One in four farmers in America does not have access to stable internet connection.

Even more striking, three out of five farmers do not have sufficient broadband. So, even though the vast majority of farmers wish to use more technology, a study done by the United Soybean Board reported that 60 percent of farmers lack the connectivity to do so. This stems from inadequate investment in low-income, rural communities — one of those being upstate New York.

On my way back to Cornell’s campus I noticed just 12 miles away from my hometown of Syracuse that there was no service. To me, that means a temporary Spotify playlist pause or a call drop. But, to the farmers who live in these communities, it forces an entirely different way of life.