, in 1972. After graduation, he remained in Harding County and continued ranching with his parents and siblings. Marcia (Heggem) Lermeny also grew up in Harding County, north of Camp Crook, South Dakota. She graduated from Spearfish High School in 1976 and married Mark in 1977. Together, they continued ranching with Mark’s family.

Known for his community-minded spirit, Mark is always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Alongside him, his wife Marcia, has been a steadfast partner in family, faith, and community life. Together they raised four children: Erin (Josh) Klempel, Margo (Tyler) Carroll, Dillon (Julia) Lermeny, and Chance (Casey) Lermeny.

The Lermenys’ dedication to service, family, and community reflects the values that define rural North Dakota; hard work, faith, and neighborly care.

Entertainment

Michelle Miller – The Farm Babe

Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, is an internationally recognized agriculture advocate, keynote speaker, writer, podcast host, and social media influencer. With a background that spans from the fashion industry to modern agriculture, Michelle has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through science-based education, authentic storytelling, and engaging conversations.

Since launching The Farm Babe in 2014, Michelle has built an audience of more than 400,000 followers and reaches millions of people each month through her online platforms. She is passionate about dispelling myths surrounding food production, advocating for farmers, and helping consumers better understand where their food comes from. Her work has been featured by Forbes, The New York Times, CNN, People, the Today Show, and numerous agriculture publications.

Known for her down-to-earth personality, humor, and practical approach, Michelle has influenced conversations from family dinner tables to corporate boardrooms and policymaking circles. Whether speaking to producers, consumers, or industry leaders, she brings a unique perspective that encourages thoughtful discussion, builds trust, and strengthens connections between agriculture and the public.

Past Farmer/Rancher of the Year Awards

• 2025 David and Sue Juntunen
• 2024 Joe and Cindy Painter
• 2023 Mark and Stephanie Kelner
• 2022 Laureen Stuber
• 2021 Bruce and Teresa Bowman
• 2020 Brooks Chalky Butte Ranch
• 2019 Wayne and Susan Nelson
• 2018 Gerald, Rita, Larry, and Jackie Lambourn
• 2017 Kenneth Abrahamson
• 2016 Harry Kerr
• 2015 Donald Brown
• 2014 Wayne Mrnak
• 2013 Bruce Freitag
• 2012 Bob Andrews
• 2011 Marlene Mrnak
• 2010 Leo Heinrich
• 2009 John Lee and Ellen Njos
• 2008 Don Burke
• 2007 Roger Stuber
• 2006 Burke Lambourn
• 2005 Elwood and Gerry Andersen
• 2004 Ina Holmquist
• 2003 Lyle and Sharon Gunderson
• 2002 Lyle Sander
• 2001 Stanley Pope
• 2000 Bob Penfield
• 1999 Lawrence Faris
• 1998 Bill Fisher
• 1997 Fred Gerth
• 1996 Dorothy Soreide
• 1995 Ken Rajewsky
• 1994 Odell Sabe
• 1993 Howard Pearson
• 1992 Albert Bowman
• 1991 Wally Jacobs
• 1990 Jim Mrnak
• 1989 Howard Brooks