Kansas Forest Service

2025 Forest Stewardship Tree Farmer of the Year

Written by Elizabeth “EJ” Jamison, Kansas Forest Service Northeast District Forester

We are proud to present the 2025 Forest Stewardship Tree Farmer of the Year Award to Floyd and Sue Schmidt of Douglas County, Kansas!

Floyd and Sue Schmidt recieved their 2025 Forest Stewardship Tree Farmer of the Year Award at the November 2025 KACD Annual Conference.
Left to right: EJ Jamison, NE Rural Forester, Kansas Forest Service, Floyd Schmidt, Sue Schmidt, Ryan Armbrust Rural Forestry Coordinator, Kansas Forest Service.

The two could not be more deserving of this award. For the last five decades, Floyd and Sue have been exceptional stewards of the forest, prairie, and cropland within their 172 acres and have generously shared their expertise with their community.

Photo credit: Steve Gurysh

Shortly after acquiring their property in 1975, Floyd and Sue enrolled 96 acres into the American Tree Farm System. Since then, they have consistently sought out the latest science and conservation practices to care for their land. They established a windbreak to protect their home, implemented multiple forest stand improvement projects, restored a prairie, planted trees with an ecology group, and established buffer strips and terraces for their cropland. Most recently, in 2024 they completed a 30-acre, multiyear forest management project that improved wildlife habitat, riparian forest health, and future timber value. Adjacent to the forest is a stunning 6-acre prairie that the Schmidts actively manage with prescribed fire and woody plant removal. There is an open invitation to anyone who wants to assist with a burn and roast hotdogs over a prairie fire!

Schmidt property. Photo credit: Floyd Schmidt

Floyd and Sue are important advocates for forestry in Kansas. They are heavily involved with Kansas Forestry Association (KFA), Walnut Council, and Kansans for Conservation. They have represented KFA at National Walnut Council meetings nearly every year since they became involved. They have promoted responsible forest management practices through events such as the annual Fall Forestry Field Day, the Rural Living in Douglas County Resource Fair, and multiple earth day events. In October, Floyd spent a week milling eastern redcedar trees that were cut from Rice Woodland to improve future public access. This effort culminated in an onsite sawmill demonstration that promoted utilization of eastern redcedar wood. 100 members of the public attended, and 1,535 linear feet of cedar boards were distributed!

Floyd Schmidt (left) milling cedar at Rice Woodlands. Photo credit: Steve Gurysh

Floyd and Sue are passionate about spreading appreciation for healthy forests, sharing their property with others, and allowing future generations to learn from their experiences. Over the years, countless people (and trees!) have benefitted from their knowledge and friendship. Their well-deserved award was presented at November’s Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Awards Banquet in Wichita.

Floyd and Sue Schmidt at the 2025 Kansas Forestry Association fall forestry field day. Photo credit: Lexi Studebaker

 

Thank you for your dedication to forestry and congratulations, Floyd and Sue!