Data Centers and AI
ASFMRA CEO Amanda De Jong discusses farmland investment, data centers, technology and land ownership transitions at the organization’s annual conference in Phoenix.
New research shows AI investment helped support the economy as tariffs increased.
Farm Bureau says data centers are critical to agriculture, but farmland loss must be considered.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold says AI can improve access to information but should not replace health care professionals.
The REAP Program provides guaranteed loan and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements
Local leaders are being urged to set clear expectations before approving new data centers.
Data center growth is increasing demand for power and water, raising questions about utilities, on-site generation, and impacts on rural communities.
Farm Bureau says development, high land values, and farm economics are putting pressure on U.S. farmland as farm numbers and acres decline.
Microsoft points to changes aimed at supporting communities near data centers.
Communities are being urged to consider both sides as more developers pursue new projects.