New Orleans, LA—February 4, 2015—The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) honored conservation leaders at an awards banquet last night during the 2015 NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Also at the banquet, the 2015-2016 NACD officer team and members of the Executive Board were sworn into office.

The NACD/NRCS Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award was presented to Mike Thralls of Billings, Oklahoma. Thralls is a lifetime farmer who has served as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission for the past 17 years.

“Mike is a pioneer of voluntary conservation in Oklahoma, both in his service to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and on his farm,” said Jason Weller, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “I am grateful for his leadership in protecting our nation’s natural resources and encouraging fellow farmers to use conservation practices that boost soil health, promote clean water and air, and enhance wildlife habitat. Mike has cultivated a strong relationship between the conservation districts and NRCS, which has broadened the footprint of sustainable agriculture across Oklahoma.”