LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — A Texas native with ranching roots is taking over the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the agency that delivers conservation assistance to farmers, ranchers, and private landowners. USDA’s NRCS says Colton Buckley now serves as the agency’s 19th chief.
Buckley is replacing outgoing NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt. He most recently served as Associate Chief, overseeing financial and technical assistance, management, science and technology, soil science, and partnerships.
He will be the youngest Chief of the NRCS in history. Raised on his family’s cattle ranch outside Gatesville, Buckley says his focus is on keeping working lands in working hands while supporting locally led conservation.
Rep. Adrian Smith joins us to discuss the push for nationwide year-round E15 sales and legislative hurdles for getting it into the farm bill.
April 27, 2026 12:16 PM
·
Diversified risk tools help protect farm income.
April 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup. Richard Gupton with the Ag Retailers Association joins us to explain the importance of federal pesticide labeling standards and discuss the potential impact on the ag industry and supply chain.
April 25, 2026 07:00 PM
·
Farm Credit’s Christy Seyfert joined us to discuss the ag industry’s push for swift Farm Bill action as it heads toward a House vote.
April 24, 2026 03:28 PM
·
Bridge payments are helping, but many producers still face losses and tight margins. AEM’s Curt Blades joins us to discuss how the current farm economy is pressuring equipment demand.
April 24, 2026 03:21 PM
·
Texas rancher says illegal border crossings have slowed significantly, with fewer encounters reported over the past year.
April 24, 2026 03:16 PM
·