Kansas leads the Midwest in farmers’ use of computers and smartphones, according to the latest technology use and ownership report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

In Kansas, 85% of farmers own or use a laptop or desktop computer, and 92% have a cellphone. Ohio has the lowest computer use or ownership among farmers in the Midwest, with 60%, while Indiana farmers have the lowest smartphone access in the region at 59%.

Nationally, seven out of 10 farmers have access to a computer, and just over eight out of 10 have access to a cellphone. 

Eighty-five percent of U.S. farmers reported having internet access last year, and nearly one-third used it to purchase agricultural equipment, fertilizer and other supplies. 

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Mónica Cordero writes for Investigate Midwest. She is a former Report for America corps member and part of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk team. Her expertise includes data analysis with...