Val Schwendiman
Newdale, Newdale
Val’s first job on the family farm was scattering sacks in the fields so the workers could fill them with potatoes. Plowing was done using a one row digger pulled by horses.
As a third generation farmer Val is noted for working hard to install a love and respect for the land to his posterity. Earlier, Val farmed with his brother and now farms with three of his sons and eight grandsons. He is also a successful owner and operator of a seed and commercial potato business. Additionally, Val runs a large operation of irrigated and dryland wheat and barley.
Additional awards previously presented to Val include Conservation Farmer of the Year, 1971, Farm Records and management award, 1979, Farmer of the year 2000, Conservation Farmer of the year 2006. He is also very active in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America and the Newdale community.
Val, and his wife Diane, are the parents of nine children, David, Lynda, Juli, Suzan, Russell, Stan, Lee, Tyler and Dan (deceased).