Sheep Producer Named Agriculturist of the Year - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

A sheep rancher who has been in the business his entire life is recognized with one of the state's highest agriculture honors.

Ag Reporter Sarah Gustin introduces you to this year's Ag of the Year Recipient.

(Lyle Warner / Ag of the Year Recipient) "It's very humbling I guess to think that you are going to be on the same wall as some of the people that are already up there that I have known in the past and mentors of mine, very, very humbling."

Lyle Warner is this year's Agriculturist of the Year.

For nearly 9 decades the NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club has recognized individuals who have made significant impacts to North Dakota's agriculture industry.

(Nick Austin / Little I Manager) "The saddle and sirloin club feels we need to do to recognize people that have impacted agriculture in the state, people who have come before us that we are going to try and live up to."

Not only has Warner made significant impacts in the barn, managing a 120 ewe, Rambouillet based flock, but his impacts can be felt across the state.

He recently retired from Bismarck State College after serving as an Ag instructor for 30 years.

(Lyle Warner / Ag of the Year Recipient) "I was teaching Ag economics and economics. Not necessarily the things most favorite of the students, but the things I think they really need to be successful in life."

Purebred sheep and teaching---Both time consuming occupations, which Lyle says without a doubt, were well worth the effort.

(Lyle Warner / Ag of the Year Recipient) "I think now the thing I enjoy most about it is the people that I get to meet, become acquainted with and the friendships that I have formed throughout the country. it's more social now than anything. the friendships and comradery that we have with people from traveling across the country."

"Love the students. It was great to go there everyday because everyday was a different day. The students were always great to work with and always fun to be around." 

Warner will be recognized during the 87th Little International, which will be held February 8 and 9th on the NDSU Campus.