For decades, every year, farmers across the country grab their paper maps and colored pens to prepare their crop insurance reports for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But, for the first time ever, growers have the opportunity to prepare their reports in mere hours, utilizing software that replaces that paper and pen for a certified digital method—all through MyAgData.
Recently joining the North Dakota ag tech ecosystem, the pioneering company MyAgData, is setting new standards for crop insurance and USDA reporting. Co-founded by Chief Strategy Officer Don Bierman, MyAgData will launch its first full year of digitized crop insurance reporting this year; but this software has been in the works for almost 12 years, all to prep for this moment.
Growing up on a tiny dairy farm in Illinois, Don’s father found himself in many agricultural roles throughout his life, and Don followed in his footsteps. His deep roots in ag extended into a career in cooperative systems, where he helped start a technology company called Crop IMS, which tested innovations for cooperative members. Between this experience and Don and his father’s work on their own farm, Don became passionate about creating a solution for a common issue among U.S. farmers—complicated USDA reporting processes.
In 2011, he started addressing this with a technology solution developed from grassroots efforts among farmers, which is now called MyAgData.
“My board, those farmers, were really keen on helping to foster whatever can be done to fix that problem, so that’s how my idea became a thing,” Don said. “We got hooked up with some other technology folks who understood how to make it work. And, you know, it only took 12 years, and here we are. Now we’re ready for this to happen with the USDA.”
So, What does MyAgData do?
The transformation that MyAgData brings to the agricultural sector is hard to compare to anything else—its universality is a key component.
“There are very few things that impact virtually every grower across the United States, one of them is regulatory reporting,” MyAgData CEO Michelle Tressel said. “So, for any grower across the United States that wants to participate in either federal farm program, be it disaster recovery or crop insurance, they’re required to file two reports, one into the into the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the other into the Risk Management Agency (RMA) around crop insurance.”
Crop Insurance Reporting for the Future
The Reporting Process
- Manual Reporting – Paper, pen, over 12 hours of work, and 16 steps.
- Electronic Reporting – Digital, one hour of work, and half the amount of steps!
98% of acres across the US participate in a federal farm program. Currently, there are 2.5 million reports filed annually, and it’s done in that manual fashion—paper maps. That’s how every grower across the United States has to file their acreage report for their FSA office!
The main goal of the startup? Easing the burden of regulatory reporting for farmers participating in these federal farm programs. As Don explained, from watching and joining his father on their family farm and in their co-op experience—they just want to solve problems that farmers face.
The manual reporting process method, while traditional, is time-consuming and susceptible to human error, affecting nearly all farm acres that are covered by federal farm programs. To address these challenges, MyAgData has digitized the entire reporting process. Over the past decade, they’ve collaborated with the USDA to refine a system where data from farm equipment— like tractors and planters—can be uploaded directly and automatically. MyAgData supports integrations with major agricultural machinery brands such as John Deere, Case IH, Climate FieldView, Topcon, and Ag Leader, allowing farmers to choose (or continue using) their preferred equipment for data collection. This data is then securely transmitted to the relevant agencies, effectively removing the need for manual entry.
People think about what we do like TurboTax,” Michelle said. “Once an account is set up, it’s very turnkey year-over-year. A grower can go in and all of their information is there from the previous year, so they can complete their reporting in less than an hour from the comfort of their own home at anytime, day or night.”
There are 3 main benefits to MyAgData’s Integration.
Time Efficiency
The new system significantly cuts the time spent on reporting. Farmers can complete their necessary documentation in under an hour from the comfort of their own homes, at any time of day. This is a major leap from the old method, which could take much longer and require the physical handling of multiple documents.
Cost Savings
By accurately reporting only the acreage that has been planted (with the data from the machinery doing the planting), farmers can reduce the cost of crop insurance. Traditional methods often led to discrepancies due to over or under-reported land usage, but with precise digital maps and data, farmers are only insuring the land they actually use—which MyAgData has estimated can lead to savings of between 3% to 10% on crop insurance premiums.
For a farmer managing 1,500 acres, just looking at a 3% savings, this could translate to an annual saving of around $3,000!
Increased Accuracy & Reduced Audit Risk
With all data consolidated and submitted through a digital platform directly to a USDA-managed clearing house, the accuracy of reports improves dramatically. This accuracy not only ensures compliance but also significantly decreases the likelihood of audits.
“By submitting their data directly, and it being used both by FSA and RMA, you have much less issue with errors in the data, and therefore you’re less likely to have an audit,” Michelle said. “And if there’s something farmers don’t want—it’s an audit.”
