Friday, April 25, 2025
Gatesville native, Colton Buckley, was recently appointed as the Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by President Donald J. Trump.
Buckley was raised on his grandparent’s cattle ranch and graduated from Gatesville High School in 2012. He is an alumnus of Turning Point USA and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University.
Previously, he was selected to serve on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board of Directors, representing rural economic development.
Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARCDC). He has been actively involved in the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) network, serving as a local RC&D council member in both Oklahoma and Texas.
“We appreciate Colton’s years of service and contributions to NARCDC,” William Hodge, President of NARCDC said. “His time with RC&D has made an impact, and this new opportunity allows him to continue supporting conservation efforts in a meaningful way. We wish him success in this next chapter.”
As Chief of Staff at NRCS, Buckley will now hold a position that impacts every county across the United States, enhancing conservation initiatives that support landowners, farmers, and communities.
One of the main efforts in selecting appointees like Buckley to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area, is to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America.
“FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. “Following this week’s $10 billion economic assistance announcement, these appointees will help ensure that support gets to farmers and ranchers without bureaucratic delays. Strong leadership in FPAC means real results, less red tape, and a USDA that works for those who feed, fuel, and clothe America. I’m proud to welcome these new leaders who will champion our farmers and rural communities.”
According to a press release from the USDA, the FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands.
