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.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
September 10, 2025 11:10 AM
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Experts estimate the flooding from Hurricane Helene caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.
September 09, 2025 11:30 AM
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As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
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Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
September 08, 2025 11:45 AM
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The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
September 05, 2025 05:09 PM
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Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s
Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
September 05, 2025 12:40 PM
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The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
September 05, 2025 11:58 AM
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FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor joined us on Market Day Report to talk about the show’s seventh season, which premieres Thursday night only on RFD-TV!
September 04, 2025 12:40 PM
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The trustees’ 2025 annual report, released June 18, cited a law enacted this year as the primary reason why the funds are projected to run out a year earlier than previously projected.
August 26, 2025 10:50 AM
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