Paula Mohr

Often compared to the quest for rural electrification in the 1930s, the push for high-speed internet access in rural areas continues across the US. Federal and state programs have provided billions of dollars to bridge the digital divide in areas with low populations. Philanthropic foundations also have heavily invested in efforts, such as the American Connection Corps.

While federal and state broadband investments surge and fade, there is one supporter is carrying the banner for rural interconnectivity. Leadership at the farmer-owned co-op Land O’Lakes has voiced concern about the digital divide for several years.