$15M grant boosts internet access for rural farmers

By Andi Anderson

Indiana is taking a significant step toward improving high-speed internet access for its rural farmers with a $15 million grant.

This funding aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy in underserved areas, particularly for farmers who rely on connectivity to manage modern agricultural operations.

According to Katrina Hall, senior director of policy at the Indiana Farm Bureau, approximately one-third of rural Indiana lacks reliable high-speed internet.

Hall emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that many farmers currently depend solely on cell phones for internet access, which is inadequate for running a business.

Access to high-speed internet can revolutionize farming by enabling the use of advanced technologies. Tools that analyze real-time weather, monitor crop health, optimize fertilizer application, and remotely track livestock can make farming more efficient and profitable. “Farmers can gain valuable insights and scale operations with better data and tools,” Hall explained.

Rural areas often face challenges in internet infrastructure development due to the high costs of installing fiber optics and the limited profitability for providers in sparsely populated regions.

Federal and state funding, such as this grant, seeks to address these obstacles. However, Hall stressed that sustained investment is essential to achieve universal internet access for rural communities.

This initiative is part of a broader federal program allocating $800 million to improve internet access in various states. While this $15 million represents the first phase, it signifies a critical step toward connecting every rural household in Indiana to high-speed internet.

By bridging the digital divide, this grant will empower farmers to adopt innovative technologies, improve their productivity, and strengthen the agricultural sector’s role in rural development. As Hall noted, “Continued investment is key to ensuring our rural communities thrive in the digital age.”

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