District Conservationist Craig Givens has announced his retirement as District Conservationist for the Logan County office of the USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service. One of the largest counties in the state in square miles, Logan has been the only county in Kentucky with two districts (North Logan and South Logan), and he has been in charge of both. South Logan was the first Conservation District formed in Kentucky in November 1940. North Logan soon joined them in January 1943.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have decided to retire from NRCS effective this Dec. 31. This has been a hard decision for me, but I believe it is time for me to focus on some other priorities. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the 36 years that I have worked for NRCS and especially the last 26 years that I’ve had the honor of serving the people of Logan County. You all are some of the best.

Also a big thank you to my co-workers. You have made my job easier with all your talents and support. To the farmers and contractors; you are some of the best at what you do. Thank you for the opportunity to work alongside each of you for these many years. To the North and South Logan Conservation District boards and the Mud River Watershed Conservancy board, thank you for always being great partners and volunteering your time and efforts to support conservation in our local community.

I’m not planning to completely disappear from agriculture or the conservation scene and hopefully we will cross paths at the farm or in the fields. I plan to help tie-up some loose ends that are in progress with landowners in Logan County. I’m confident the employees in the Logan County NRCS and Conservation District office will serve you well until a replacement is selected for my position.

Again, thank you all for everything you’ve done for me. May God continue to bless you and your families.