USDA is moving ahead with a major modernization t the Farm Service Agency. Past administrations have made similar attempts at restructuring. During its forum at the Big Iron Farm Show, RRFN asked FSA Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs Jared Hagert to explain the difference with this effort. “Well, one simple thing, we’re actually doing it, literally actually doing it. The acreage reporting modernization has been over 15 years in the making and we accomplished it in less than a year.” Grand Forks County was the original pilot county for the new acreage reporting platform before the system expanded across North Dakota. In addition to the One Farmer, One File initiative, the one-hour discussion also focused on staffing, farm programs and Hagert’s transition from the tractor seat to Washington, D.C.
