Cooperative Hall of Fame Honors 2025 Inductees
With the induction of four key leaders into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame, the roster now includes one hundred individuals who have given of their time, talent, and treasure to build a strong cooperative community in South Dakota.
Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state. Their leadership, integrity, and personal commitment have served not only cooperatives, but also their local communities.
This year’s inductees are:
Bruce Granquist, Milbank, SD – nominated by AGP, Inc., with support from LaBolt Farmers Grain Company and Grant-Roberts Rural Water System.
Vince Hanson, Crooks, SD – nominated by Alliance Communication, with support from Crooks Mayor Butch Oseby
Dick Johnson, Mesa, AZ – nominated by West River Electric Association, with support from Wall Mayor Mary Williams, and Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative
Wallace “Wally” Knock, Willow Lake, SD – nominated by Agtegra Cooperative with support from Land O’Lakes, Inc., the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Dakotaland Feeds, and the SD Value-Added Agriculture Development Center.
This marks the forty-first year for the Hall of Fame. The SD Cooperative Hall of Fame program is sponsored by CHS, Inc., the SD Association of Cooperatives, SD Association of Telephone Cooperatives, SD Farmers Union, and SD Rural Electric Association.
Note: a more detailed description of each inductee’s cooperative contributions is below:
Bruce Granquist, Milbank, SD – Bruce Granquist, a dedicated advocate for the cooperative system, has spent decades contributing to the growth and success of agricultural cooperatives and his community. Farming 3,500 acres near Milbank, SD, alongside his wife, Janet, and son Nathan, Bruce has cultivated not only crops but also a legacy of leadership and service.
Bruce served on the LaBolt Famers Grain Company board of Directors for 28 years, including over 20 years as Chairman. Under his guidance, the cooperative expanded its foot print across South Dakota and Minnesota, adapting to the fast-paced need of producers with stat-of-the-art equipment and facilities. His vision and commitment have ensured the cooperative’s ability to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural environment.
In addition to his work at LaBolt Farmers Grain, Bruce served on the Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) board of Directors for over 20 years, holding roles such as Secretary and Treasurer. During his tenure, Bruce played a pivotal role in major projects, including the construction and expansion of soy processing facilities, vegetable oil refining, biodiesel production, and export capabilities at the Port of Grays Harbor. His leadership helped AGP achieve lasting impacts on U.S. agriculture, creating new markets and opportunities for cooperative members.
Beyond his cooperative contributions, Bruce has served as Vice Chairman of the Grant-Roberts Rural Water District for 29 years and recently became Chairman. He has also held leadership roles in the SD Association of rural Water Systems, his local church council, and various agricultural associations.
Bruce’s humility, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to service have inspired those around him. His commitment to advancing cooperatives, supporting his community, and fostering future generations of leaders marks him as an elite cooperative leader.
Vince Hanson, Crooks – Vince Hanson is a dedicated leader and visionary who has profoundly impacted the cooperative sector and his community. Born and raised in Crooks, SD, Vince took on significant responsibilities at an early age, leaving college to manage his family farm after the unexpected passing of his father. As a third-generation farmer, Vince has worked alongside his son, Karl, to sustain and grow the family legacy.
In 1981, Vince joined the board of Baltic Cooperative Telephone, which later merged with Splitrock Telecom to form Alliance Communications Cooperative. Over his remarkable 44-year tenure, Vince played a pivotal role in transforming the cooperative from serving two communities with 1,970 phone customers to nearly 16,000 customers across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Under his leadership, Alliance became one of the first cooperatives in the state to implement a 100% fiber-optic network, ensuring cutting-edge technology for its members.
Vince’s commitment to community development is evident through his involvement in initiatives like the Crooks New Hope Light Industrial Development, which fostered local business growth. He also supported programs such as Keep the Change and USDA Rural Development loans, benefitting community organizations and critical establishments.
Beyond his professional contributions, Vince is deeply involved in his church, farm-related organizations, and local committees. His integrity, kindness, and mentorship have earned him respect from employees, customers, and community members alike. Vince’s expertise as a licensed real estate agent has further supported Alliance in land development and infrastructure projects.
Vince embodies the cooperative principles of leadership, innovation, and concern for the community. His decades-long service has left a lasting legacy, positioning Alliance Communications and the Crooks area for continued growth and success.
Dick Johnson, Mesa, AZ – Dick Johnson is a distinguished leader whose 26-year career at West River Electric Association, including 15 years as CEO, exemplifies the highest standards of cooperative leadership and community service. His tenure was marked by exceptional statesmanship, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the cooperative model in South Dakota.
Under Dick’s leadership, West River Electric experienced transformational growth, modernizing rural infrastructure, integrating advanced smart grid technology, and pioneering renewable energy projects such as solar and battery storage systems. His forward-thinking vision positioned the cooperative as a leader in rural electrification and grid security, ensuring reliable service for thousands of members while fostering sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dick’s dedication to the cooperative community is evident in his mentorship of emerging leaders and his advocacy for cooperative principles at state and national levels. He cultivated a culture of collaboration and empowerment, inspiring others to engage in the broader cooperative mission. His influence extended to regional organizations such as Rushmore Electric and SD Rural Electric Association, where he championed strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to strengthen South Dakota’s cooperative network.
Dick’s commitment to service extended far beyond his career. In his hometown of Wall, SD, he has been a pillar of civic engagement, serving as an EMT, church leader, and active member of numerous boards, including the Wall Chamber and Black Hills Economic Development Board. He co-founded the Wall Toastmasters Club and established a healthcare scholarship for local students, leaving a lasting legacy of community development.
Dick Johnson’s career and community service reflect the cooperative values of self-help, democracy, and solidarity. His leadership has created lasting improvements for rural communities and inspired future generations to carry forward the cooperative spirit.
Wallace “Wally” Knock, Willow Lake, SD – Wallace “Wally” Knock is a distinguished leader in South Dakota’s agricultural and cooperative sectors, whose career spans over four decades of dedicated service. A diversified crop and livestock farmer from Willow Lake, SD, Wally operates a family farm with his wife, Kathy, and their children.
Wally’s commitment to cooperatives began during the challenging 1980s farm crisis, where he recognized their essential role in supporting rural communities. He has been a member of Agtegra Cooperative for 45 years, serving on its board for over 24 years, including more than a decade as Board Secretary. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Agtegra through mergers, capital reinvestments, and strategic growth, solidifying its position as a leading farmer-owned cooperative in the Midwest.
Beyond Agtegra, Wally serves as South Dakota’s representative on the Land O’Lakes Board of Directors, advocating for innovation, sustainability, and cooperative strength at the national level. His has also chaired the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ Animal Agriculture Subcommittee for over a decade, influencing federal policy and advancing livestock producers’ interests.
Wally’s contributions extend to his local community, where has served as chairman of the Willow Lake School Board for 18 years, Clark County Commissioner, and a 4-H leader. His passion for rural development and mentorship has inspired future cooperative leaders and fostered economic opportunities in South Dakota.
Recognized as the 2024 NCFC Farmer Co-op Director of the Year, Wally exemplifies statesmanship, vision, and unwavering commitment to agriculture and cooperatives. His legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and dedication to ensuring the prospering of rural communities and the cooperative system for generations to come.
