Agribusiness Award

Mark Watne is a fourth-generation North Dakota farmer, cooperative leader and tireless advocate for family agriculture, whose leadership has shaped the future of farming, rural communities and cooperative enterprise across North Dakota and the nation.

Raised in the agricultural community of Velva, North Dakota, Watne has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for family farmers and ranchers. He served as president of the North Dakota Farmers Union from 2013 to 2025, becoming one of the most respected voices in agricultural policy, cooperative development, rural economic growth and farm profitability. Through his leadership, North Dakota Farmers Union expanded its efforts in legislative advocacy, youth education, member engagement and innovative business ventures designed to strengthen family farms and rural communities.

Before being elected president, Watne served on the North Dakota Farmers Union State Board of Directors, including as state treasurer, and spent 15 years with the organization as a development specialist, agricultural strategist and staff executive director. Throughout his career, he championed cooperative business models and value-added agriculture, helping launch and grow successful farmer-owned enterprises. Among his most notable accomplishments was his leadership in the development and expansion of the nationally recognized Founding Farmers restaurant concept, a groundbreaking cooperative venture that connects consumers directly to family farmers through a farmer-owned supply chain.

Watne’s influence extends well beyond North Dakota. As president, he served on the boards of the National Farmers Union, Farmers Union Enterprises, Agraria Insurance Company, Farmers Union Service Association and Agraria LLC. He represented American agriculture on the global stage through the World Farmers’ Organization and served on numerous national and international advisory boards focused on agricultural innovation, trade, cooperatives and research. His commitment to advancing agriculture also included service with organizations such as the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives, the National Genotyping Board, Northern Crops Institute, Center for Agricultural Trade Policy, Grand Farm and First Community Credit Union.

A passionate believer in education and leadership development, Watne worked to expand opportunities for young people through agricultural education, youth programming and leadership training, helping inspire the next generation of agricultural and cooperative leaders. He has consistently championed the principles of cooperation, innovation, grassroots engagement and service, ensuring that family farmers have a strong voice in discussions surrounding agriculture, trade, conservation, taxation and rural development.

Today, Watne continues to operate his 1,750-acre farm near Velva, carrying forward a proud farming tradition while leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service. He studied agricultural mechanization at North Dakota State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in university studies from Valley City State University.

Most importantly, Watne’s life of service has been grounded by family. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 41 years and are proud parents of three children and grandparents to five grandchildren.