The USDA Agricultural Research Service requires a Data Management Plan as part of the larger project plan for all research projects. Though the DMP only comprises two to three pages and follows a rigid 6-section format, researchers still encounter challenges understanding and complying with the various policies, procedures, and best practices outlined for data management. Difficulty results partly from the sheer diversity of research areas covered by the USDA, and the variety of standards, workflows, and stakeholders to consider when planning a research project. The USDA conducted general trainings to introduce resources and concepts required to complete a basic DMP, but each research community presents unique challenges that a lean data management staff struggles to meet. The National Agricultural Library aims to bridge these data management knowledge gaps while balancing limited staffing with thoughtful approaches to creation and reuse of training material, outreach, online resources, collaboration with outside agencies, and other strategies. This will help our researchers more easily comply with DMP requirements and manage their data in ways more conducive to achieving the criteria outlined in the Force11 FAIR principles. During this fiscal year we are conducting pilot projects to hone data management resources and workflows for select research areas, as well as for researchers near retirement. We plan to take the lessons learned to refine our data management services and help broader areas of our research community. Erin Antognoli, MLIS<https://ischool.umd.edu/academics/masters-programs/master-of-library-and-information-science/> Pronouns<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mypronouns.org%2Fwhat-and-why&data=02%7C01%7C%7C44d6f4abb9cf428a39df08d838ace285%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637321662471151255&sdata=BJKlb6KEdw4RQb05dOxyWwuU0Eetq%2FQnAMhZ7wSdHzc%3D&reserved=0>: she/her/hers Data Curation Team Lead & Metadata Librarian The USDA National Agricultural Library Knowledge Services Division Erin.Antognoli@usda.gov<mailto:Erin.Antognoli@usda.gov> ORCID: 0000-0003-0569-0808<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Forcid.org%2F0000-0003-0569-0808&data=02%7C01%7C%7C44d6f4abb9cf428a39df08d838ace285%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637321662471161243&sdata=F%2FRun2RPyLvXac5XSQxqYQo%2BbXosoEZFwUEKIB%2F6%2F0k%3D&reserved=0> This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.