USDA Unveils Plan to Modernize Agricultural Data Collection
Published: 11:59 am Wednesday, September 2, 2026 By: STAFF REPORT
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins introduced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Data Modernization Plan on Tuesday, an initiative designed to streamline data collection processes while enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of agricultural data. The plan was unveiled at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa.
The USDA has been collecting and disseminating agricultural information since its establishment in 1862, playing a crucial role in guiding crop and livestock assessments, risk management tools, disaster aid, and business decisions made by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers.
“America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our food and agricultural system, and USDA should respect their time while delivering reliable information,” Rollins stated. “This plan puts farmers first by reducing burdensome red tape, leveraging modern tools, and ensuring producers have a stronger say in how USDA collects and reports agricultural data. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is transforming agricultural data collection into the 21st century while safeguarding the privacy and trust of the people we serve.”
The plan followed a public consultation process that Rollins initiated in February, accompanied by a series of listening sessions held at state fairs and farm shows nationwide throughout August, where USDA officials engaged with hundreds of producers and agricultural stakeholders.
The strategy is structured around four key objectives:
- Modernize data reporting: USDA aims to simplify the reporting process by expanding the use of administrative data, improving mobile access to surveys, and exploring pre-filled information to reduce redundancy and save producers time.
- Enhance crop acreage and yield estimates: The agency plans to pilot programs utilizing satellite imagery, geospatial tools, and crop models alongside producer-reported data to refine crop acreage and yield estimations.
- Modernize technology infrastructure: USDA will upgrade its technological backbone and expand secure data-sharing capabilities, potentially employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to increase efficiency and reduce duplication.
- Strengthen trust and transparency: The USDA commits to protecting producer privacy, explaining data usage transparently, and encouraging more opportunities for producer feedback.
"While American agriculture and USDA look vastly different than they did in 1862, the need for timely, accurate, and useful agricultural statistics remains paramount," said Kip Tom, USDA’s special adviser for data modernization. "This plan brings USDA agencies together, breaks down outdated information silos, and applies modern technology to provide producers and rural communities with the data they need to thrive."