USDA picks Lincoln as regional headquarters for Natural Resources Conservation Services

LINCOLN, Neb.— Lincoln will now be the hub for the central region of the Office of the Assistant Chiefs with the USDA.

 

The USDA announced the restructuring of the Office of Regional Conservationists to become the Office of the Assistant Chiefs. 

 

The Assistant Chief Regions will be broken into four categories - the Western Region, the Central Region, the Northern Region, and the Southern Region. 

 

The Central Region headquarters will be in Lincoln.  

 

This shift is intended to make the Natural Resources Conservation Services more field-focused and accountable to America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, according to Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt.

 

“This modernization puts leadership where it belongs - in the field, side-by-side with the producers we serve,” said Bettencourt. “We are streamlining operations, improving accountability, and ensuring that every NRCS employee has the tools, support and leadership they need to deliver conservation results that matter. This is about putting farmers first, cutting bureaucracy, and delivering better outcomes for rural America.”

 

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts praised the decision.

 

“Decision-makers should be as close as possible to the people they serve," Ricketts said in a statement. "Locating this regional hub in Lincoln recognizes the expertise, innovation, and stewardship Nebraskans demonstrate every day.  This modernization will improve accountability and efficiency.  Thank you, President Trump and Secretary Rollins, for putting Nebraska farmers first.”

 

Under the OAC, the NRSC believes there were will fewer bureaucratic layers. Regional operations will also be overseen by assistant chiefs, who will work directly with state conservationists to deliver conservation programs.