Farm Bureau Economist Highlights How Farmers Can Shape the Future of USDA Data and Reporting

Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.

usda building_Photo by Chad via Adobe Stock.jpg

Photo by Chad via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for feedback on whether its data systems are keeping pace with how farmers make decisions in today’s tighter-margin farm economy. Thursday, April 9, is the final day for farmers to submit comments on USDA’s statistical and economic programs.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the process.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Munch explains why USDA is seeking input from farmers on the research and datasets it produces, which reports ag industry and markets analysts find most useful, and the concerns farmers have raised.

Munch also outlines proposed improvements to USDA data and research publications by the department, including those advocated by the AFBF, and provides guidance on what farmers should know before Thursday’s deadline.

LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS: www.regulations.gov/document/USDA-2026-0034-0008

Related Stories
GasBuddy says Chinese production and Russian oil remain key factors for diesel supplies.
The special provision giving producers the higher of ARC or PLC for 2025 will not continue next year.
Higher heating costs are putting added pressure on household budgets in rural communities.
Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Higher shipping costs could make U.S. grain less competitive overseas.
ASFMRA’s Spencer Smith discusses farmland lease negotiations and the financial considerations facing landowners and farm operators as they head into the 2027 crop year.
Federal relief for highway use of red-dyed diesel does not automatically eliminate federal fuel taxes or override state laws, Washburn School of Law’s Roger McEowen warns.
Created with the National FFA Organization, AgCareers.com’s Classroom Implementation Kit offers educators free resources to explore agricultural careers.
More soybeans are being processed domestically as renewable fuels drive demand for soybean oil.
USDA’s new regional cattle report could give producers a clearer view of cash prices as negotiated trade continues to shrink.
Countries that buy American cotton could receive favorable tariff treatment on qualifying apparel.
New and expanded rail lines could give Brazilian soybean and corn exports a stronger cost advantage.
Barge traffic improved, but grain movement continues to face higher transportation costs during harvest.
Temporary policy changes could help ease fuel costs while refineries get back on track. RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James dug into U.S. policy and found four wildcard ideas that might work.
Army Majors Eric and Angela Czaja use regenerative grazing to improve military training lands and help veterans build agricultural careers through Boots to Roots.
Shaun Haney examines Alberta’s vote to remain in Canada and the unresolved tensions over energy policy, agricultural trade and federal-provincial relations.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady, Commodity Talk on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 143 delivers expert insight into today’s agricultural commodity markets just before the CME opens.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.