The USDA reports on technology Use for farmers looking at farm computer usage and ownership…

Nationally, 85 percent of farms reported having access to the internet. In 2023, 32 percent of farms used the internet to purchase agricultural inputs, which was an increase of 3 percent from 2021. Additionally, 23 percent of farms used the internet to market agricultural activities, which was an increase of 2 percent from 2021. Farms which conducted business with non-agricultural websites in 2023 increased by 2 percent to 49 percent.

In 2023, 51 percent of internet connected farms utilized a broadband connection while 75 percent of internet connected farms had access through a cellular data plan. Additionally, 69 percent of farms had a desktop or laptop computer while 82 percent of farms had a smart phone.

And here’s how Minnesota compares to US stats. (I’m only looking at the 2023 info, but 2021 is also in the report if you wanted to compare impact of time.)

Own/use desktop or laptop

• National 69 percent
• MN 70 percent

Own/use a smartphone

• National 82 percent
• MN 85 percent

Own/use a device

• National 32 percent
• MN 30 percent

Own/use another sort of computer

• National 2 percent
• MN 1 percent

Access to broadband

• National 85 percent
• MN 86 percent

Purchase agricultural inputs over internet

• National 32 percent
• MN 31 percent

Conduct agricultural marketing activities over internet

• National 23 percent
• MN 34 percent

Conduct business with any non-agricultural website

• National 49 percent
• MN 63 percent

Type of broadband:

Dialup

• National 22 percent
• MN 2 percent

DSL/Fiber/Cable

• National 51 percent
• MN 52 percent

Cellular

• National 75 percent
• MN 79 percent

Satellite

• National 23 percent
• MN 23 percent

Other

• National 2 percent
• MN less than 1 percent

Using precision agriculture practices to manage crops or livestock

• National 27 percent
• MN less than 32 percent