The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking farmers, economists and other stakeholders for feedback on how it collects and analyzes agricultural data. At the 2026 Agricultural Outlook Forum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input over the next 45 days on ways to improve USDA’s statistical processes. The goal is to maintain trust in USDA forecasts for commodity markets, farm income and the broader agricultural economy while ensuring that data reflects market status without unintentionally influencing prices. The feedback will be discussed at the USDA’s spring data users meeting on April 22.

USDA data has been questioned across the agricultural economy following notable revisions to crop acreage estimates and other statistics. Surveys show a majority of these groups report declining trust in USDA reports, driven in part by structural challenges like survey fatigue and confusion about how estimates are generated. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has launched an internal review of its procedures, and department officials emphasize the importance of accurate data for farmers’ decision-making.

Comments can be submitted through the following channels:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal (preferred):

Go to Regulations.gov, search for Docket No. ERS-2026-0001 or the RFI title, and follow the online instructions to submit your comments.

  • Mail:

Send written comments to:
Economic Research Service
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 1800
Washington, DC 20250-1800
Attention: Nisha Murray.

Read more commentary on the RFI from DTN.