Brent Van Dyke was sworn into the position of president of the National Association of Conservation Districts at their recent annual meeting. Van Dyke was elected to serve one year as president-elect in 2016 and now begins his two year term as president.

“Brent knows conservation – he comes from the farm and understands how important sustainable agriculture is to not only the American economy, but to people around the world,” NACD Immediate Past President Lee McDaniel said. “Brent also understands that our work as the ‘Voice of Conservation’ includes engaging with our more non-traditional urban and tribal partners. He sees the need to broaden NACD’s base and intends to continue the policies established in my tenure to that do just that.”

Van Dyke and his wife Kim reside in Hobbs, New Mexico, where they run a commercial and registered cattle operation. The Van Dykes also raise irrigated alfalfa and coastal Bermuda hay in Lea County, New Mexico, and cotton in Plains, Texas. Prior to assuming the presidency, Van Dyke served as vice president of the New Mexico Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts from 2006 to 2009. He also served as chair on the Lea County Soil and Water Conservation District’s board of supervisors.