DENVER, Colo. (RFD-TV) — Rapid growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fueling a surge in data center investment, driving increased demand for land, power, and infrastructure. Rural America is emerging as an attractive destination for these projects, offering available space, access to energy, and the potential for significant economic benefits.
Jeff Johnston, digital infrastructure economist with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss why data center developers are increasingly looking to rural communities and what that trend could mean for local economies.
In an interview with RFD-TV News, Johnston explained the factors driving data center operators to rural areas, including lower land costs, proximity to energy resources, and fewer congestion challenges than in urban markets. He also highlighted findings from a recent CoBank report that outlines the scale of economic opportunity data centers can bring to rural regions, from construction activity to long-term tax revenue and infrastructure investment. He also addressed concerns raised in some communities where proposed data center projects have faced resistance. He discussed potential risks rural areas should consider, including power demand, water use, and community fit, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and local engagement.
Finally, Johnson shared his perspective on whether rural residents should be cautious about hosting data centers. He noted that while skepticism is natural, well-structured projects can provide meaningful benefits when aligned with local priorities.
Late harvest and tight supplies shape crop progress and agribusiness this week. Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Dec. 1, 2025.
December 01, 2025 04:22 PM
·
Tryston Beyrer, Crop Nutrition Lead at The Mosaic Company, examines planning trends as producers weigh corn and soybean plantings for 2026.
December 01, 2025 03:27 PM
·
Brooks York with AgriSompo joins us to offer an update on what agents are prioritizing as the calendar year winds down.
December 01, 2025 03:06 PM
·
The newly elected Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA), Dale Parker, joins us on-set to share his vision for his state’s cattle industry.
December 01, 2025 02:47 PM
·
National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
December 01, 2025 01:00 PM
·
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
December 01, 2025 12:21 PM
·
Fair market value shapes taxes, transitions, lending, and sales, making accurate valuation essential for long-term planning.
December 01, 2025 11:21 AM
·
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
December 01, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
December 01, 2025 11:09 AM
·
