Michael Crowder, President of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), is a native of southern Indiana and a Partner of his 3rd generation family farm. Since 2001, Michael has been the General Manager of the Barker Ranch, a 2,000+ acre ranch located along several miles of the Yakima River in West Richland, WA, and has been a Partner since 2013. He received an Associate’s degree in natural resources and environmental science from Vincennes University, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environmental science, as well as a Master’s degree in wildlife science, from Purdue University. Crowder served eight years as an adjunct professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities teaching classes in wetland restoration, wildlife science, and ecology. He is active in agriculture, conservation, and community issues, and serves on many local, state, and national boards and advisory committees. Michael has received both the Benton County and Washington State “Wildlife Farmer of the Year” awards and has been acknowledged by NACD as a “Soil Health Champion”.