Doug Spencer serves as the state grazing specialist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas.  He provides NRCS personnel and the producers they serve with statewide leadership, technical guidance, and training on grassland and livestock management related practices, programs, and activities.  Some of the most rewarding portions of his 25-year career with the agency has been working and learning alongside producers seeking resource-based solutions.  Awards include the USDA-NRCS Rangeland Conservationist of the Year in 2020 and the Hugh Hammond Bennett Northern Plains Regional Planner Award in 2023.  Being raised on a small cow-calf operation fueled his pursuit of a B.S. in Agronomy (Range Management option) and minor in Animal Sciences from Kansas State University.  Doug resides in rural Marion County with his wife and three children, and he still helps with the family operation.