Precision Farming Act Would Give Farmers Access To Broadband Internet

Like it’s done for many other industries, the internet is improving the agricultural sector.

Farmers are making more use of the internet to access information on the weather, soil conditions and market activity. The better that farmers understand these factors, the more efficiently their farms will operate, according to an article on WaterTownDailyTimes.com.

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Making the most of this information, however, depends on how quickly farmers can access it. Farmers in more rural areas often don’t have the infrastructure required to retrieve vital data fast enough for their needs.

U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, last week introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives a measure to offer farmers greater access to high-speed internet. H.R. 5897, also called the Precision Farming Act of 2016, was referred to both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Agriculture.

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The bill would offer to broadband providers a one-time $15,000 reimbursement for each line installed for a qualifying precision farming operation. In addition, farmers who apply for loans to cover installation costs will have their applications prioritized per the Rural Electrification Act.

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Read the full story on WatertownDailyTimes.com.

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