ND Ag Hall Of Fame Inductees

Johnson

Johnson was a member of the teaching faculty in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at North Dakota State University for 31 years.  He earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1956, followed by a Master’s Degree in 1961, both in Animal Science at NDSU.  With teaching 90% of his assignment, he taught the animal science introductory course, breeds of livestock, swine production, dairy production, meats slaughtering and processing, as well as various seminars.  Johnson served as academic advisor to between 50 and 70 students at any given time in his career.  His friendly smile and open office door policy were characteristic of his teaching philosophy.  Johnson shared coaching responsibilities for the Livestock Judging Team from 1959 – 1961 and served as coach of both the junior and senior teams from 1961 – 1969.  He also shared responsibilities as advisor to the Saddle and Sirloin Club and served as advisor to the Rodeo Club 1961 – 1965.

Well known to livestock producers in the State, he served as superintendent of the swine division of the North Dakota Winter Show for 32 years, and at the Red River Valley Fair for 29 years.  He also served as secretary for the North Dakota Pork Producers and the affiliated Northern Purebred Swine Breeders Association from 1960 – 1988, as well as secretary for the ND Pork Producers Council for 10 years.  In 1966, he was honored by students in the College of Agriculture with the Alpha Zeta Teacher of the Year Award, and was also awarded the FFA Honorary State Farmer Degree.  He received campus-wide awards from honorary student service and academic societies – the Blue Key Distinguished Educator Award in 1976 and the Mortar Board Outstanding Advisor of the Year in 1983.

"Teamwork is of the utmost importance.  By working together great feats can be achieved as we look to the future and the tremendous challenges facing agriculture. I could not have chosen a better profession – it has allowed me the privilege of being associated with the finest people in the world.  Working with college students has been a privilege and they have played a major role in fulfilling my life. " … John Johnson (1928 – 2003)

Year Inducted: 2005