Walk-A-Mile Comes to Washington, D.C.

Through a unique partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Walk-A-Mile in My Boots program has resulted in a number of exchanges between producers and NRCS.  One of the most recent provided an opportunity for three ranchers from the western U.S. to visit and work with NRCS Regional Assistant Chief, West Sara Braasch at NRCS National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Randy Loutzenhiser from Colorado, John Boelts from Arizona, and Mike Byrne from California got to talk to Chief Knight on conservation issues and with specialists on staff including Dan Lawson who briefed them on the conservation watershed approach, Wendall oaks who provided an overview of customer statements, Jon Reedy explained NRCS-USDA Natural Resources and Environment mission area interaction, Carole Jett provided an update on the next farm bill, Bill Puckett talked about soil survey and avian flu, Doug Lawrence provided an overview of the Research Economics and Social Sciences Division, and Special Assistant to the Secretary Burleson Smith discussed pesticide issues.

Developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Fish and Wildlife Service, the program is providing opportunities for producers and NRCS employees to learn more about each other’s lifestyles, issues, and operations.  During the one- to two-week exchanges, ranchers and farmers participate as Earth Team volunteers and visit NRCS offices at the field, State, or national headquarters level where they shadow an NRCS employee.
Your contact is Bonnie Allely, NRCS National Volunteer Liaison, at 515-289-0325, ext. 105.