Findings of the newly released NAFB Internet Usage Study pretty much confirm what the USDA reported earlier this year: 75% of U.S. farmers with $250,000 or more in gross farm income (GFI) utilize the Internet on a regular basis.
The study was commissioned by the National Assn. of Farm Broadcasting in Platte City, Kan., and conducted by Ag Media Research, Sioux Falls, S.D.
The survey explores producer activity and preferences in accessing the Internet for agricultural business information, as well as use of texting and social media. Specific to broadcaster interests, it also probes interest in e-newsletters and the preferred content of agribusiness-focused web sites. Survey respondents were bracketed by the gross farm income levels of their operations.
Major findings of the survey include the following:
The $100,000+ GFI producer’s overall Internet access:
- 38% are active every day, M-F
- 55% access the Internet
- 45% personally do not access the Internet
- 12.5% have someone in their operation access the Internet for them
Total access capability is almost identical to the recently released USDA study, “Farm Computer Usage and Ownership.”
For larger producers — $250,000+ GFI — the study also provided a comparison of results to the USDA survey.
- USDA Study: 76% have access
- NAFB Study: 64.5% personally access
- NAFB Study: 13% have others accessing for them
NAFB Study: total access equaling 77.5%
