Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), shared a forward-looking vision for the agency, emphasizing a renewed commitment to core principles while embracing technological advancements and a “farmer-first” approach. In a recent discussion with NAFB Broadcasters in Washington, DC, Bettencourt highlighted the critical role of communication, local engagement, and voluntary conservation in securing the future of American agriculture.
Bettencourt underscored the enduring value of traditional communication channels, noting, “My dad is still out on the truck and the tractor first thing in the morning, and he listens to farm broadcasts and he catches the reports.”
She also acknowledged the natural progression into new mediums, stating, “It’s such an easy transition for us into the podcast space, and this content on demand, which is such a natural place for us to go, and how we communicate with our farmers.” This adaptability, she believes, allows NRCS to “meet farmers where they are, and, more importantly, meet them where they’re going.”
The Next 90 Years of Conservation: A Critical Juncture
Celebrating its 90th year, the NRCS holds a deep-rooted belief in investing in farmers who steward the nation’s natural resources. “For 90 years, we’ve made that investment as a society,” Bettencourt remarked. The pivotal question now, she posed, is “what’s the next 90 years look like?” This introspection involves examining how the agency would be built today, considering market changes, shifting priorities, and the wealth of modern technology, science, and knowledge, all while “still keeping to our core principles.”
These core principles, Bettencourt affirmed, remain the bedrock of NRCS:
- One-on-one technical and financial assistance: “Investing in certain practices so that farmers can make these investments on farms to increase their productivity while conserving the resources.”
- Science-based conservation: With a “wonderful science center and division within NRCS,” the agency aims to integrate advanced technologies like digital farming and automation, helping farmers “get from pilot to scale” with affordable solutions.
- Locally driven approach: NRCS maintains offices in nearly every U.S. county, fostering a “personal connection” with farmers. Bettencourt emphasized, “We let the local resources, those closest to the problem or to the challenge, inform the solution.”
- Voluntary conservation: This principle, honed over 90 years, remains paramount. “The farmer is the solution and not the problem,” Bettencourt asserted. “The farmer is the solution to addressing everything from water quality and soil health to habitat.” This “farmer first” philosophy is central to the current administration’s mission.
Empowering Farmers Through Measurable Benefits
A key focus for the future is quantifying the benefits of voluntary conservation. Bettencourt stressed the need to “start putting down on paper what we’re trying to achieve, and how we measure success?” This measurement extends beyond mere acres and dollars, aiming to “quantify that benefit and transfer that to the farmer, both in the regulatory space as well as in the marketplace.” The goal is to provide farmers with data and ownership of their conservation efforts, allowing them to “take that and use that to their advantage.”
To achieve this, NRCS is committed to getting its staff “back in the field where they belong.” Bettencourt is resolute in providing the “underlying infrastructure that they need to be back in the field,” emphasizing the shift to mobile solutions and streamlining cumbersome processes. This modernization will not only benefit staff but also enable real-time engagement with farmers, allowing for on-site development of conservation plans and immediate feedback.
Addressing Workforce Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Acknowledging long-standing issues with staff retention, Bettencourt highlighted the need to invest in the NRCS workforce. “The number one reason anybody leaves a job is they get bored,” she observed, emphasizing the importance of “investing in our teams and in our team members to keep them here and keep them moving.” Modernized infrastructure, robust training, and streamlined programs are crucial to supporting a “svelte and responsive workforce.”
Bettencourt strongly advocates for improved connectivity in rural areas, likening it to “the indoor plumbing of the 21st Century.” She envisions a future where NRCS personnel can bring connectivity to the field, enabling seamless data integration and real-time collaboration with farmers. The agency is exploring various technological solutions, including a singular platform that “interacts with our partners” and makes farmers’ lives easier by “removing friction in day-to-day practices.”
When asked about the potential for “right-sizing” the government, Bettencourt clarified that the agency is focused on optimizing its operations and leveraging existing resources more effectively. She emphasized bringing NRCS “back to our core competencies and our core programs, making sure that those are up to date.” While acknowledging that some programs remain oversubscribed, the aim is to maximize the impact of every dollar invested and make the case for future needs based on measurable results.
Ultimately, Chief Bettencourt expressed her encouragement by the dedication within NRCS and the continued relevance of its mission. She sees the current period of change as an opportunity to “propel us forward for another 90 years and beyond,” with the steadfast commitment to supporting farmers as partners in conservation.
