Lifetime Achievement Award
2010 Recipient
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High-ResHerman Schmitz
Herman Schmitz's dedication to transportation was evident in his efforts to improve rail rates and service for North Dakota wheat producers. Schmitz began his farming career on the family farm in McKenzie County when he dropped out of the eighth grade after the death of his father. At age 15 he took over management of the family's finances. He has spent his life balancing the demands of family, farming and making contributions as an involved citizen of his community and state.
In the 1960s, Schmitz helped organize the North Dakota Wheat Producers. He was elected to the North Dakota Wheat Commission in 1969 where he served until 1981. He served as chairman of the commission from 1971 to 1973. During his time on the commission, he was instrumental in seeking change in noncompetitive rail rates in the Northern Plains states and in the formation and maintenance of the North Dakota Wheat Commission's transportation portfolio. Through his tireless work in transportation, Schmitz helped to foster state, regional and national partnerships that would eventually allow North Dakota wheat to move westward. These expansions in transportation lead to new market opportunities and unparalleled growth in hard red spring wheat exports to Asia and other key markets. He is considered a champion of North Dakota wheat producer interests and a significant figure in shaping the current successes of agricultural transportation.
