USDA releases Data Modernization Plan at Farm Progress Show to improve farmer data access and accuracy

At the Farm Progress Show, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins presented the USDA's new Data Modernization Plan aimed at improving the usefulness and accessibility of federal agricultural data for producers. The plan addresses how USDA collects, analyzes, and shares data with the stated goals of better acreage and yield estimation, fewer duplicate reporting requirements, and clearer communication with farmers about data usage.

The plan outlines specific technology and policy actions rather than vague commitments. Key elements detailed by Rollins and in USDA materials include:

• Expanding use of administrative data so USDA can rely more on records it already holds instead of repeatedly asking producers for the same information.
• Improving mobile access so producers can view and report data more easily via phones and other devices.
• Conducting a pilot to evaluate improved satellite imagery and working with NASA and other federal agencies to make reporting more accurate for acreage and yield estimates.
• Updating USDA's technology infrastructure to reduce duplication across systems and to support more coordinated data use.
• Expanding secured data-sharing capabilities across agencies and programs to streamline internal workflows and reduce redundant producer requests.
• Evaluating the responsible use of tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning as part of analysis and automation.

USDA states the plan builds on existing technological advancements already underway. These include satellite-based crop monitoring, geospatial analysis, cloud-based platforms, improved online reporting tools, and more coordinated use of existing administrative data. The new plan is framed as a way to accelerate and coordinate those efforts under clearer priorities and implementation steps.

Privacy, transparency, and producer feedback

Implementation and near-term action

According to Rollins, USDA will begin implementing actions under the plan immediately. The satellite imagery pilot is an early, concrete step and involves collaboration with NASA and other federal partners. Other near-term priorities include infrastructure updates to reduce duplication and expanding secure data-sharing capabilities. The plan also calls for evaluating AI and machine learning applications, but the language specifies evaluation rather than immediate, widespread deployment.

If carried out as described, the plan could reduce the frequency that producers must submit the same information to multiple USDA programs, make reporting easier on mobile devices, and provide more accurate acreage and yield data through improved satellite analysis. Producers will also be asked to give feedback as USDA tests changes. The agency positions these changes as practical improvements tied to privacy protections and transparency.

USDA has signaled immediate action on items such as the satellite pilot and infrastructure updates. Producers, industry groups, and state partners will likely watch pilot results and early implementation steps to assess whether the plan reduces reporting burden and improves data accuracy in practice.