Tory Schmidt

Tory was hired by the WTFRC in 1998 and currently serves as a Research Associate. He heads up the Commission’s research programs in crop load and canopy management, as well as providing oversight and coordinating data management and analysis for all internal research programs.

Tory grew up in a timber family in southwest Washington before earning a BA in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in 1992. After marrying Beth, his college lab partner, Tory worked in the health care industry for 4 years in Seattle and Federal Way, WA. In 1996, Tory and Beth relocated to Wenatchee, near Beth’s hometown of Dryden where her parents continue to grow pears. Tory earned an ATS in Tree Fruit Production from Wenatchee Valley College in 1998 and immediately began working for the WTFRC. After working for several years, he earned a Master’s Degree in Horticulture from WSU in 2006 and was the first student to earn a graduate degree from that department from an off-campus location.

Tory and Beth have 2 young sons, Dane and Liam, who keep them very busy. Beth is co-owner and operator of Cashmere Physical Therapy. Prior to having children, Tory’s hobbies included golf, tennis, cooking, and music. Now with the two lively boys, his primary leisure interest is finding brief interludes of peace and quiet.