2007
Gerald and Pamela Schmiedicke, 80 acres
Grant Township, Clare County

Gerald and Pamela Schmiedicke are passionate about farmland preservation.

Mr. Schmiedicke said, "There's been so much road front development that it's just been gobbling up farmland."

Their 80-acre farm has been used for agriculture for over 100 years and the Schmiedickes continue the agricultural tradition. In the property's woods, the Schmiedickes tap their maple trees to harvest sap in the spring. The Schmiedickes then boil down the sap and distribute the maple syrup regionally.

With their neighbors Jon and Elizabeth Ringelberg, the Schmiedickes signed conservation easements to protect their farm.