USDA outlines four-part plan to modernize agricultural data collection
USDA unveiled a four-part data modernization plan focused on producer reporting, acreage and yield estimates, technology and transparency.
At the Farm Progress Show on Sept. 1, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the USDA Data Modernization Plan to put Farmers First, aimed at reducing producer reporting burdens while improving the timeliness, accuracy and usefulness of agricultural data.
Rollins said USDA would expand its use of administrative data, improve mobile survey access and explore prefilled information to reduce duplicative requests. The plan also calls for greater coordination across the department.
USDA will conduct a pilot evaluating improved satellite imagery, geospatial tools, crop models and other technologies alongside producer-reported information to improve acreage and yield estimates. Optional field inputs could also be evaluated to help validate yield estimates.
The department plans to modernize technology infrastructure, expand secure data sharing and evaluate uses of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Another part of the plan focuses on producer privacy and transparency, including clearer explanations of why information is collected, how it is used and the limitations of USDA data.
“USDA should respect their time while delivering the reliable information they need,” Rollins said of farmers and ranchers.
The plan followed a February 2026 Request for Information and listening sessions held at state fairs and farm shows in August. USDA said feedback from hundreds of producers and agricultural stakeholders helped shape the four pillars:
- Modernize the data reporting experience
- Enhance acreage and yield estimation
- Integrate data and technology platforms
- Expand trust and transparency with producers.
“This plan brings USDA agencies together, breaks down outdated information silos, and applies modern technology to provide producers and rural communities with better service,” said Kip Tom, special advisor for data modernization. “By improving how information is collected and shared, we can respond more quickly to challenges facing American agriculture.”
“By combining producer knowledge with sound science and modern technology, USDA can reduce the reporting burden while improving the quality of the information farmers and policymakers rely on,” said Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for research, education, and economics. “This plan will help ensure American agriculture remains productive and resilient for generations to come.”
USDA will begin implementing the plan immediately while continuing to seek feedback from farmers, ranchers and other agricultural stakeholders. The department said it will publish methodologies and supporting information as it evaluates new approaches.