(Left to right): Paula and Larry Kraft, Kayla Johnson and her daughter, Helen.

The success, dedication and hard work of outstanding agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and eight counties in Minnesota were honored during the 45th annual Harvest Bowl program at North Dakota State University, on Nov. 2.

The 2018 Harvest Bowl honorees from Pierce County were Larry and Paula Kraft, Rugby.

Larry and Paula Kraft raise wheat, soybeans and corn near Rugby, using mainly no-till farming practices, with some cover crops. They also have an Angus cow-calf-operation. They have been farming for more than 60 years, 20 of those with their son and daughter-in-law and their family. They have received the Pierce County Soil Conservation Stewardship Award. Larry previously was a volunteer firefighter. Paula is a certified nurse assistant at the Heart of American Medical Center in Rugby. Both also owned and operated the Towner Shoe and Variety Store and have served as a Eucharistic minister and religious education instructor. The Krafts have five children.

An agribusiness award recipient also is chosen annually. This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond. This year’s award recipient was Sharon Anderson, former director of NDSU Extension. More Anderson information is available at http://bit.ly/2018HarvestBowlAgribusinessAward .

Several scholarships also were awarded to outstanding male and female athletes during Harvest Bowl. Scholarship winners and photos are available at http://bit.ly/2018HarvestBowlAthletes .