Craig Derickson is the new state conservationist for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nebraska.

He started in his leadership position last month, replacing Steve Chick who headed the agency, based in Lincoln, for 15 years.

Derickson is a native Nebraskan who has worked for NRCS for 25 years, beginning his career in the state and serving in several field, state and regional level positions.

In 2003, Derickson left Nebraska for NRCS National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he held several national leadership positions, including national program manager, branch chief of the stewardship programs and deputy chief for financial assistance programs.

Derickson also served as the state conservationist in Pennsylvania.

He holds a degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree in management from Doane College. He is a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, the Society for Range Management, and a certified professional erosion and sediment control specialist.

"It is great to be back home. Nebraska NRCS has a long and proud history of delivering technically sound assistance to landowners and operators to conserve natural resources on working lands," he says. "I am proud to be a part of the Nebraska NRCS team again, and work with our partners to fulfill our mission of "helping people help the land."

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the federal agency. Since its inception in 1935, NRCS has developed a unique partnership with state and local organizations, especially in Nebraska with its natural resources districts. NRCS provides technical assistance to help land users to develop conservation plans and implement conservation systems. For more information about NRCS, visit