CONDE, S.D. (WNAX) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing just over $7 million in high speed broadband infrastructure that will improve e-connectivity for rural households and farms in South Dakota and Iowa. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says the USDA investment is a starting point because better access to broadband is needed across the Northern Plains.

He says reliable broadband is critical to most farm and ranch operations and is used daily on his farm.

Sombke says besides having proper access, making sure broadband is affordable is the next most important step that needs to be taken.

The recent USDA broadband funding will serve over 800 households, 17 businesses and 27 farms.