When farmers bring MyAgData into their fields, they’re modernizing their farm management, but this isn’t just about using new tech. By adding precision and efficiency to the mix, they’re prepping for a wallet-friendly season along with a future where managing their acres feels less like guesswork and more like a well-oiled machine.
Meet CEO Michelle Tressler
As CEO of MyAgData, Michelle drives business development and strategic partnerships, leveraging over 20 years of experience in investment management, agriculture, healthcare, and software. Known for her knack for connecting people and ideas, she delivers sophisticated solutions in complex, regulated environments. Before MyAgData, Michelle held leadership roles at Nuveen Investments, Parametric Portfolio Associates, and Morgan Stanley, and taught finance at Stetson University. She began her career at EY and holds a Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor’s in Finance from Stetson University.
Linkedin | /michelle-tressel
Meet CoFounder Don Bierman
Don is deeply rooted in the ag community, having grown up on a small farm in southeastern Illinois. He completed his education at the University of Illinois in 1981. He spent over three decades at Wabash Valley Service Company before taking the helm as CEO of Crop IMS LLC, a company that provides tech solutions to farmers across the Midwest, based in Illinois and Wisconsin. His expertise in ag technology also led him to assist in founding Independent Data Management LLC in 2012, which launched MyAgData!
Linkedin | /don-bierman-a22b2521
What is this unique?
While most growers know, the USDA-managed clearing house is a centralized data repository used by the USDA to collect, manage, and distribute agricultural data, in this case, for programs related to crop insurance and farm subsidies. This system is designed to streamline the process of reporting agricultural data, which is critical for the efficient management of various federal agricultural programs, and MyAgData is the only third party authorized to submit data.
This means they have worked not only to improve farmers’ experience with reporting, but they have also worked alongside the USDA to comply and configure software that benefits every party.
The USDA can see those benefits as they receive ag data in a standardized electronic format through the MyAgData system. This setup enhances data management efficiency, allowing for quicker integration and information processing—which is essential for program administration. The accuracy provided by electronic submissions helps minimize errors and potential fraud, ensuring that resources are allocated based on reliable data.
Not only the boots on the ground and the loafers in the office are impacted‚ but the middlemen are finding benefits of this too. States gain economically and strategically from MyAgData’s integration with the USDA clearing house. Improved access to federal agricultural programs stabilizes farmer incomes, which are vital to the agricultural sector’s contribution to the state economy. Accurate and timely data allows for better resource allocation and helps state authorities make informed decisions about environmental conservation and agricultural planning. This alignment ensures that agricultural practices contribute positively to both the state’s economy and its environmental goals.
MyAgData’s role as the sole third-party authorized to interface directly with the USDA-managed clearing house represents a critical step forward in modernizing agricultural data management and making federal agricultural programs more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders involved.
Precision agriculture, or “precision ag” for short, harnesses the power of gadgets—think GPS, drones, and smart sensors—to make farming more efficient and eco-friendly. Using this technology, they can zone in on the specific needs of each plot and product. MyAgData created software to utlize the data from this tech to then feed to the USDA’s reporting systems. This kind of farming is not just with a tractor, but with a whole arsenal of tech tools that help grow more sustainably and productively or all.
Real Farmers, Real Results
Now, using MyAgData all sounds great in theory, but why would the everyday farmer change their methods? Well, by looking at the impacts from a real out-in-the-field farmer, they might get an idea.
Quentin first crossed paths with MyAgData’s technology at the Bushel Buddy Conference in Fargo in 2023, a gathering known and celebrated for connecting agricultural professionals with the latest advancements in ag tech. It was here that he met Michelle and learned about how MyAgData’s software could revolutionize his reporting processes. Intrigued by the potential to streamline the cumbersome task of regulatory compliance, Quentin jumped on board to be 1 of 50 who participated in the beta program MyAgData was launching.
Quentin got an early taste of what the software could do and the experience truly transformed his approach to USDA reporting.
Previously, Quentin’s entire 160-acre field was classified as irrigated, which meant he was potentially overpaying on insurance since the entire area wasn’t used to its irrigated potential. MyAgData allowed him to “bust out the circles” or accurately define and separate the irrigated parts of his fields from the non-irrigated (dryland) parts. With precise mapping, Quentin was able to better manage the risks associated with droughts. By ensuring only the irrigated areas are counted as such, he maintains better control over water resources and can ensure adequate water supply even during dry spells. This precision in resource management is crucial for maintaining crop health and yield. This precision in defining areas ensures that he only pays for the insurance necessary for the specific crop areas, optimizing his Actual Production History (APH) calculations.
