Craig Derickson, Nebraska state conservationist for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, is announcing his retirement. Derickson has served as the Nebraska state conservationist since 2010. His retirement will be effective Dec. 31 after more than 35 years of federal service.

"It's been a very rewarding career," Derickson said. "I have enjoyed working to help farmers and ranchers make their operations more sustainable while keeping family farms profitable."

Derickson began his career as a soil scientist. Before joining NRCS in 1985, he worked seven years with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on soil and water conservation research projects in Lincoln and western Nebraska.

With a background in agricultural research and soil science, Derickson started his career as a field soil scientist in Crawford, Neb., to develop soil maps and classification reports for Sioux and Banner counties.

Through his career, Derickson held several positions with NRCS in Nebraska, including district conservationist, state resource conservationist, assistant state conservationist, and regional technology coordinator.

In 2002, Derickson began working at the NRCS national office in Washington, D.C., assisting with rule-making and policy development for conservation programs introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill.

After several years in the Programs Division in Washington, D.C., Derickson was selected to serve as the state conservationist in Pennsylvania in 2006. After his work in Pennsylvania assisting many conservation partners with projects to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, Derickson returned to Washington, D.C., as the NRCS deputy chief for programs. In 2010, he accepted the position of state conservationist in Nebraska and returned to Lincoln.

"I've had a wonderful career with NRCS and have been able to enjoy the rewarding work of conserving our natural resources for more than 40 years," Derickson said. "I have had the pleasure of helping people with their conservation needs and working with remarkable conservation partners, like the Nebraska natural resources districts, as well as other state and federal organizations."

In February, Derickson was recognized as the Outstanding State Conservationist of the Year by the National Association of State Conservation Agencies and other national conservation partners.

In retirement, Derickson plans to continue his love for the great outdoors and appreciation of natural resources. He and his wife, Kate, have family in Lincoln and the Washington, D.C., area, and they plan to spend more time enjoying their family, friends and their faith activities.

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