USDA Unveils New Farmer Support Measures at Farmfest

By Scout Nelson

At Minnesota Farmfest, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced several initiatives aimed at helping farmers manage ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector. The measures focus on data modernization, payment flexibility, and expanded crop insurance options.

One of the key initiatives is USDA’s Data Modernization Plan, which is being developed across multiple agencies. As part of the effort, USDA officials will host listening sessions across the country to gather feedback from producers and improve agricultural data collection, reporting, and analysis.

The listening sessions will take place at major agricultural events, including the Indiana State Fair, Wisconsin State Fair, Penn State Ag Progress Days, Illinois State Fair, Dakotafest, Missouri State Fair, Iowa State Fair, Nebraska State Fair, and the Farm Progress Show. USDA says the sessions are intended to strengthen producer confidence in agency data and encourage greater participation in surveys.

Secretary Rollins also announced new payment flexibilities through the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). Approved Insurance Providers may offer producers up to 60 additional days to pay crop insurance premiums, administrative fees, and other eligible payments due between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2026.

During the extended payment period, insurance providers may waive interest charges. In addition, RMA will defer collection of certain unpaid premiums and fees from providers to support the relief effort.

RMA is also reinstating an option that allows insured producers to purchase an additional 5% prevented planting coverage beginning with the 2027 crop year. The added protection is designed to help farmers better manage risk when weather or other conditions prevent planting.

USDA officials said the actions are intended to provide farmers and ranchers with greater flexibility, stronger risk management tools, and improved support during a challenging period for U.S. agriculture. Producers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents or visit the RMA website for more information about how the updates may affect their coverage options.

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