Having grown up on a working farm in western Kansas, Dean has a long history and tie to working lands in the state. As the State Resource Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas, he now works to help conserve these lands.

Being part of the PLJV management board provides Dean with the opportunity to build relationships and engage with partners on a variety of natural resource issues. The collaboration with PLJV helps to provide relevant and timely information for conservation in Kansas, which supports the NRCS mission to help people help the land by providing conservation resources to farmers and ranchers that ensure productive lands are in harmony with a healthy environment.

Dean has extensive experience in working lands conservation through his 25 years with Kansas NRCS. Prior to joining the agency, he received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Fort Hays State University. He and his family continue to live in a rural community in McPherson County.