Submitted Photo Cynthia and Michael Smith were named 2024 Harvest Bowl honorees from Ward County.

Michael and Cynthia Smith of Minot have been named 2024 Harvest Bowl honorees at North Dakota State University.

The award honors agriculturalists for their success, dedication and hard work.

For 52 years, the Smiths have farmed together, growing wheat, soybeans and corn, utilizing a minimum-till crop planting program. All three of their children also have had the opportunity to farm.

In 1975, Michael and Cynthia Smith graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and textiles and clothing from NDSU.

Michael Smith received the Minot Jaycee Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1987. He has been active on various boards and with various associations and is currently a member of the Ward County Agricultural Improvement Association.

Cynthia Smith was active on the boards of Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Town and Country Credit Union and Metigoshe Ministries. She was also a Sunday school superintendent and a church board member and enjoyed flipping houses in the area.

Other area county honorees include: Bottineau Pete and Georgia Artz of Bottineau; Burke, Jason and Jill Wettstein of Bowbells; Divide, Brent and Lee Svangstu, Noonan; McHenry, Brian and Krystal Hauff of Drake; McKenzie, Steven and Wanda Nelson of Watford City; McLean, Trevor and Aaron Kohler of Max; Mountrail, Heath and Kris Hetzel of Stanley; Pierce, Scott and Joni Johnson of Rugby; Renville, Clarke and Lora Stevens of Glenburn; Rolette, Matthew and Cynthia Tastad of Rolette; Sheridan, Scott and Rachel Spear of Drake; Wells, Dave and Roxane Fike of Bowdon; and Williams, Dustin and Megan Johnsrud of Epping.

The honorees were celebrated during the 50th annual Harvest Bowl program at NDSU on Nov. 15.