USDA is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. “High-speed internet e-Connectivity is a necessity, not an amenity, vital … Read More
AEM Hosts Rural Broadband Panel Discussion
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) hosted a panel discussion to focus on the expansion of rural broadband. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and representatives from equipment manufacturers John Deere and HammerHead Trenches met on Capitol Hill on May 18th in conjunction with Infrastructure Week 2017. The event was organized as part of AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 initiative. Their initiative is “focused … Read More
Slow Internet Hinders Ag Production
For many, dealing with slow Internet and poor connections are a thing of the past. Not so for many living and working in rural America. In today’s world that lack of access to resources others take for granted can be a serious setback in the business world. “Internet connectivity is what I would consider an enabling technology,” said Terry Griffin, … Read More
Farm Internet Use Continues to Grow
A new USDA-NASS report shows that internet access on the farm continues to grow. According to the Computer Usage and Ownership report, 70 percent of U.S. farms and ranches now have access to internet, up three percent from 2013. DSL remains the most popular method for accessing internet, accounting for 30 percent of all farms and ranches with internet access. … Read More
Raven’s Slingshot Field Hub 2.0
Raven Precision has introduced a new Slingshot product, the Field Hub 2.0. Josh Skanderup was available during the recent InfoAg Conference to talk about it. The core of the Slingshot experience is the Slingshot Field Hub. A small device that fits neatly into the cab of your vehicle, the hub connects your precision ag hardware to Slingshot’s suite of services. … Read More
Future in Smart Sensors & Cheap Connectivity
A combination of more, cheaper smart sensors and more connectivity could make the future of agriculture and food production pretty bright in this country. During the recent Bayer CropScience 10th annual Ag Issues Forum in Phoenix, Michael Rogers, who is an author, journalist and futurist, spoke to those gathered at the event about some of these global trends driving food … Read More
Covering the Farm with Ayrstone Ayrmesh
It’s time for another edition of the AgNerd Cloud, a fairly regular column on new technology for the farm. In this program we’ll learn about how you can obtain a good internet cloud on your property that can include remote ethernet connections via a new wireless device! Thanks to Bill Moffitt, Ayrstone Productivity, for working with us by supplying some … Read More
AyrMesh Bridge Wireless Point-to-Point Bridge
How about an ethernet cable without the wires on your farm network? Yes, it’s possible. That is, with the Ayrstone Productivity AyrMesh Bridge! During the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention I spoke with company president Bill Moffitt about their newest product. The Bridge joins a growing family of products from Ayrstone like their AyrMesh Hub, Receiver and a Hub … Read More
New MapShots Website Goes Live
Agricultural software development company MapShots has unveiled a new website. The company says the new www.mapshots.com features a new look, improved functionality and streamlined design, as well as more robust content and new navigation, all to make for a more user-friendly experience. By simplifying the process of information gathering, the new MapShots website echoes the goals of the company. Content … Read More
In-Cab Wifi From Ayrstone
Need wireless productivity on your farm? Ayrstone is here to help. Bill Moffitt, Founder/President, was on hand at the recent Ag Media Summit to talk about their new products, including the new AyrMesh Cab Hub. BRING YOUR AYRMESH WIFI NETWORK INTO THE CAB OF YOUR VEHICLES The AyrMesh Cab Hub mounts in the cab of your tractor, sprayer, combine, or … Read More