No one would deny that the advent of technology has changed the world. Technology is present in almost every area of life and increases the efficiency of average people and entire corporations’ workforces. One can easily see the benefits of technology in places such as airports, schools, grocery stores, and mechanic shops, but what may be harder to see at first is the technology utilized in the farming world. Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, describes the importance of farmers having access to the internet, which in turn gives them access to a vast reservoir of technological capabilities. Ford explains her point of view well in a TED Talk, and I agree with what she is saying.
The Current Problem
Ford begins by explaining that a problem exists, not only in the farming world but in whole communities. This problem is the lack of internet access, which affects so many individuals across the United States. Ford says there are two people primarily affected: school students and farmers. I would like to expand on the impact observed on farmers. I found that this lack of connectivity was brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic because schools and medical appointments (among other things) were forced to go online. Less than 60% of rural areas have broadband–that is high-speed internet.
“But although these possibilities may exist, without proper internet access these remain useless.”
Farmers need high-speed internet connection to utilize technology. Ford states, “There’s so many exciting investments and innovation occurring in the (farming) sector that will make farmers more efficient.” I know this is the case; farming looks vastly different now than it did a hundred years ago. But although these possibilities may exist, without proper internet access these remain useless. Ford proposes that the U.S. government fund the implementation of internet in these rural areas. I think the government should set a budget, analyze the needy areas, and then spend the capital on communities that need internet the most.
Why It’s a Problem
The lack of internet connectivity is a huge problem for farmers in the United States. Ford explains how this digital divide creates an unfair playing field, giving some farmers with internet access advantages over those who don’t have access. I agree with Ford; America is supposed to be a place with equal opportunity for all. I think the government should be working on ways to create both a fair and sustainable business environment.
Ford also mentions farmers not using technology are not cultivating the ground to its fullest potential. Various ways to increase crop yields is through implementing cover crops, spraying the right types and amounts of fertilizer, understanding soil types, and more. I discovered that the use of technology in monitoring crop growth can increase crop revenues in the United States up to $175 billion. I think with the ever-increasing world population, farmers should be using more advanced ways to grow more food.
The Wonders of Technology
Source: Tech Innovations
The Benefits of a Solution
Ford exclaims that the accessibility to the internet by farmers would produce a myriad of benefits. She concludes, “We can make improved sustainable production decisions.” These enhanced decisions would come from using technology! According to Kheti Buddy, I found there are many ways technology enhances a farming corporation:
- Steadier crop yields
- Safety improvements for workers
- Runoff prevention
- A decrease in water, fertilizer, and pesticide use
- Reduced impact on the surrounding environment
Ford details how farmers using technology in field work (e.g., knowing the exact soil type can indicate the amount of fertilizer to use) can increase yields while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact. I agree with her, and I think this would lead farming down a more sustainable road. Ford says that farmers will be able to use less fertilizer because what is used will be more concentrated. As part of a farming family, I can personally attest to the importance of this added benefit; ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. Therefore, farmers should look to minimize expenses however possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Beth Ford’s perspective relating to technology in agriculture. I think she did an excellent job of explaining why it’s so important for the farmers of America to have internet access. From increasing crop yields to reducing fertilizer costs and more, there is so much innovation waiting to be applied. I believe that with all the potential in modern-day technology, soon internet providers will be reaching the rural, allowing farmers to utilize these capabilities to create a more sustainable future for agriculture.
This is a very informative article about the future of farming. Farming is such an important aspect of our society and always will be. Learning that most farms do not have proper resources to maximize their output, and to function properly is alarming. It is very interesting to see the integration of complex technology in the farming world and how it can help farmers short-term and long-term. I do not know much about farming, but I do understand its importance in our society. It has been a large reason for humanity’s continued survival since ancient times. We have to ensure that our farmers are getting the resources they need. I wish you the best of luck in your career and hope someday you can play a part to help solve this problem. Nice job Grace!
Grace – I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. It had great flow and made some tremendous thought-provoking points. I was shocked to learn about the number of rural Americans without reliable internet access. Moreover, I learned that farming requires internet access because technology is integral to farmers’ work. I have had work experience in the HVAC/R industry, which requires a lot of technology similar to farming. Oftentimes, in rural areas, the lack of internet has been noticeable to me when working. I hope that the government acts on behalf of those disadvantaged by unreliable internet. I wish you luck with your future endeavors and hope that you help improve the farming milieu throughout your career.
Something I truly enjoyed about this post was how critical it is for current farmers and agriculture businesses. I also enjoyed the flow of the post, the information was presented well and timely. I don’t find myself thinking often about how the lack of internet can affect farmer’s sales, and now do! It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective of rural areas and farming. I learned how vital their proper internet access is to receive those investments and innovations, and how it can grow our economy. The digital revolution came so fast that I was under the impression that everyone was on it, and even rural farmers had access. I love that you offered solutions and explained how they could be implemented, with your own experience. I hope all farmers have access to modern-day technology and internet access for a sustainable future, and I’m rooting for you if you join them!
I loved reading this article, since you made some tremendous points. I am very shocked that not many rural areas have high speed internet. I must be fortunate, since I live in a rural area, and I have high speed internet. I didn’t know how having proper internet access plays such a key role in agriculture. After reading your article, I completely agree with you that farmers that have internet access will be at an advantage compared to farmers that don’t have internet access. Moreover, I believe that farmers with internet access will be able to produce better crop yields. I hope the government will act to fix this unfair advantage, so everybody in America can have high speed internet. I wish you the best of luck as you continue to work to improve the wonderful farming industry.
Grace- I think you did an excellent job explaining the benefits and current problems. It is alarming that most farms do not have enough resources to maximize their outputs and products. I think it was unique of the different types of technology and how it can enhance farming corporations. I also agree that America is supposed to be a place with equal opportunity for all.
This was another great article written about the agribusiness industry. I was completely unaware of the lack of access many farmers have to high-speed internet despite the scale of their work and constantly innovated technology. Although I do not have experience dealing with this topic my dad worked for a company that connected farmers to a digital marketplace that then linked them to wholesalers and consumers. Simply learning about the tip of the iceberg when it comes to agriculture from his experience was equally as enlightening as this article you wrote. I appreciate your eloquently worded take on the TedTalk you chose and look forward to future writing from you!