More farmers are using computers to operate their businesses than ever before. The USDA reports that 67 percent of the nation's farmers either own or lease a computer, with nearly all of them using the Internet. Most of those surveyed said they use a computer, smart phone or tablet for farm business purposes.
Those numbers are similar to Wisconsin's findings for computer usage. Currently, about 65 percent of all farmers in the state are utilizing a computer. About 50 percent of local producers use the machines for farm business.
Cellular remains the most common method of access to the Internet, with 62 percent of farms in Wisconsin connected through their smart phones. However, the agency says more producers are getting access to technology such as fiber optics and satellite Internet.
The USDA says the mast majority of U.S. farms with sales and government payments of at least $250,000 have access to a computer.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, General