John Lawrence Retires with 33 Years of Service to the NRCS

John began working for the NRCS as a soil conservation technician in 1982. He has served under three district conservationists (Jerry Gladson, Phil Gonzales and Allison McKenzie). John was born and raised in Johnson County on the family ranch northeast of Buffalo, WY. He and his wife currently reside on the family operation that has thrived for over 90 years. John and Verna have four grown children and Verna recently retired from service with the Johnson County Sherriff’s office. 

John’s commitment to local producers has been invaluable to the conservation efforts in Johnson County. Water development, irrigation management, grazing systems and stock water pipelines are just a few areas of expertise that John has applied his common sense approach to during his career. His vast knowledge of the local area, its historical timeline, and the affordable approach to conservation practices has earned him the respect of landowners, contractors, and fellow staff members. Training newly hired NRCS engineers and technicians across the entire state is yet another way John has proven to be an invaluable resource to our agency.

While John has many accolades in his career, his fellow employees will  testify that his ability to bring levity to the office during stressful work  environments is the true reason John will be missed. The office “prankster” has facilitated many laughs throughout the years all while maintaining a professional manner. John possesses a working experience that can’t be found in a book or ever replaced. The miles upon miles of stockwater pipeline that has been  designed by John Lawrence and the conservation practices implemented within our county will serve as testament to a job well done for generations to come.