LINCOLN, Nebraska – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is pleased to announce Jeff Vander Wilt as the Acting Nebraska State Conservationist. Vander Wilt comes to Nebraska from South Dakota where he serves as the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs and has over 25 years of experience with NRCS.

Craig Derickson had served as the Nebraska State Conservationist for NRCS for the past 10 years. He retired on Dec. 31, 2020, after 35 years of federal service. Vander Wilt was asked to serve as the acting Nebraska State Conservationist for the next 120 days, or until the position is permanently filled. 

Vander Wilt said, “I am excited about this opportunity to serve as Nebraska’s State Conservationist. Nebraska has a strong conservation partnership, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it for the next couple months.”

During his time in Nebraska Vander Wilt hopes to visit some of the 77 NRCS field offices located across Nebraska. He looks forward to having the opportunity to work with Nebraska’s conservation leaders and partners including the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services it provides, visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.