SELLS NAMED AS ASSOCIATE CHIEF OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

Release No.0098.98

Tom Amontree (202) 720-4623
tom.amontree@usda.gov
Diana Morse (202 720-4772
diana.morse@usda.gov

SELLS NAMED AS ASSOCIATE CHIEF OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
SERVICE

  WASHINGTON, Feb.27, 1998--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the appointment of Danny Sells as associate chief of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service,
effective March 1, 1998.

  "Danny brings hands-on experience in understanding the natural
resource challenges of farmers and ranchers," said Glickman.  "His
participation with NRCS in developing the conservation provisions of the
1996 Farm Bill shows his commitment to a strong, voluntary conservation
program that will address the natural resource concerns of private
landowners across the Nation."

  NRCS provides leadership and administers programs directly to
private landowners to help them conserve, improve, and sustain this
country's natural resources while enabling the United States to continue
as the world's preeminent producer of food and fiber.

  "Danny and I are looking forward to working together with our many
partners to solve the natural resource challenges on this country's
private lands--such as reducing soil erosion, improving the health of soil
and rangeland, protecting water quality and supply, conserving wetlands,
and providing fish and wildlife habitat.  This is even more significant as
Danny and I lead this reinvented agency into a new millennium," said
Pearlie Reed, the career conservationist who was named as chief of NRCS,
also effective March 1.

  Sells, joined NRCS in 1993 as special assistant to the chief and,
since 1994, has also served as director of legislative affairs.  While
serving in these two positions, 
Sells helped guide the 1993 reorganization effort of the agency in
response to Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review.  These
efforts served as a guide for the Departmental Reorganization Plan that
resulted in  legislation passed in 1994.  He also provided guidance for
the development of the conservation provisions in the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act (Farm Bill)  of 1996.  Additionally, he advised
the USDA Farm Bill teams and program managers in the implementation of the
new farm legislation.

  Sells has over 20 years experience as an Angus cattle and horse
breeder.  From 1985 to 1993 he served as a regional field director and
agricultural advisor to United States Senator Al Gore.

  A conservation leader in his home state, Sells has served as an
associate board member and district supervisor for the Washington County,
Tenn., Soil Conservation District and as a director of the Tennessee
Association of Conservation Districts beginning in the late 70's. 

  A native of Gray, Tenn., Sells holds a B.A. degree in political
science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
  
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