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San Antonio, Texas — USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed thousands of farmers and agriculture leaders at Commodity Classic, emphasizing results, prioritizing farmers, and advocating for deregulation and technological updates to ease interactions with the USDA. She also outlined new goals and priorities aimed at making farming profitable once more.
Rollins pointed to significant improvements in USDA’s service to producers, especially through a new digital platform connected to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
The results, she said, speak for themselves.
“We have seen 15 times more producers sign up online than we captured over the entire five-month signup period last year… and many of you told me you’ve already had the check in your bank account faster than any program ever before in the history of USDA.”
Rollins did not shy away from the agency’s past challenges, citing decades of failed IT efforts that left USDA fragmented, inefficient, and farmers frustrated.
But she framed the current effort as a turning point.
One Farmer, One File: USDA’s Modernization Effort
At the center of USDA’s modernization efforts is the One Farmer One File initiative.
For decades, farmers have navigated a patchwork system of multiple offices, redundant paperwork, and outdated processes. Rollins said USDA is working to change that.
“The goal is simple: eliminate redundant information gathering, reduce friction in producer interaction, and give farmers a single, seamless, secure experience at USDA.”
The initiative is intended to consolidate farmer data into a single system, streamlining everything from program applications to acreage reporting and reducing the need for duplicate paperwork and in-person visits.
The next phase will include modernized acreage reporting, allowing farmers to submit information digitally instead of relying on paper forms at county offices.
Rollins emphasized that the effort is about more than technology. It is also about respecting farmers’ time and improving access to USDA farmer assistance.
Rollins also outlined five key commitments USDA will focus on through the end of the year, which she described as a roadmap for maintaining a strong farm economy.
1. Continue Deregulation
Rollins highlighted a sweeping regulatory rollback, saying the administration has eliminated 129 regulations for every new one added, reducing burdens on farmers and saving billions.
2. Expand Global Trade Opportunities
USDA is pursuing new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and New Zealand.
3. Lower Input Costs
With farmers facing tight margins, Rollins pointed to early signs of relief:
- Fuel costs projected to go down nearly 7%
- Pesticides expected to decrease by more than 8%
- Fertilizer and seed prices trending lower
4. E15 Now: A Win for Farmers and Consumers
The loudest ovation of the day came when Secretary Rollins turned to biofuels and made one thing clear: it is time to get E15 done.
Rollins emphasized that the administration has supported year-round E15 since day one, using every available tool to expand access.
“The Trump administration has gone as far as we can… Congress must now do its job and pass nationwide, year-round E15 legislation.”
Calling E15 a win for both farmers and consumers, Rollins said the benefits include stronger demand for corn, lower fuel costs, and greater energy security.
“There is no excuse. It is time to pass year-round E15.”
5. Strengthen the Farm Safety Net
Rollins said USDA will continue implementing support programs while working toward a new farm bill, with the goal of providing farmers greater stability in uncertain markets.
