USDA Looks to Modernize How It Builds Crop Estimates

California Ag Today
With farmer survey response rates declining, USDA is looking to satellites, streamlined reporting and new technology to strengthen agricultural data.

USDA Rethinks the Numbers Behind Crop Reports

Southeast Regional Ag News
A new modernization plan looks to ease the survey burden on farmers while bringing satellite imagery and other technology into USDA data collection.

More Details from USDA on Data Modernization, Farmer Sentiment Up

Line on Agriculture
The USDA has launched a data modernization plan to enhance digital experiences with farmers.

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to 135 in August, driven by optimism about the future, with a 13-point increase in future expectations.

Traders Question USDA Data

Line on Agriculture
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has faced significant staffing cuts, leading to concerns about the accuracy of its data

Sneaky Sileage Boosts USDA Corn Data Figures

Line on Agriculture
The USDA's latest data shows an unexpected rise in US corn production, attributed to an increase in harvested acreage rather than higher yields. North Dakota State University economist Frayne Olson explains that strong growing conditions in 2025 led to a surplus of corn silage, forcing more acres to be harvested for grain.

Lowest Planted Wheat Forecast in Six Years

Line on Agriculture
The USDA's first winter wheat plantings forecast for 2026 indicates a slight decrease to nearly 33 million acres, down 0.5% from 2025, marking the lowest planted area since 2020.