Before using MyAgData, the reporting process was manual and based on less accurate Common Land Unit (CLU) maps created for administrative purposes by the FSA. These maps did not always reflect the true state of the land. With MyAgData, Quentin used upto-date digital mapping tools that overlay satellite images (like Google Earth) to draw accurate field boundaries. This helps in submitting more accurate reports to the USDA to ensure compliance.
Quentin’s transition to using the software came with a learning curve of course, during which he had to work closely with a representative from MyAgData to figure out the specifics of his farm’s layout and crop shares, which vary due to multiple landowners and differing farming practices on his land. But all in all, it saved him hours compared to if he were to mark up the traditional map with what he calls his, “colored crayon.”
“I’ve never actually met the man, Brad. But, he walked me through everything, took my data, and drew in the circles because he could see where the circle was from Google Earth or whatever maps we put over the top. It was probably a couple of zooms just to work out the little details… maybe took an hour or two over different zooms, but it was probably one of the more complicated reports, so it really saved me a lot of time…” Quentin said. “There’s a lot of details you can miss in handwriting, so this takes one of those errors out of there. So as long as you get the planter set up and mapping right, you’re in pretty good shape.”
As Quentin continues to reap the benefits of MyAgData’s innovative solutions on his farm, the company itself is taking significant steps by relocating its operations to North Dakota with hopes to embed itself in the core of the country’s up-and-coming agriculture technology advancements.
Meet Quentin Connealy
Meet Quentin, or Q, Connealy, a fifth-generation farmer in Tekamah, NE. Quintin’s farming operations are heavily focused on both corn and soybean cultivation. Having returned to the farm after studying web design and interactive media in college, he was eager to merge his digital expertise with hands-on agricultural practices. His farm utilizes advanced irrigation systems, which are critical for managing these crops, especially in areas that may experience varying water availability. This approach ensures optimal growth conditions and yield, leveraging modern ag tech to enhance traditional farming practices.
Q also shares his ag tech journey, everyday farming life, and more on his social account, which is just shy of 100K—check him out on TikTok at @qconnealy or on X at @qconnealy19.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency is steering the future of farming into the digital age with its latest crop reporting guidelines for 2024. Under the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI), as of December, farmers now have the green light to use precision agriculture data when submitting their acreage reports. This data, filed through the RMA ACRSI Clearing House as Geospatial Acreage Report Transmission (GART) files, enables a smoother, more accurate tracking of farm, tract, and field details. To help the farming community and FSA employees get up to speed, the agency has rolled out a suite of handy training materials that you can find here.
A heads-up to local FSA offices: there’s no automatic alert for new GART submissions. Staying ahead means checking in with farmers to confirm their digital reports are in. Mastering the Geospatial Review Application (GRA) is key here— it’s your best tool for ensuring that digital acreage reports are spot-on and seamlessly integrated into the Crop Acreage Reporting System (CARS). Embracing these new tools not only streamlines the process but also sharpens the accuracy of agricultural reporting—making life a bit easier for everyone!
By the Numbers
| 2023 Insurance Premium | Average Savings | Statewide Savings | Insured Savings | Taxpayer Savings |
| $1,501,285,883 | 3% | $45 Million potential savings | $15 Million | $30 Million |
| $1,501,285,883 | 5% | $75 Million potential savings | $24 Million | $51 Million |
| $1,501,285,883 | 8% | $120 Million potential savings | $39 Million | $81 Million |
The ND Pull
As Michelle frequently traveled between her home in Minnesota and Fargo to visit family, she took notice of different ag tech initiatives going on in the state, and she wanted in. “As I started being introduced in the ecosystem, it became really apparent to me that there is a really tight circle of folks in North Dakota that are really looking to build North Dakota as the ag tech capitol,” she said.
With that, Michelle knew the best place for MyAgData to be positioned, was right in the FM area. MyAgData’s decision to relocate to North Dakota was driven by a combination of personal and strategic business factors, but it wasn’t done solely by the MyAgData team pushing their way in—they were welcomed.
MyAgData had already established strategic partnerships within the state, including with Bushel, a key player in the ag tech scene. Additionally, the company attended the Prairie Capital Summit and participated in various ag tech events, which further solidified their decision.
Several influential local organizations and individuals helped to facilitate MyAgData’s integration into the local ecosystem. These connections have provided MyAgData with a strong network and essential local insights, contributing to a smoother transition and integration into the state’s business landscape.
