BOONE, Iowa — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a new initiative designed to improve agricultural data while reducing the reporting burden on farmers and ranchers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the department’s data modernization plan during the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa.
The plan calls for updating how the USDA collects information, improving acreage and yield estimates and expanding the use of technology. The department plans to make greater use of existing administrative data, improve mobile access to surveys and explore pre-filled forms so producers are not repeatedly asked to provide the same information.
The USDA will also test satellite imagery, geospatial technology and crop modeling to improve agricultural estimates.
USDA special adviser Kip Tom said the department wants to eliminate information silos and respond more quickly to changing agricultural and economic conditions.
Rollins said reliable agricultural information is essential to farmers, markets and policymakers. She said the department must also respect the time producers spend completing government surveys and submitting information.
The USDA said the modernization effort is intended to produce more timely and accurate data while making the reporting process easier for farmers and ranchers.