Texas Native Takes Lead of USDA Conservation Agency

NRCS leadership affects how conservation dollars, technical assistance and working-lands priorities reach farmers and ranchers.

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.

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Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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