NEW JERSEY (RFD-TV) — Rural communities now have a new way to track progress on broadband expansion. Connected Nation has launched an interactive dashboard that enables residents to view how their states plan to utilize federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding.
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide. Reilly highlighted a recent Connected Nation report showing that nearly one-third of rural households are considered “internet insecure” — lacking reliable or affordable high-speed internet at home.
The new BEAD tracker breaks down how each state intends to use its allocated federal dollars to improve broadband access, providing a transparent view of funding plans and progress. According to Reilly, the goal is to help ensure rural Americans have the same opportunities for connectivity as their urban counterparts.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
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The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
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Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
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Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
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Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
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