Texas Farmers turning to Internet

Now more than ever farmers are turning to the Internet to help them through these rough economic times.  According to the 2007 U.S. Census Data 57% of farmers in Texas had Internet access in 2007. Compared to only 49.6% in 2002. Across the U.S. only 57% of all farmers have Internet access. Of the farms that have Internet service only 58% have high speed connection.

Internet is becoming a big factor in the farming industry. Farmers use to be able to wake up and get their market reports by listening to the local radio station. Now even local radio stations are posting news reports on their websites, forcing farmers to adapt to the changing times. Why is it so important for farmers to adapt?  76% of the larger farms that had Internet access reported annual sales of $250,000 or more. Compared to 50% of the smaller farms who had annual sales of only $25,000 or less.

Thanks to the Farm Bill and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, grants and loan funding will be available to help Internet expansion in rural areas. Some communities across the U.S. are partnering with cooperative companies like One Economy Coporation to help gain digital access. Other rural consumers are turning to satellite Internet service providers like Wildblue to help them keep up with the changing market trends.