Lynden Johnson, a McKenzie County native and 1982 North Dakota State University graduate, will receive the 2015 Agribusiness Award on Nov. 6 during NDSU’s 42nd annual Harvest Bowl program.

This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond.

Johnson, of CHS Inc., the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, will receive the 2015 award. Johnson is executive vice president of the Country Operations division of CHS.

Johnson's lifelong connection with North Dakota agriculture dates back to his youth as he grew up on the family farm near Watford City. Johnson was active in FFA, earning the State Farmer and Star Chapter Farmer awards.

After graduating from Watford City High School, he majored in agricultural economics at NDSU.

Cenex, the predecessor of CHS, quickly identified his talents. After Johnson graduated from NDSU, the cooperative recruited him for its management development program.

During the next 23 years, Johnson led three local cooperatives in Minnesota and North Dakota. He also was an active leader in many cooperative system organizations, serving as president of the North Dakota and Minnesota Managers Association, Triangle Agronomy LLC, and the CHS and Land O’Lakes Managers Council.

In 2005, Johnson moved to CHS to lead CHS Business Solutions. He was named to his current role at CHS Country Operations in 2014. Johnson also is a director for the CHS Pension Plan and a member of the CHS Capital board of governors.

An ardent supporter of his alma mater, Johnson and CHS have helped create the CHS Classroom, Commodity Trading Room and numerous scholarships and grants.

During his student days at NDSU, Johnson met his wife, Kathy Taipale, to whom he has been married for 34 years. They have two children and two grandsons. Their son, Aaron, with his wife, Amber, have one son, Carter. Daughter Angela and her husband, Brian Heath, have a son, Ethan.

Outstanding agriculturists from all counties in North Dakota and several in western Minnesota also will be honored during the Harvest Bowl program, and scholarships will be awarded to outstanding male and female NDSU athletes.

The 42nd annual Harvest Bowl festivities begin Friday, Nov. 6, at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites with a dinner and awards ceremony. On Saturday, honorees will attend the Harvest Bowl football game.

For information on Harvest Bowl and to register, visit the NDSU Development Foundation and Alumni Association website at http://www.ndsualumni.com/, call (800) 279-8971 or (701) 231-6800, or email kelly@ndsualumni.com.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Oct. 20, 2015