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USDA Unveils Data Modernization Plan Aimed at Reducing Producer Reporting Burden

New initiative will explore satellite imagery, artificial intelligence and integrated data systems while putting greater emphasis on producer privacy and transparency.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new Data Modernization Plan designed to change how agricultural information is collected, analyzed and reported — with the goal of reducing the reporting burden on farmers while improving the timeliness and accuracy of USDA data.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled the plan Sept. 1 at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa.

USDA data plays a significant role across U.S. agriculture, supporting livestock and crop estimates, risk-management programs, disaster assistance and business and policy decisions. The modernization effort is intended to update how that information moves between producers and the Department.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our food and agricultural system, and USDA should respect their time while delivering the reliable information they need,” Rollins said.

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