WASHINGTON DC – March 18, 2026 – A new modernization effort from the U.S. Department of Agriculture promises to simplify how farmers interact with federal agencies, an update that could streamline conservation efforts.
“Government red tape” and “too much paperwork” are often cited by farmers who avoid USDA service centers and government programs. It’s unsurprising when you look at farmers long hours and never-ending list of things to do.
Farmers’ most valuable commodity isn’t corn or soybeans — it’s time.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the “One Farmer, One File” initiative at the Commodity Classic Convention in San Antonio on February 26, 2026. The effort aims to create a single, unified record for each farmer across USDA’s key agencies:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Risk Management Agency (RMA).
USDA began developing the unified system in 2025 and expects to complete the project by 2028. While full implementation is still a few years away, the agency says it will make significant progress on the effort in 2026.
What This Means for Conservation Programs
For farmers working with USDA offices on conservation practices such as cover crops, drainage management, and nutrient planning, they might have to submit similar information multiple times for example if they apply for CRP through the FSA and then cover crop dollars through NRCS.
“One Farmer, One File” is designed to eliminate that redundancy by establishing one streamlined record that follows a farmer throughout the entire USDA system.
Reducing the paperwork barrier could make it easier for more farmers to get the assistance they need to implement practices that protect Iowa’s water quality.
Adapted from a USDA press release.