Less Paperwork, More Time in the Field
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is rolling out a major modernization effort aimed at simplifying how farmers interact with federal programs.
At the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the new One Farmer, One File initiative. The plan will create a single, streamlined record that follows farmers across USDA agencies, including the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency.
The goal is to reduce duplicate paperwork and make it easier for producers to access programs ranging from crop reporting to disaster assistance. USDA says the system will also help staff deliver programs more efficiently while reducing spending on outdated technology. Development began in 2025, with major progress expected this year and full completion planned for 2028.
The National Cotton Council is now weighing in with support. Chairman Nathan Reed says the effort will allow cotton producers to spend less time on redundant paperwork.
Industry leaders say the change could mean more time farming and less time filing forms.
