Dirt Diaries EP #35: Digging in with NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt

On this week’s episode of Dirt Diaries,  we’re honored to sit down with one of agriculture’s most influential voices, Chief Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

From growing up on a diversified family farm in California’s Central Valley to helping shape conservation policy in Washington, D.C., Aubrey’s career has been driven by a passion for protecting natural resources, advocating for farmers and ranchers, and ensuring agriculture remains strong for future generations. 

In this episode, Aubrey shares her perspective on the critical role agriculture has in feeding the nation, the importance of keeping working lands in working hands, the future of conservation, and why women are helping lead agriculture into its next chapter.

She also opens up about the lessons she learned growing up on the farm, the mentors who shaped her career, and the values she hopes to pass on to her daughter. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, stewardship, and the people working every day to keep agriculture thriving. 

Let’s get dirty with Chief Bettencourt!

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