Why Newer CLU Data Isn't Public

Every year the USDA updates field boundaries using fresh imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). However, Section 1619 of the Farm Bill prevents the agency from sharing these new CLU layers broadly.

Local service centers maintain the data for program administration, but only certified partners can obtain access. The nationwide 2008 release is therefore the last version available without restrictions.

Some counties may provide recent boundaries through FOIA requests or state resources, yet no official national dataset exists. That’s why the 2008 CLU remains so valuable for historic mapping and long‑term analysis.

If you need reliable CLU boundaries for your projects, you can purchase the 2008 files here and start mapping immediately.