LACROSSE — Charles Atkinson, District Conservationist in the LaCrosse Field office has decided to retire on Oct. 1, after 36 years of service with the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service. His career began as a student trainee in Winfield. He has enjoyed working with the producers all over the state, installing and enhancing conservation practices to protect our natural resources. He has worked with producers on no-till and residue management plans, conservation practices including terraces, waterways and irrigation as well as range and wildlife management habitat. Putting together school education programs has always been a highlight during his career and he enjoyed working with Great Bend Chamber of Commerce with their Kids Ag Day program and the numerous educational programs provided in Rush County. Over his career he was part of the initial board that started the No-till on the Plains Conference. He was coordinator of the event for two years and assisted in the establishment of the Golden Belt Residue Alliance. He has also served as the Rush, Barton and Pawnee Soil Health Specialist. Charles would like to thank the producers he has worked with over the years and encourage them to continue their conservation stewardship.

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