Page 32 2026 Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct 2026 Satellites – The Future of Farming Starlink is a satellite internet provider delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to millions of users around the world, approximately 160 countries and territories. Founded in 2015, the brainchild of Elon Musk, Starlink is a subsidiary of Space Exploration Technologis Corp (SpaceX). Starlink satellites were launched in 2019 and as of 2026, the network consists of approximately 10, 413 satellites in low orbit earth that communicate with terminals and ground stations creating a massive space to earth internet infrastructure. Starlink accounts for more than 75% of all active satellites in Earth’s orbit and as of June 2026, has more than 12 million subscribers. Starlink provides satellite internet, mobile cell service, and a separate service designed for government and military customers known as Starshield Modern farming has been transformed by Starlink. Agriculture is a $133 billion contributor to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, yet more than 60% of farmers report inadequate internet service. The digital age of agriculture has changed drastically in the last 5 years. GPS guidance, yield mapping, and variable rate application is now the baseline in competitive farming. Farms that do not have access to data platforms, cloud services, and connectivity are at a disadvantage across the board. However, rural, and remote farming communities often lack reliable internet. Satellite internet, specifically Starlink, solves that issue and delivers the promise of smart farming globally. Benefits of Starlink for Farming - Enabling Precision Farming: Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, involves aspects coming together precisely right. Using the right practice, in the right way, at the right time. An idea that originated in the 1980’s, precision farming has moved into the “next gen” age of farming that combines tried and true agricultural knowledge with optimized technology like GPS, Drones, and Robots. GPS, with reliable connectivity, can help farmers spray chemicals more efficiently, even crop dusters can rely on GPS technology. Drones help farmers get a closer look at their land, take quality photos, and can help create 3D models and maps. Robotic machines connected to the internet could simplify life on the farm. Robotic harvesting and milking could revolutionize productivity and counteract labor shortages. - Enhance Farm Management: Reliable internet connection is the basis for remote operation of all systems. Accounting, irrigation control, greenhouse monitoring, and livestock tracking are all done remotely through satellite connectivity. Remote monitoring eliminates the need for farmers relentlessly combing their properties and allows them time for upgrading their processes and equipment. Crop monitoring provides real time data on soil conditions, pests, and growth. Livestock tracking allows GPS to enable collars and devices to monitor herd movement, health, and patterns.
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