Why Farmers Need Broadband

 

With the expansion of fiber technologies, a lot of exciting possibilities come to mind—for example, telemedicine or online education opportunities.
 
But what about farming? A study by the Community Policy Analysis Center of the University of Missouri shows that farming is becoming increasingly reliant on broadband connectivity. It also found that profits at farms without broadband access fall are nearly 70 percent less than farms with high-speed Internet access.
 
It all comes down to communication and information. Farmers with high-speed Internet can easily check commodities prices online or complete government paperwork electronically. Without broadband, these tasks are less efficient.
 
In addition, advanced GPS technology allows farmers to precisely measure water and fertilizer input. This can reduce costs and increase quality.
 
Unfortunately, the study reveals a particular problem in Missouri, where the state’s 52 percent of farms with high-speed Internet access fall well below the national average of 62 percent.
 
These farmers, along with other businesses and residents in the area, will benefit from our construction of a rural fiber network in Callaway and Boone counties. We want farms to take their operations to the next level and to close the profitability gap that exists between those with broadband and those without.
 
By doing so, farmers can expand their market to a regional, national or even global audience, which will impact Missouri’s impact on the agricultural industry.
 
We think that’s a good thing for farmers and consumers alike.