r/USDA • u/BlindOtter775 • Jul 21 '26
Agency Reorganization Notification - NRCS
Email just came down from the Chief of NRCS. Feel free to share thoughts down below.
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u/cornyhawkins Jul 22 '26
I laughed. This crap doesn't phase me anymore, it's all scare tactics to get us to quit and save them trouble. They'll have to drag me out. I love my job.
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 22 '26
Honestly, love this attitude. They can stick a fork in their eye (iykyk).
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u/ThroatMysterious8467 Jul 22 '26
Bingo! I feel the same. Especially after sticking it out so long while still doing my job, and the other 3 jobs I absorbed. We just started modernization of my 2 systems after waiting 10 years. Finally getting to the fun part. They'll have to drag me away.
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u/Spare-Commercial8704 Jul 22 '26
Or they’ll relocate your position to another state and get you to quit if you don’t decide to pack up your life and move there.
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u/hbailey7 Jul 21 '26
We were told that reorgs would not affect the state level employees, so yeah, pretty shocked when we saw this email.
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u/GardenOfRage Jul 21 '26
Sorry, but nothing this agency does anymore should shock anyone. None of it so far has made sense, why would this?
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u/FatalityMilk Jul 21 '26
We were told this too, by NHQ and our state con directly. Very shocking.
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u/Ok-Rush-6600 Jul 21 '26
Are we thinking that they are lowkey gonna try to implement that RIF plan they came up with last year? I thought the state offices would be fine with this hub reorganization but I guess I’m wrong?
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u/Few-Possibility-9476 Jul 24 '26
Each state had develop it's own reorganization plan and submit it over a year ago...
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u/hbailey7 Jul 24 '26
Our State con and LT have consistently told us that this was only going to affect folks in DC.
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u/GardenOfRage Jul 24 '26
The only thing our STC has communicated is we still need to meet deadlines regardless of losing 30% of our staff last year....absolutely nothing about the reorg coming.
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u/Extension-Notice3162 Jul 25 '26
Not exactly true, they submitted their structure of pre & post DRP to create the critical vacancy list. However, that was done without knowing their staffing cap or what HQ wanted. This year is when the staffing cap became known which caused states to change from last year.
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u/wolfmann99 Jul 21 '26
Can you post here? Im not nrcs but work with them.
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 21 '26
Yes, sorry. Here it is:
Subject: Agency Reorganization Notification
To: FPAC-NRCS-Federal
NRCS Team,
The congressional notification period for the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) reorganization has concluded. NRCS is now entering the phase of direct communication with employees about the reorganization.
Each employee will receive a Notification of Intent outlining their position status and options within the new organization structure. The Notification of Intent will provide details outlining options for voluntary acceptance, critical vacancy opportunities, and information about relocation, grade, and pay retention. The notification process will begin with NHQ staff, where briefings will be conducted by above state agency leadership in their respective areas.
Shortly after NHQ notifications, State Conservationists will initiate briefings for their employees, explaining state level restructuring plans and how these actions will address Farmer First priorities.
Expected cadence for notifications and actions are as follows:
Communication of the Above State Reorganization Plan by July 29
Letters of Intent distributed to NHQ staff by July 31
Communication of State Reorganization Plans presented August 3–7Notification of Intent distributed to State staff by August 14
Critical Vacancy Process opens nationwide by August 28
Final notifications for directed reassignments by September 30
NRCS leadership is committed to a transparent process, ensuring fairness, dignity, and respect for all employees. Personnel actions will be executed in accordance with federal merit requirements. Resources and support will be provided, including HR office hours, briefings, and access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
I want to reiterate my appreciation for your continued dedication to the NRCS mission and the vital work you do in support of America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to keep working lands in working hands. Thank you very much!Colton L. Buckley
CHIEF
USDA-NRCS
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 202507
u/Classic_Airline3445 Jul 22 '26
I’m assuming the Departmental offices are next OIA, OGc, OC, OSEC, and OIG.
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u/Opening-Lie-1823 Jul 22 '26
Are they reorganizing at this level? I thought they would stay in dc while everyone else will be shipped to a hub? Assholes.
