Farmers going high-tech to boost business

As it has in enterprise settings, technology is playing a significant role in rural environments, as American farmers are increasingly relying on internet-connected devices to get the job done.

According to the Associated Press, more than 50 percent of American farmers are now connected to the internet. This is still a far cry from the general population at 80 percent, but the news provider notes that it is a 20 percent increase from just a decade ago.

For many farmers, the internet is necessary to communicate with business partners, including government officials, retailers, packers and manufacturers. Farmers also use electronic devices, such as laptops and tablet computers, to download information about crops, email brokers and trade agricultural commodity futures online.

Additionally, many smaller farms are using the internet to bolster their brands. This has enabled some farmers to find an edge in an increasingly competitive market, as they can now connect with and sell products to consumers directly, the news provider states.

As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the US government has appropriated $7.2 billion to spread broadband access to rural areas. As this project unfolds, more farmers across the country will be able to use their portable computers to connect online and potentially strengthen their businesses.