Why Every Ranch Needs Reliable Wifi
Installing farm and ranch wi-fi presents some challenges. However, it can have a huge impact on your operations. See why here.
Introduction
Back in the day, farms and ranches operated perfectly without an internet connection.
However, now, we can’t say the same. Ranch and farm wifi is becoming an essential component to day-to-day living in such areas.
Despite this, installing wi-fi for these locations can be difficult. It can present some challenges that aren’t found in “traditional” commercial and residential areas.
Why Do Farms Need Wifi?
1. Precision Agriculture
According to the USDA, 70% of U.S. large-scale farms now use precision agriculture technologies. This adoption is also growing year-over-year.
Simply, wi-fi helps with technology like this, including soil sensors, moisture monitors, GPS, and smart irrigation systems.
Simply, wi-fi helps with technology like this, including soil sensors, moisture monitors, GPS, and smart irrigation systems.
2. Remote Monitoring & Surveillance
Farms and ranches are large areas. You can’t physically monitor the entire property 24/7, 7 days a week.
Despite this, you need to. You need to monitor livestock pens, check outbuildings, and secure your equipment year-round.
Without wifi, using monitoring and surveillance systems can be difficult. Though you can get wireless options, these rely on sunlight and can be tampered with.
Despite this, you need to. You need to monitor livestock pens, check outbuildings, and secure your equipment year-round.
Without wifi, using monitoring and surveillance systems can be difficult. Though you can get wireless options, these rely on sunlight and can be tampered with.
3. Equipment & Data Management
The U.S. smart farming market is expected to grow at a steady 10.6% annually from now until 2030.
Within such a section, equipment that collects data is essential. By storing and using such data, farmers can increase crop yield, quality, etc.
Again, though, processing, organizing, and collecting this type of data will require wireless connectivity. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to utilize such technology.
Within such a section, equipment that collects data is essential. By storing and using such data, farmers can increase crop yield, quality, etc.
Again, though, processing, organizing, and collecting this type of data will require wireless connectivity. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to utilize such technology.
4. Communication and Safety
Farm and ranch wifi also improves the connectivity and safety of your workers, family, and so forth. It keeps everyone connected without dead zones.
If you’re managing crews across a large property, this is excellent. You can effortlessly communicate problems, sudden weather changes, etc.
If you’re managing crews across a large property, this is excellent. You can effortlessly communicate problems, sudden weather changes, etc.
5. Market Access & Operations
Farmers or ranch owners also depend on wi-fi to manage inventory, order supplies, and monitor market prices. By having a strong wi-fi available, you’re able to operate such activity smoothly and effectively.
Troubles with Installing Wifi at Farms
Though wifi can greatly benefit a farm or ranch, getting it installed is a challenge due to the nature of their environment.
Large, Spread-Out Properties
Unlike a home or small office, farms can span hundreds of acres. Therefore, getting a strong wifi signal across barns, silos, machinery sheds, and fields require a little more than just a standard wifi router.
Limited Infrastructure in Rural Areas
Most farms are in rural areas, far from city infrastructure. Therefore, fiber optic cables or commercial broadband lines may not even exist. In fact, 24% of rural Americans still lack high-speed internet.
DIY Solutions Don’t Scale
Generally speaking, off-the-shelf extenders and consumer-grade routers rarely work for farms and ranches. They need to have customer systems that are purposely built for such an environment.
How Beacon Can Help with Farm Wifi
At Beacon, we’ve helped farms and ranches achieve faster and more widespread wifi since 2002.
Customized Coverage Plans
Our wifi services start with an in-depth consultation and site assessment. Based on your location and your needs, we can then provide a coverage plan ideal for your specific situation and requirements.
Integrated Security & Access
Once your network is installed, our team can then provide additional services to improve the security of your farm or ranch. This includes such things as installing surveillance cameras and access control systems.
Professional Installation & Support
Our team will install everything, so they’ll be one point of contact. We’ll then provide 24/7 support to your farm or ranch whenever you are in need.
Contact Us
Ranch and farm wifi is no longer just a convenience. It’s an essential tool for modern agriculture. If you want to modernize your farm with high-speed connectivity, contact Beacon today for a free consultation.