A new USDA pilot program is underway in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, to modernize acreage reporting for farmers. USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce says the effort is designed to simplify the reporting process and reduce paperwork. The pilot is testing a digital system that enables data sharing across USDA agencies, creating a more streamlined experience for producers. Fordyce says the goal is to move toward a single, unified record for each farmer. “We are well on our way to doing that,” he said, noting the system connects information between FSA, NRCS, and the Risk Management Agency. Grand Forks County is one of several test locations nationwide, selected to evaluate how the system performs under real-world conditions. USDA says the pilot could eventually allow farmers to submit acreage data digitally, improving efficiency and accuracy. If successful, the program could be expanded nationwide, reducing time spent in county offices and making it easier for producers to access USDA programs.
