March 3, 2017

Durango Schmidt, Hutchinson, Kansas was named 2016 Premier Seed Grower by Kansas Crop Improvement Association at the 2017 Kansas Seed and Crops Conference held in Manhattan on February 22.

To qualify for the award, the recipient must have several years of experience as a certified seed producer, with certified seed being a major component of their business, must exhibit quality consciousness in all production and sales practices, and must be involved in public service activities.

Schmidt grew up on a small dairy farm near Goessel, KS and has always enjoyed working with animals, learning about various Kansas crops, and, the great outdoors.   He attended Hutchinson Junior College where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Agriculture.  While attending school, he began working at Yoder Elevator and Feed Mill, eventually serving as manager.
 
In 1999 Schmidt became the supervisor of the Mid-Kansas Co-op Feed Mill in Moundridge, where he worked until 2005 when he accepted the position of Manager of Greenbush Seed in Hutchinson.  He continues in this position today and currently oversees all seed production, as well as the seed conditioning facilities at Hutchinson and Yoder.  Schmidt has a reputation within the company of being very conscientious about variety selection and works extremely hard to maintain the highest quality of Kansas certified seed.  Durango currently serves on the Kansas Crop Improvement Association Board of Directors and the Kansas Seed Industry Association Board of Directors.
 
Church and family are priorities for Schmidt, as he is actively involved in his church as a trustee, and as a Sunday School teacher.  He spends most of his spare time getting to his daughters' programs and sports activities and they will tell you that he has not missed many. 

Schmidt lives on a 12-acre farm near Buhler with his wife Stephennie and their three daughters Kaylee, Shelby and Emily.   They raise a small herd of cattle, some hogs and some chickens. 
 
Since its inception in 1930, 164 Premier Seed Grower awards have been presented. Recipients are selected by ballot with previous year’s honorees casting the votes.
 
For further information, call Kansas Crop Improvement Association at 785-532-6118, visit www.kscrop.org, or e-mail kscrop@kansas.net.

 

Website: http://www.kscrop.org

Published: March 3, 2017