Grassland Award
Sponsored By
The Shawnee County Conservation District
Grassland Conservation Award DescriptionEach year, the Conservation District reviews the efforts of landowners who are actively working to improve, protect, or sustainably manage grasslands within the district. This award is intended to recognize exceptional stewardship that enhances grassland health, productivity, and long-term viability while supporting agricultural use.
When a farming or ranching operation demonstrates outstanding commitment to grassland conservation—whether through improved grazing management, restoration efforts, invasive species control, soil and water protection, or other sustainable practices—the District believes it is important to acknowledge those achievements. By highlighting exemplary operations, the District hopes to encourage and inspire other landowners to adopt similar conservation practices across the landscape.
Award Selection
This award recognizes landowners whose commitment to grassland management serves as a model of responsible stewardship and contributes to the long-term sustainability of natural resources in Shawnee County.
When a farming or ranching operation demonstrates outstanding commitment to grassland conservation—whether through improved grazing management, restoration efforts, invasive species control, soil and water protection, or other sustainable practices—the District believes it is important to acknowledge those achievements. By highlighting exemplary operations, the District hopes to encourage and inspire other landowners to adopt similar conservation practices across the landscape.
Award Selection
- Only one operation is recognized each year, ensuring the award highlights truly exceptional efforts in grassland conservation and stewardship.
This award recognizes landowners whose commitment to grassland management serves as a model of responsible stewardship and contributes to the long-term sustainability of natural resources in Shawnee County.
2025 Grassland Award Winner
Hidden Hill Farms of Kansas
The Dakes have wanted to own their own farm since 1993. RJ and Angela were married in 1993 at the end of RJ’s Air Force Career in Sacramento, California. As they both settled into a teaching career and started their family, they looked for farmland to start their dream. Finding themselves outpriced in California, they began to look closer to RJ’s farming roots in the midwest and moved to sunny Topeka, Kansas in 2007 with a plan to buy some acreage.
The housing crash of 2008 pushed that dream a little further away again. RJ and Angela would have to wait to buy that farm as they watched their California home lose its value, They could not sell that house and buy that farm, a true disappointment. As the market dragged on they put the dream on hold and focused on raising their children and continuing their careers in education, praying that someday that opportunity might return.
And it did. Their California house finally sold in 2011, enabling them to purchase a house with 3 acres in Auburn, Kansas, thinking that it was as close as they would ever get to having a farm. But in 2014, RJ and Angela found out the farm next door was for sale. Little did they know they would find the farm of their dreams right next door! The neighbors had also patiently waited to find a buyer who would love and cherish their land. Finally, after 22 years the waiting and searching were over.
In 2015, RJ and Angela bought the 80-acre farm at 7320 SW Indian Hills Road and established Hidden Hill Farms of Kansas. This has allowed RJ and Angela to establish many conservation practices over the last several years, including improvement of the grassland on their property. For those who know RJ and Angela, the farm is a beautiful testament to faith, patience, persistence, and restoration of a dream. They hope that their farm will be an inspiration to all who visit here.
The housing crash of 2008 pushed that dream a little further away again. RJ and Angela would have to wait to buy that farm as they watched their California home lose its value, They could not sell that house and buy that farm, a true disappointment. As the market dragged on they put the dream on hold and focused on raising their children and continuing their careers in education, praying that someday that opportunity might return.
And it did. Their California house finally sold in 2011, enabling them to purchase a house with 3 acres in Auburn, Kansas, thinking that it was as close as they would ever get to having a farm. But in 2014, RJ and Angela found out the farm next door was for sale. Little did they know they would find the farm of their dreams right next door! The neighbors had also patiently waited to find a buyer who would love and cherish their land. Finally, after 22 years the waiting and searching were over.
In 2015, RJ and Angela bought the 80-acre farm at 7320 SW Indian Hills Road and established Hidden Hill Farms of Kansas. This has allowed RJ and Angela to establish many conservation practices over the last several years, including improvement of the grassland on their property. For those who know RJ and Angela, the farm is a beautiful testament to faith, patience, persistence, and restoration of a dream. They hope that their farm will be an inspiration to all who visit here.
📞 Call: (785) 266-9053 ext. 3 Visit: 3231 SW VanBuren Street Ste: 2 Topeka, Kansas 66611 📧 Email: [email protected]
