Submitted
The Ellis County Conservation District has selected Phil and Brenda Schmeidler for the 2024 Conservation Maintenance award.
Phil started helping on the family farm and learning the ropes at a young age. At the age of six he started with the daunting task of milking cows. He feels that taught him his work ethic and having to show up to work every day to be successful.
After graduating from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1971, he went into active duty for the Kansas Army National Guard. Phil went to work at the Fort Hays Experiment Station for six years until he began his full-time farming operation in 1978.
Phil started his farming operation farming family land. He recognizes that without the help of his parents and Brenda’s parents he wouldn’t be where he is today.
He still farms the family land, land he has purchased, and land he rents. Phil has used many conservation programs over the years and continues to participate in many conservation programs today.
Since going no-till in 2012 on his personal land, Phil knows he has removed the need to rebuild terraces, as the residue on the surface and no longer tilling the land has preserved the conservation practices that were installed.
His rangeland is no exception to the proper management he strives for in his operation. The rangeland is not overgrazed and is monitored annually as a part of his management plan.
One of Phil and Brenda’s sons, Scott, helps full-time on the farm. When the need arises he appreciates the family aspect of the farm and his other three sons are willing to lend extra sets of hands. During harvest and planting, Kent, Jarret, and Nolan help with the work.
Phil and Brenda plan to continue preserving the land for future generations. They feel they owe it to their children and grandchildren to preserve the land and improve it so they have something to be proud of when the farming operation continues into the next generations.