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.

Related Stories
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.
Diversified risk tools help protect farm income.
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.
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.

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the updates to crop insurance subsidies, additional benefits for new farmers, and eligibility considerations for those entering the program.
Higher prices are bringing relief to markets, but rising input costs are putting pressure on the producers.
Regulatory changes may influence farm costs and operations.
Lower hop stocks may support prices in the near term.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.