WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of Colton L. Buckley as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the nation’s primary private lands conservation agency. Buckley, who currently serves as Associate Chief of NRCS, brings extensive leadership experience in conservation and agriculture policy to the role.
As Associate Chief, he has overseen the agency’s financial and technical assistance programs, management and strategy, science and technology, soil science and resource assessment deputy areas, and partnerships division. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff for NRCS and as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.
Raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch outside Gatesville, Texas, Buckley has deep roots in production agriculture, and advocacy for practical, producer-led conservation solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University. His career includes roles at national and local conservation organizations, rural economic development entities, and service on multiple advisory boards—including the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, to which he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry.
“Colton has consistently demonstrated the ability to connect policy and field implementation in a way that delivers real outcomes,” said FPAC Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. “He understands how to cut through bureaucracy and ensure programs work for producers. I am confident he will continue to lead NRCS with clarity, accountability, and a strong commitment to service.”
Buckley stated, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief of NRCS under the Farmer First leadership of President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Under Secretary Fordyce. 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. We will focus on locally led, results-driven conservation that works hand-in-hand with producers—not against them. My top priority is keeping American working lands in American working hands.”
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners conserve natural resources. For more information about NRCS programs and initiatives, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
In a statement, the Land Trust Alliance congratulated Buckley and thanked former NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt. Lori Faeth, senior director of government relations at the Land Trust Alliance said:
“The Land Trust Alliance congratulates Colton Buckley on his appointment as chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Natural Resources Conservation Service and its voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are vital partners in helping land trusts, farmers, ranchers and private landowners conserve America’s working lands, wildlife habitat and natural resources. For decades, NRCS programs have helped advance locally led conservation efforts in communities across the country, strengthening the health of our land, water and rural economies. During his tenure at NRCS, Chief Buckley has been a champion for increasing access to these programs and helping farmers and ranchers conserve working lands for future generations. We look forward to continuing to work with him to support private land conservation and ensure these critical programs continue to benefit landowners and communities nationwide. We’d also like to thank former Chief Aubrey Bettencourt for her leadership and service. She made America’s family farms and ranches a priority during her tenure and strengthened NRCS easement programs, in particular the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which provides matching funds to purchase conservation easements to protect farms, ranches and grasslands through the Agricultural Land Easement program.”
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