2002 Kansas Report

Dear Kansans:

During Fiscal Year (FY) 2002, NRCS in Kansas saw several notable changes:

• A new State Conservationist
• A new NRCS Chief
• The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill)

On April 21, I joined the Kansas NRCS team as State Conservationist. I often say to staff and partners "change keeps you in the forefront of opportunity." I look forward to working together on the implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill with NRCS employees, partners, and others on the many opportunities that will be presented to us.

Shortly after my arrival, on May 6, Bruce Knight became Chief of NRCS. Knight refers to the 2002 Farm Bill as the "next golden age of conservation." He stresses that conservation activities on any given farm or ranch should meet the conservation goals of the owner and operator and look beyond the narrow confines of program dollars.

Finally, the 2002 Farm Bill became law on May 13. The Farm Bill will result in an increase of $17.1 billion in conservation spending over ten years. During the first allocation period for 2002 Farm Bill funds, Kansas farmers and ranchers wanting to address natural resource concerns submitted a significant number of applications for various Farm Bill programs.

As you take time to read about the NRCS accomplishments highlighted here, it is apparent that many people in FY-2002 helped conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources—farmers and ranchers, partners, and conservation districts and NRCS employees.

/signed/

HAROLD L. KLAEGE
State Conservationist

NRCS Mission

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort tohelp people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

NRCS Vision

Harmony between people and the land.