FARM CONNECTION

“The internet has the power to revolutionize the agriculture sector,” Ms. Stefanik said in a release announcing the bill Thursday. “To compete in a 21st Century economy, our farmers must have access to broadband technology.”

Jay M. Matteson, agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Local Development Corp., said he’s excited to see Ms. Stefanik addressing the issue as the demand for faster internet in farm areas has grown over the years. As more advanced technology becomes a necessity for farmers, they can no longer rely on dial-up internet connections.

“The need has definitely grown for this type of assistance,” Mr. Matteson said, adding that farmers who are deep in rural areas may not be in reach of cable access.

Ronald C. Robbins, owner of North Harbor Dairy in the town of Hounsfield, said his farm utilizes a wide range of technology, from wireless data transfers between farm operations to monitoring the status of farm vehicles on the ground. His farm is able to tap into a cable line.

While Mr. Robbins said the need for better internet access is needed, he questions whether or not cables are the way to go anymore considering the increased usage of satellite technology.

“Satellite is just going to keep getting better and better,” Mr. Robbins said. “As we move forward, is hardwiring really a good investment?”

Douglas W. Shelmidine, co-owner of Sheland Farms in the town of Ellisburg, said he is also able to connect to a cable line, though the connection can be slow.

Mr. Shelmidine’s farm uses much of the same technology as North Harbor Dairy, which would be impossible to use without internet access. He said farming would be more difficult without the latest technology.

“It is getting more and more critical that we have internet access,” Mr. Shelmidine said.

The Development Authority of the North Country has teamed up with a few internet providers to improve and expand connections for north country residents.

Additionally, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2015 committed $500 million for the New NY Broadband Program, which has a goal of providing high-speed broadband service in the state by the end of 2018, with speeds of at least 25 mbps even in the most remote parts of the state.