Brian Opp
North Dakota Development Fund Interim CEO, North Dakota
Department of Commerce
Ryan Aasheim
Chief Business Development Officer,
Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC)
Grand Farm
Powered by Emerging Prairie, introduced MyAgData to local contacts and opportunities
MyAgData has now completed its primary sector certification, establishing itself as a primary business in North Dakota. This status, along with their involvement in programs like Operation Intern, are the first steps to joining the budding landscape of ND’s ag tech workings.
What we’ve found is, clearly farming is very important to North Dakota. They’ve built the right ecosystem through some of the capital incentives for companies to move there and to keep high-paying, quality jobs in North Dakota, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
MyAgData CEO Michelle Tresse
As we know, North Dakota offers a fertile landscape for agribusinesses due to its significant investment in agriculture, which constitutes 25% of the state’s economy. With the potential for cost savings in crop insurance using MyAgData’s operation, the team and the state can see the benefit.
With North Dakota farmers spending around $1.5 billion annually on crop insurance ($18 billion is spent nationwide), even a modest percentage in savings from improved efficiencies and technologies like those offered by MyAgData could result in substantial economic benefits—3% totals to $45 million for ND alone!
Through this relocation and integration into North Dakota’s ag tech ecosystem, MyAgData is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation, aiming to drive significant improvements in how farming and agricultural business is conducted in the region.
Operation Intern is a program designed by the North Dakota Department of Commerce to expand the number of internships, work experiences, and apprenticeship positions with the state’s employers.
Essentially, it provides funding to help North Dakota businesses create new internship opportunities. This initiative not only helps students gain valuable work experience but also supports local businesses by offsetting some of the costs of developing and maintaining internship programs.
The Future
MyAgData is aiming for a modest but specific increase in its software usage, targeting just over 0.5% of growers by 2024. But, the team is also looking to broaden its reach and impact by cultivating strategic partnerships with other entities in the agricultural sector, both in the state and beyond. Current partners include DTN (previously known as Telvent DTN, Data Transmission Network and Dataline), Ever.Ag, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Bushel, and Climate FieldView, along with various crop insurance and service providers. These collaborations are intended to extend the benefits of their digital solutions—efficiency and cost savings—to a nationwide network of growers.
As with any data collection software, MyAgData understands and puts emphasis on being transparent with their work, and at the same time—keeping it simple. Because they are the only third party authorized to work with the USDA, they want farmers to know that their data only goes where it’s needed. The company believes that with the right tools and privacy safeguards, farmers can safely and beneficially share their data, potentially changing their role and influence within the broader economy.
Ultimately, MyAgData aspires to be a leader in transforming how agricultural data is managed and used, not just for compliance with regulatory reporting but as a resource that benefits the entire agricultural community.
The MyAgData team understands the challenges faced by USDA staff, noting that while they often receive criticism for slow processes, the USDA’s efforts over the past 30 years have been substantial. The USDA has had to overcome significant hurdles to support and provide services for agricultural programs, but this time, they’re not in it alone.
The reason why farmers have to note on their maps with a colored pen is because the paper is printed in black and white, and the FSA checker needs to be able to see the notes. The MyAgData software not only shows the maps in color but doesn’t require the FSA checker to do any guesswork on handwriting!
Did You Know?
- Congress mandated in the 2012 farm bill that farmers should be able to report electronically
- 89% of ND is farmland or ranchland!
- Common Land Units, or CLUs, are, on average, 5% larger than actual planted acreage.
- 2024 is the first year a farmer can file their actual planted acreage electronically!
- North Dakota farmers lead the pack in the utilization of precision ag!
MyAgData is on the hunt for a remote intern to join their team as a Customer Support Specialist. This role is geared towards enhancing the user experience for American farmers who utilize their software. If you’re a North Dakota college student or know one interested in ag tech, this internship could be a perfect gateway into the industry!
“This is just another set of mountains they’re having to move, to embrace this new technology, and I’d like to think that we’ve been there to usher them along the way,” Don said. “That’s been a key piece of this, because there have been others that have attempted to do what we’ve done, and they have failed. I’d like to think it’s because they didn’t take the USDA’s interest and have empathy with what they’re going through—we did. Not everybody would do that, and I think we can take credit for helping to build bridges here in that respect.”
MyAgData is excited to kick off its first official year of online reporting, head to their website to learn more and get started!
Check out more details and apply here.
myagdata.com
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