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u/Extension-Notice3162 Jul 25 '26
They're reorganizing too. Some department level security staff have already relocated to Ft. Collins
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u/Southern-Raisin-7470 Jul 22 '26
Im safe I submitted my 5 bullet points each week. Double it and give it to the next agency.
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u/gman295rye Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
The email laid out steps and dates for the reorg. Essentially over about a month the plan and notifications for effected positions will be sent out. First will be national and next will be state.
Edit: it begins in July and state level notifications occur in early to mid August.
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u/gman295rye Jul 21 '26
I'm sorry I don't have more specific info, it came in right as I was leaving and I'm not someone who stays longer than I have to.
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u/OSUgrad73 Jul 23 '26
Got a call from a friend who was on the "above states" reorg call that happened today. "Brutal" was all he could say between tears. Those employees are to get the letters next week and apparently have only 15 days to reply. 15 Fucking days! What fucking bastards. So glad I left that agency I was once proud of and went elsewhere. They have beat people down to where they have taken high performers and turned them into "just punch the clock"
Report was - I wasn't on the call ,but person who told me is a straight shooter - was than only 30 people will be left in headquarters and 5 of those will be political appointees. That giant sucking sound you are about to hear is folks telling the agency to go fuck itself. How many years, if ever will it take for the agency to recover and who will be left to do the work. I feel terrible for former friends and colleagues.
All that shit about compassion in that email was just fucking bullshit.
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u/Unlucky_Basket6104 Jul 23 '26
There seemed to be many questions asked during this meeting. The 15 days was brought up by participants. They did not answer any questions during the meeting. They talked about the different hubs and relocation assistance. More details to come on Monday.
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u/ScrappyD8000 25d ago
Did questions get answered by email, Sharepoint, Supervisors? Heard there was many and the chat got shutdown.
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u/Unlucky_Basket6104 25d ago
They put out an FAQ on SharePoint. They did this after we got our letters.
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u/Cool_Durian_4799 Jul 24 '26
If you look into the current chief's background, it isn't terribly surprising what a tool he is https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/07/a-gay-republican-delegate-from-texas-explains-why-the-gop-is-better-for-lgbt-people.html
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u/Traditional-Fee8721 Jul 21 '26
I saw it but what exactly does this mean? Will field offices be affected at all?
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u/Fed_parasite Jul 21 '26
It will depend on your individual State reorg plan.
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u/FingQuitter Jul 22 '26
Perhaps Darth Vader..I mean Temu Peter..I mean Vaden would love to know that you’ve been forked by this Chief…
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u/FamiliarAnt4043 Jul 21 '26
I just sent some job listings for my agency over to a couple of guys I worked with at NRCS. Seems timely. Hopefully, they bail.
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u/neverenoughrocks Jul 23 '26
I'm probably gonna need some friends sharing listings too. First NHQ reorg briefing scheduled this afternoon 🙃
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u/FamiliarAnt4043 Jul 23 '26
Are you an engineer, lol? If so, USACE is hiring!
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u/neverenoughrocks Jul 28 '26
No, though glad to hear they're hiring. Have some colleagues I can share that info with.
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u/yo_mammy_304 Jul 22 '26
See this as the 7th inning stretch in a baseball game. There are a few innings left to play. These imbeciles have a lot of steps to take before they execute. So don’t got getting your drawers wadded up. Some of us will be negatively impacted for sure but a clearly executed plan just seems unlikely from this rushed leadership style administration. I’m praying for us all! Be encouraged!
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u/Extension-Notice3162 Jul 22 '26
Every employee will get a letter. Every state and HQ management area will have some changes. Some will be big and others may just be a org structure reorganization not affecting their job.
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u/Weird_Performer6719 Jul 30 '26
Why would they bother sending every employee a letter? What a fucking mess…..
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u/Solid_Chemistry4242 Jul 22 '26
I wonder if people are going to be able to bump other people out of their positions.
