Secretary Brooke Rollins Unveils USDA Data Modernization Plan

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiled the USDA Data Modernization Plan to Put Farmers First on September 1, 2026, at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. The initiative aims to reduce reporting burdens on producers by eliminating duplicative requests and improving the accuracy and timeliness of agricultural data used for crop estimates, risk management, and disaster assistance.

The plan is built on four pillars: modernizing the reporting experience through mobile access and administrative data, enhancing acreage and yield estimation via satellite imagery and geospatial tools, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, and increasing transparency regarding data privacy. As part of this effort, Rollins announced a pilot project collaborating with NASA and other federal agencies to improve crop estimates. Special Advisor Kip Tom noted that initial modernization efforts at the National Agricultural Statistics Service will focus specifically on corn and soybeans.

This rollout follows a February 2026 request for information and listening sessions held in August to rebuild trust with producers. The move comes amid criticism from farmers, traders, and economists over data reliability and significant staffing cuts at the USDA, which led to volatile fluctuations in 2025 corn estimates and subsequent drops in grain prices.

During her visit, Rollins also addressed biofuel policies, noting the administration's decision to maintain record-high renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard by reallocating volumes previously exempted through Environmental Protection Agency small refinery waivers. She expressed continued support for year-round E15 availability and urged congressional leaders to finalize related legislation.