The internet has become indispensable to modern farming, managing risks like unpredictable weather and fluctuating prices. From 12% usage rate in 1997, Iowa farm access to internet surged to 85% by 2023.
In 2023, 75% of Iowa farms used computers, 80% smartphones, and 36% tablets. However, interactions with government sites like USDA was sparse. As for method of internet access, 51% of connected farms had broadband, 75% used cellular data, and 17% satellite internet. With only 54% of farms adopting precise agriculture practices, the aim is to expand high-speed internet access to drive further innovation. Read more in Lee Schulz’s latest Ag Decision Maker article.
Reliable high-speed internet an input into farming
