Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam is focused on modernizing the IT systems. In his words, the USDA systems were antiquated. “They were working, but we had to constantly keep working on them,” said Beam. “It is sort of like running an old combine; yeah, it still does the job, but it seems like you’re working it all the time.” In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Beam said the process will be more efficient for FSA staff and farmers. “These systems, once they get modernized and are not as fragile, we will be able to get our systems to work more quickly and cleanly. It is a big effort; we’re spending a lot of money, but it is definitely worthy with where we want to go.” Beam cited a pilot project underway in North Dakota’s Grand Forks County to update acreage reporting. In the RRFN interview, Beam also highlighted Farmer Bridge Assistance, FSA staffing and the USDA reorganization effort. Listen to the full interview.
