The new study found that 62 percent of large-acreage U.S. corn and soybean growers have sent or received text messages during the past year, with about half saying they send five or more text messages per day. Many also reported taking photos with their cell phone cameras.
"We know that crop producers, especially larger operators, are fairly tech savvy, but nothing exists that we are aware of that validates and confirms their use of new media and social media tools," said Sheree Johnson of Nicholson Kovac, which conducted the survey.
Besides email, farmers in the study reported accessing weather and market reports as their most frequent use of the internet for their business.
About 85 percent of respondents indicated that they visit websites related to their farm operation and 76 percent check manufacturers' websites for information on farm equipment.
