Internet Use Growing Among Farmers: USDA

Half of America's farms and ranches have Internet access and nearly 39% report using a computer for their farm business, according to new data released from the 2002 Census of Agriculture.

"These data illustrate the importance of the eGovernment initiatives being implemented by USDA," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman in a statement. "We are making more information available to farmers and ranchers through the Internet and helping to provide broadband access to rural communities. To date, this administration has provided over $253 million in broadband loans for rural areas."