Tom and Sandy grew up in Shorthorn families. Tom with Parkview Shorthorns from Latimer and Sandy with Eddycrest Shorthorns from Clear Lake. Although living only 30 miles apart they finally met when Sandy was Iowa Lassie Queen in 1965. They married in 1967 and later, with their children Amy and Matthew, they formed Johnson Family Shorthorns.  They all became actively involved with the Shorthorn Association and its activities.

Tom served on the Iowa Shorthorn Association board of directors and as president for two terms.  He was a delegate and a chairman for many years to the annual meetings and served on the national sales and promotion committee. He was also the Shorthorn representative to the Iowa Beef Breeds Council. Tom and Sandy were junior advisors. Amy and Matthew were actively involved in the Junior Shorthorn Association and participated in both state and national events. Amy was National Lassie Queen in 1989 and during that time many friends were made all across North America.  Sandy was also recognized as Iowa Lassie of the year in 1990.

The Iowa Beef Expo has always been a special event for all the Johnsons. In 1985 they had the Grand and Supreme Champion Bull which sold for a new record price at that time. Over the years they had several top sellers. Buyers from 16 states and Canada purchased Shorthorns from JFS at the expo.

The Johnsons still farm and Sandy works for Times Citizen Communications, Inc., in Iowa Falls. The cow herd was dispersed a few years ago. Most of their cows were purchased by an outstanding Shorthorn Family; Gilman Shorthorns of Stuart, Iowa.

They sincerely thank the Iowa Shorthorn Association board of directors and its officers and all their friends for this very prestigious award and are truly humbled and honored.