Dairy farming is part of Wisconsin's rich agricultural legacy and there is no reason why it cannot continue to be a viable industry for Wisconsin. The key to keeping dairy cows in Wisconsin is to use modern technology and innovation to make our dairy farm families efficient and productive. As members of the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association, we advocate for our farmers in support of such means.

One of the greatest advancements for the modern farmer is mobile broadband, which opens up opportunities for improved efficiency and communications. From communicating from farm to field within an operation to having ready access to veterinary services, dairy farmers have come to rely on wireless services.

The ability to be mobile, to take care of what needs to be done in real time, without having to return to the house or the barn to make important phone calls, read email or even check in on the markets can be done virtually anywhere good broadband access is available. Such technologies also help with farm management and on the business side of dairy operations. It allows new means to stay in touch with customers and with milk processors.

Such access also helps our members stay abreast of what's going on in Madison and in Washington, D.C. As an advocacy group for Wisconsin dairy farmers, we know our voice can have a real impact in a legislative session or in getting our opinion to our elected officials. It no longer requires an envelope and a stamp; rather we can send an email or pick up the phone and call.

Legislative advocacy is a role that we take very seriously. We need the ability to communicate with both our members and our representatives to strengthen the voice we have established in Madison. The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association has been actively involved in many issues during the most recent legislative session.

We believe that technology is an important component of keeping Wisconsin's dairy heritage alive, and we support expansion of broadband technology throughout the state. Many of our members live and work in our state's more rural areas, where technology is often not as accessible as it is in the state's urban centers.

Some of our members are located in areas where wireless technologies are now available, though reliability remains a top concern for users. Expanding and improving wireless networks in these rural, underserved networks, means improved voice and data quality; faster speeds; price competition; and the introduction of new products, services and benefits to rural and small town communities where many of our members can be found.

The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association is committed to supporting measures that grow our state's dairy economy. We support the use of technology in rural areas.