News

Minnesota farmer calls broadband critical to his success

Many farmers say broadband has become critical to their success.

Darin Johnson, who grows corn, soybeans, and operates a seed and trucking business in southeast Minnesota, says the technology he uses depends on high-speed internet.

“We have prescriptions that are run through that need that connection to be able to plant. We steer (using) the technology.” 

The Faribault County farmer says broadband performance in his area has improved.

“I know as you move further north in Minnesota, it’s definitely not as good. And I know infrastructure is improving, but it’s very important to the future of farming.”

Johnson recently hosted Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg.  He says they talked about access to rural broadband, adding that Bloomberg was amazed at the amount of technology used in agriculture.