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Support Our Farmers by Expanding Broadband Now

Published by Farm and Dairy on October 24, 2019

By Tom Ferree

THIS IS THE THIRD OF A THREE-PART SERIES ON THE ISSUE OF RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS


Bowling Green, KY (October 25, 2019) - Farmers and ranchers tackle one of the most difficult jobs in our country — and by doing so they’re providing for families across America.


But here’s something to remember the next time you sit down to share a meal with friends or family — “an alarming 60% of U.S. farmers say they do not have enough internet connectivity to run their businesses.”


What would we do if America’s ranches and farms failed one-by-one? Better yet — let’s ask what we can do now to give them the resources they need. This is why Wheat Field 395545 1920 696x408 300x176bringing high-speed internet (broadband) access to rural areas is not something we can take our time doing. It must be a priority for the country — not tomorrow, but now.


Innovators


Farmers and ranchers are the nation’s original innovators. They’ve had to be. They’ve had to think outside-the-box to improve crop yields and to survive everything from weather anomalies to bug infestations.


In our modern world, innovation comes in the form of precision ag, weather tracking, automation, and more. Indeed, some of the most unique, new applications of blockchain technology today are found in livestock supply chain management.


Poor connectivity


The data referenced earlier is from a study released by the United Soybean Board. In that study, upwards of 50 percent of farmers said they want to incorporate tech into their operations but they can’t because of poor connectivity.


There are many reasons this remains a challenge including cost of buildout, lack of competition, and inaccurate broadband maps to tell us where the connectivity gaps are. All of which can be overcome.


It’s time America repays the favor and provides for our nation’s farmers and ranchers by investing in rural broadband expansion. Learn what you can do by heading to connectednation.org and clicking on “Join the Fight.”


Read the original article here