Illinois Soil Conservationist Named No. 1 in His Field  

NRCS' Jim Gieker, recently named the best soil conservation technician in Illinois, delivers conservation programs and technical assistance to Brown County landowners and producers working to protect soil and water resources.

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — When the weather's nice, don't look for Jim Gieker in the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Brown County.

He'll be out in the field, doing what he does better than anyone else in the state.

NRCS' Jim Gieker, recently named the best soil conservation technician in Illinois, delivers conservation programs and technical assistance to Brown County landowners and producers working to protect soil and water resources.

"The thing I like about the job is things always change. There's always something new. It keeps you on your toes," Gieker said. "I like being outside when the weather's nice. When it rains or snows, there's plenty of paperwork to be done."

When Gieker began working part time for the Conservation Service in 1984, the office didn't have a computer. "Everything was calculator and pencil," Gieker said.

He moved into a full-time position, working first for the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District then back with the Conservation Service in Brown County. He saw the job incorporate computers and global positioning equipment. "I get first chance at a lot of the new equipment. I get to try it out," Gieker said.

Gieker works with landowners on cost-share applications, such as terracing, and provides survey, design and oversight work for conservation projects.

"Everybody appreciates his general attitude toward the producers here in Brown County," said John Gunther, Gieker's supervisor in the Mount Sterling office. "We're proud of his accomplishment."

Visit the NRCS Illinois Web site.

Conservation Service employees are nominated for a variety of state awards, then the field is narrowed to the four finalists in each category. "Everyone in the state has a chance to vote on who they think is the most qualified," Gieker said. "I guess my peers voted me in."

The event recognized outstanding achievements of Conservation Service professionals and other individuals and groups that provide leadership and expertise in the protection of Illinois soil and water resources. A total of 19 awards were presented to leading conservationists noted for creation of effective conservation and development plans, technical innovation, program implementation, public education, promotion of conservation alternatives and successful efforts to streamline operations.

"Few farmers in Brown County are unfamiliar with Jim and his ability to put common sense conservation on the land. Each producer entering his office is met with a positive, can-do attitude," according to a Conservation Service news release.

Gieker, a Timewell native, lives where his grandparents farmed north of Timewell and raises cattle. "A lot of the people farming now are people I grew up with, went to school with, was in 4-H with. It's easy to talk to them," he said. "You know about as much about their farm as they do."

Story by Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig.