Tri State Neighbor reports on the August meeting of the MN Broadband Task Force…

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband took its conversation into the heart of rural Minnesota, holding its August meeting at Farmfest.

Around the table were state officials, representatives internet provider companies, and community advocates – people who know firsthand the challenges of connecting farms, small towns and rural businesses to reliable, high-speed internet.

They heard from interesting panelists in the agricultural community…

From an agricultural finance perspective, Paul Kohls of Compeer Financial sees broadband as foundational to farm business planning.

“Whether it’s accessing real-time markets, running precision ag equipment, or keeping up with compliance requirements, farms today run on data,” Kohls said. “And if the connection’s not there, you’re at a disadvantage before you even start.”

Panelists echoed that point, emphasizing that broadband isn’t just about streaming video, it’s about enabling farmers to run equipment, monitor livestock, and communicate with buyers without leaving the farm.

Maki said rural communities need to be part of the planning process, and the board continues to update maps of service areas. Funding decisions are based on mapping of underserved areas.