USDA: quarter of Iowa farmers don’t use a computer

DES MOINES — Seventy-five percent of Iowa farms own or use a desktop or laptop computer, six percentage points higher than the U.S. percentage, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service — Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report. Farms using smartphones for their farm business was 80 percent, two percentage points below the national percentage.

Eighty-five percent of Iowa farms have internet access, up three percentage points from 2021. Cellular service is the most common method of accessing the internet on Iowa farms, with 75 percent of farms accessing the internet utilizing cellular methods. Broadband (DSL, cable, fiber-optic) connection was the second most common method for accessing the internet with 51 percent. Satellite service, at 17 percent, was the third most common approach.

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 smartphone.

Note from the news desk: if you’re one of the 25% of farmers who doesn’t use a computer, or the 15% without internet, our Washington reporter wants to talk to you. Please call or text him at 319-333-0467.