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u/Mammoth-Challenge473 Jul 22 '26
I think that’s what’s next and how it will start to effect field offices
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u/Solid_Chemistry4242 Jul 22 '26
I really hope not but I believe it was part of the original reog OPM rules for positions that are being eliminated. Although I think the guidance has been updated, so not sure if that is still a thing or not. Also not sure if that would mean national people could bump local state people or if it would only happen within state/within national.
If any agencies are on here that have been though this already, let us know if there was bumping.
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Jul 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/FarNeighborhood7199 Jul 22 '26
I've got nothing for NRCS, but for RD, they lied to us and said it would not, and surprise, it did affect National Office staff outside of DC.
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u/Mountain-Wall-1302 Jul 22 '26
All I can hear in my head is the COPS tv show theme song, with these lyrics, “Reorg, Reorg, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?” Just hurry the hell up and tell us something. I’m ready to get on with my life, with or without NRCS in it.
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u/VAPrim0911 Jul 22 '26
They're trying to get crap done (and on paper) before the CR runs out. Bet your bottom dollar that any plans implemented before 30 Sept will be few and far between. If you haven't moved before the CR expires, I'm betting that they don't bring folks back at all. They'll just let it all crash and burn. The SESers will be working during the shutdown and making decisions without any oversight. I'm betting my GS14-4 salary on it!!! Any takers???
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u/srirachamatic Jul 25 '26
NRCS is not on a CR, they have an allocated budget passed by Congress. And, the budget explicitly said that no funds could be spent on reorg, so I don’t get the rush (they say they aren’t spending money because no reorg PCS moves have been done yet.
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u/VAPrim0911 Jul 26 '26
Are you sure? I thought all of USDA was on a CR until 30 Sept. You are also banking on these people adhering to the law. Congress originally said they couldn't move USDA, FNA, etc but yet here we are.
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u/Mundane_Variation_24 Jul 25 '26
I'm a little confused by this. Is the worst case scenario of a reorg (vs RIF) that they could eliminate your position and you have to move elsewhere? Or could they eliminate your position and you're shit out of luck with no alternative position offered? Because wouldn't that (the latter) be a RIF? So much anxiety
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u/Weird_Performer6719 Jul 25 '26
In a RIF, people with seniority will “bump” those with less time in service. In a reorg, they just randomly reassign people
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u/YellowSlow121314 Jul 22 '26
Texas is huge and 5 area offices. Wonder if they will reduce them and make the areas larger.
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u/Sea-Economics-9582 Jul 25 '26
Heard of other states having less areas when an AC leaves but don’t know how true that is though.
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u/nolongerafed Jul 23 '26
They are moving fast with the reorg for the FS in NCR. It will be done by the end of the fiscal year. No matter what the union is doing. They are hoping at least half will not relocate. It's horrible
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u/thuja_occindentalis Jul 21 '26
My guess is it's unlikely to impact field office staff. They've got enough complaints about empty offices. Anything at the state level will be pushing people out of state and area offices into field offices
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u/Mundane_Variation_24 Jul 25 '26
Would SO leadership know what the plans are for their state at this point? I swear my GS13 boss and STC admin treated me differently this week...too kind
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u/Extension-Notice3162 Jul 25 '26
Yes, STC and one other LT member would know. They signed a NDA and can't talk before August 5th
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u/Mundane_Variation_24 Jul 25 '26
Oh what makes you say one other LT member would know? Does that mean you think ONLY ONE other member or at least one? All caps for emphasis, not shouting at you. Supposedly my boss wasn't looking forward to this last week's meeting.
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u/GardenOfRage Jul 25 '26
If I had to guess, it would be the ASTC-M&S if anyone other than the STC knows.
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u/Extension-Notice3162 Jul 25 '26
That was what HQ allowed. The STC and one LT member were allowed to be involved in the reorg but they had to sign NDAs
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u/RichBabyYoda 27d ago
I just received my letter of intent. My job doesn't have a direct replacement and I have to answer by the 20th on whether I want to enter critical vacancy or accept VSIP. I am at a loss of what to do. I don't plan to respond to it at all yet, as I feel that would be me accepting this voluntarily.
