Jim Smith to Serve a Second Tour in Iraq

NRCS Owatonna field office soil conservation technician Jim Smith has been called up for a second tour in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

Prior to coming to the agency in August of 2002, Jim was a district technician with the Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District.  Last April, Jim was instrumental in working with local USDA officials to host Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, and Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty, for a special Earth Day/Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program signing ceremony on a farm near Owatonna.  During the event, Jim was one of the adult leaders that assisted local fifth-graders plant conservation trees on site with both the Secretary and the Governor.

When time allows, Jim enjoys pheasant hunting with his co-workers.  Residing in Steele County, Jim and his wife Carissa are proud parents looking forward to the first birthday of their new baby, Lainey who’s growing like a weed.
Your contact is Julie MacSwain, NRCS public affairs specialist, 651-602-7914.