According to a recent article from The Des Moines Register, John Deere and Mediacom are seeking funding for a plan to demonstrate the positive impact that stronger broadband will have on high-tech agriculture in Iowa and other states.
The companies asked the federal government for their support in showing how reliable connectivity has evolved from a luxury for communities into a source of attracting business and other attractions.
Dan Templin, Senior Vice President of Mediacom Business, said, "Internet service has become a nontraditional community anchor. We tend to think of them as hospitals, schools and libraries. But as an agribusiness leader, the crop operations of large community farms in Iowa are being viewed as the community hub."
Contingent on whether the companies receive funding, the project will aim to strengthen access to high-speed Internet in Audubon and Carroll counties in western Iowa. This will be to help farmers in better utilizing their farm equipment, including features that can only be fully applied with high-speed Internet access.
Many advocates recognize the growing need for technological improvements in the agriculture industry. A previous report notes that agriculture products and technologies are being used at more frequent rates to help growers reduce their inputs. For farmers to take full advantage of their equipment, they must have access to broadband connection. However, Templin says that many farmers are currently relying on unstable Internet connections.
With stronger broadband connection, farmers will be able to rely more on their high-tech agriculture equipment.