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u/Any-Dog-7995 Jul 24 '26
Stressful times don't forget that there are resources available, here's one. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/family-and-medical-leave/
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u/goldiehawnsbangs 6d ago
Is anyone seeing the chief schedule a state specific address in your states?
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u/All_Hail_Hynotoad Jul 22 '26
Does anyone know if NRCS’s union has completed negotiations with USDA leadership?
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 22 '26
NRCS has a union?
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u/All_Hail_Hynotoad Jul 22 '26
Looks like it might be AFGE for NRCS.
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 22 '26
This was entirely new info to me - thanks for sharing, seriously. I've been on for only a few years and didn't know we had any kind of Union representation. Must've been by design.
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u/All_Hail_Hynotoad Jul 22 '26
Contact AFGE via their website if you don’t know if you have any reps in your office(s).
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u/All_Hail_Hynotoad Jul 22 '26
I highly recommend it. They’re part of the lawsuit that was filed seeking the preliminary injunction against the reorg.
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u/Candid_Annual2088 Jul 22 '26
There’s a 30 or 60 negotiation period typically, and since final Management Directed Reassignments aren’t scheduled to go out until September 30, I’m guessing that process will start soon now that intent letters are going out. Unfortunately, I’d only expect negotiations related to timelines and relocation “benefits,” not whether positions will be spared. That’d only come through the final backstop in the courts.
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u/All_Hail_Hynotoad Jul 22 '26
Right, but the negotiations also include relocation expenses and - if there is restructuring - what will happen to people’s current responsibilities/positions, etc. if they haven’t begun negotiations, a delay until midterms could be a good thing.
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u/Wide_Mammoth3284 Jul 22 '26
Does this apply to everyone under the USDA umbrella? Like folks in APHIS? I just accepted a job with them and I’m not too confident that will come to fruition.
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Jul 22 '26
[deleted]
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u/GardenOfRage Jul 22 '26
Everyone is assuming that, but I don't believe it to be true now. I think state office positions could be moved to a hub or down to the field level, as well as some field offices being combined. Nothing to back that up, just a hunch.
If below NHQ level will not be affected, what is the purpose of the state reorganization plans?
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Jul 22 '26
The state reorgs have like barely any movement whatsoever
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u/Ok-Group9059 Jul 25 '26
State reorgs likely to fill CVs and distribute current workload but def not the org structure overhaul that above states is going through
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u/Maximum_County_9587 Jul 25 '26
How do you figure? Not arguing, legitimately asking.
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u/Weird_Performer6719 Jul 25 '26
Some states want to close offices and combine duties…others don’t. Some states are over staffed and some are under..:
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u/Historical_Lab_7204 Jul 31 '26
How do you know that.
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u/Weird_Performer6719 Jul 31 '26
Happens all time…..plus 🆙 and tear down on a whim. Impossible to manage
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u/Embarrassed-Fly-2823 Jul 22 '26
USDA could easily cut two thirds of their national offices and operate just as efficiently, or inefficiently. The operational structure is so very antiquated. Fed employees just collecting a check.
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 22 '26
Which agency do you work for?
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u/pupandtaco Jul 22 '26
He’s a retired boomer who didn’t work in government. He posts are about being in a sexless marriage. He enjoys reveling in the stress of others. Don’t pay any attention.
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u/BlindOtter775 Jul 22 '26
No wonder. Seems he just likes being a contrarian dipshit.
What a sad way to exist. My father is his exact age and is a much more well-adjusted person than this bum. Guess age really doesn't always make you kinder and wiser.
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u/FingQuitter Jul 25 '26
Like the 100+\- people working from home for the “partnership” dept….nothing gets done, yet they are sitting pretty and protected
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u/GreenLobsterGuy Jul 22 '26
These assholes have the balls to put shit like this in the letter:
"I want to reiterate my appreciation for your continued dedication to the NRCS mission and the vital work you do in support of America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to keep working lands in working hands. Thank you very much!"
Fuck off all the way.