While the most recent edition of Agriculture Handbook 296 was released in 2006, many of the geographic boundaries consistently mimic historic map products of generalized regional and national soil-survey maps (some dating back to the 1930s). Furthermore, the underlying concepts and technologies used to build MLRA geography predate adoption of present-day ecological approaches to resource management and conservation. The National Ecological Site Team at the Jornada has begun compiling a national database of physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, and land-use to aid in development a data-driven approach to MLRA. We  will present the general historical development of MLRA and provide recommendations for revisions of Agricultural Handbook 296.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTegM8vk5I.