2026 Ag Appreciation Banquet

The annual Ag Appreciation Banquet will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the 4 Seasons Pavilion in Bowman, North Dakota. Join us for a free evening of food, fellowship, and entertainment as we honor the 2026 Farmer/Rancher of the Year and the incredible ag communities of Bowman, Slope, and Harding Counties.

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award!

This award has honored local individuals who have made meaningful contributions to agriculture in our region. We invite you to help us recognize the hard-working farmers and ranchers who strengthen our rural communities.

Nomination Guidelines:

• • • Nominees must be 55 years or older
    • Must reside in Bowman, Slope, or Harding Counties
    • Nominations are due by August 29, 2026

The selected honoree will be recognized at the Ag Appreciation Banquet on October 28, 2026, hosted by the Chamber at the 4-Seasons Pavilion in Bowman, ND. This is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates the heart of our ag community.

Submit your nomination:

• • In person: 13 E Divide, Bowman, ND
  • By mail: PO Box 1143, Bowman, ND 58623
  • By email: margo@swnd.org

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

7:15pm- Award Presentation- 2026 Farmer/ Rancher of the Year

7:30pm- Entertainment

2025 Farmer/Rancher of the Year

David and Sue Juntunen

David and Sue Juntunen are dedicated members of the Slope County community, where service and commitment run deep in both their family and their daily lives.

Dave first came to Slope County in the summer of 1967. He worked on the Tripple J ranch in the summers while attending college at Jamestown College. After graduating in 1970 he was signed by the Washington Redskins and spent 1 year playing football for their farm team the Roanoke Buckskins. After football, Amidon became his permanent home in 1971. Dave was involved in a car accident in 1973 that left him with his signature hoarse voice and his wife. Sue was an RN at the Bowman Hospital at the time of Dave’s accident. And the rest is history!

Dave has served numerous leadership and volunteer roles over the years, including a member of the Amidon Volunteer Fire Department, Slope County Ag Improvement, FSA Board Member,  Bowman Grain Board of Directors, the Slope County Water Resource Board, treasurer for Sandcreek Township, the Little Missouri Grazing Association and the Central Elementary School Board. He has also been an active member of Lebanon Lutheran Church.

For more than two decades, Dave played an instrumental role in regional water development as a director on the Southwest Water Authority and as a member of the Slope County Water Resource Board until his retirement in 2025. During his tenure, he was pivotal in helping bring Southwest Water to southwest North Dakota, a project that gave ranchers the opportunity to apply for pasture taps, making clean, reliable water more accessible for livestock and families alike. His vision and leadership left a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural community.

Known for his community-minded spirit, Dave is always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Alongside him, his wife Sue—a lifelong Slope County resident—has been a steadfast partner in family, faith, and community life. Together they raised four children: Sara (Leighton) Redmond, Sam (Rachelle) Juntunen, Tom Juntunen, and Katie (Turner) Harris.

The Juntunens’ 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