USDA launches broadband resource guide to help farmers in rural areas

47 ABC – US Department of Agriculture is making it easier for farmers here on Delmarva to get their hands on an important guide.

The USDA just unveiled a tool kit to help with broadband connectivity in rural areas.

47 ABC spoke to a member from the United soybean board, William Layton, who says broadband is crucial for the farming industry and it can be tough to get access to it.

Farmers rely heavily on broadband to operate computers aboard their tractors, combines, and drones.

This new tool kit features 27 USDA programs and it’s a guide to help farmers locate those resources like grants, loans, and technical assistance.

“The broadband companies don’t want to come out here, there’s not enough people to make it worth their while to bring broadband out here. So, USDA releasing the tool kit providing loans and grants to get broadband out here in these areas where it doesn’t pay the company to do it, but with a little help, maybe get some services is a big help to us,” Layton says.

Layton says this tool kit won’t solve all of their broadband problems but it represents another step in the effort to get more access.

This launch follows Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of a pilot program that will allow broadband deployment in rural areas.

To get access to the tool kit, click here.