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May 18, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has appointed Colton L. Buckley as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the agency responsible for delivering conservation programs and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across the country.
Buckley steps into the role after serving as NRCS Associate Chief, where he oversaw the agency’s financial and technical assistance programs, management strategy, science and technology, soil science and resource assessment, and partnerships.
Before that, Buckley served as Chief of Staff for NRCS and previously led the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils as Chief Executive Officer.
Raised on his family’s cattle ranch near Gatesville, Texas, Buckley brings firsthand agricultural experience to the leadership role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in Communication from Liberty University.
USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce praised Buckley’s leadership, saying he has demonstrated the ability to connect policy with on-the-ground implementation that delivers real outcomes for producers.
Buckley says he is honored to take on the position and emphasized a producer-focused approach to conservation.
“Our mission will be to empower America’s farmers and ranchers with the tools, flexibility, and support they need to steward our natural resources while strengthening family farming operations, rural economies, and ensuring our nation’s food security,” Buckley said. “We will focus on locally led, results-driven conservation that works hand-in-hand with producers—not against them.”
The National Association of Conservation Districts also welcomed Buckley’s appointment while thanking outgoing NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt for her service.
NACD President Gary Blair said Bettencourt helped reinforce a Farmer-First vision at NRCS and strengthened the agency’s commitment to voluntary, locally led conservation.
The organization says Buckley’s background in conservation leadership and production agriculture positions him well to continue advancing conservation programs in partnership with the nation’s nearly 3,000 conservation districts.
NRCS serves as USDA’s primary private lands conservation agency, providing technical and financial assistance to help producers conserve natural resources while keeping working lands productive.
Source: Western Ag Network
