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
Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding discusses the recent surge in bird flu cases, the state’s expanded biosecurity response and efforts to support poultry producers.
China may no longer serve as a consistent anchor market for U.S. cotton exports. Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the factors influencing planting decisions, river conditions, and what producers are considering as they finalize acreage plans for the season.
Falling commodity prices and rising costs continue to squeeze farm margins. Kip Jacobs with The Mosaic Company addresses fertilizer market pressures, nutrient use efficiency, and strategies growers can consider to protect their fertilizer investment this season.
Weather Swings Shape Early Season Farm Conditions Nationwide

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:

Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Lawmakers from Texas and Tennessee outline priorities for USMCA renegotiations, focusing on tariffs, China trade concerns, beef prices, and stability for U.S. agriculture.
Duvall’s connection to cowboy culture extended beyond the screen.
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.