Five generations ago, when the Chinn family first settled near Clarence, they would've never imagined how much innovation would change the way we farm today. The world has been reinvented, by and large, by great advancements in technology: electricity, flight, gas-powered automobiles, computers, satellite GPS and the internet.

The internet, an invisible network that connects us all, has completely revolutionized the lives of people around the world. It has connected friends from across the globe to share ideas, provided businesses the ability to sell their products worldwide with a few clicks, and allowed scientists to analyze and share data faster than ever.

The internet is not just a luxury any more. It's now a basic service that will raise, or hinder, the quality of life in Missouri. It's not just a rural issue. Here are the facts: 1.2 million Missourians live without access to high-speed internet. That is 20% of all Missourians. In rural Missouri, that percentage skyrockets to 60%.

Agribusinesses have created some of the most groundbreaking technologies that have connected tractors and livestock barns to intelligent software. These advancements have enabled farmers to yield more with fewer inputs and gain more data on every animal they own. It is truly amazing what you can do with consistent connection to “the cloud.”

Unlike a brick and mortar business, we can't pick up our family farm and move it closer to high-speed internet. Our land has been farmed in the same family for generations, and that's not something that will be forfeited. Connection to high-speed internet will allow our family farms to thrive and become more productive.

Today, there is an unmistakable connection between high-speed internet and economic development. A recent study by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association revealed that rural electric cooperative members are missing out on nearly $70 billion annually. Our team at the Missouri Department of Agriculture understands that and is fighting for every last mile to be connected to high-speed internet. We believe that connecting homes in both rural and urban Missouri brings opportunity for education, healthcare, business and agriculture.

In the last year, we've made huge strides in Missouri towards the deployment of high-speed internet. Our leaders from Washington, D.C., to Jefferson City are engaged and finding ways to respond in a meaningful, consistent way. It was just announced by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that $254 million will be infused into Missouri over the next 10 years for broadband. Out of all 50 states, Missouri will receive the most funds. This could mean up to 95,000 homes and small businesses could gain access.

Our department has also partnered with the Missouri Department of Economic Development to establish the Missouri Broadband Development Office to serve communities interested in finding high-quality, reliable and affordable internet.

We at the Missouri Department of Agriculture are energized to see the progress our state has seen towards connecting our homes, farms and businesses to high-speed internet. We believe this is one of the most significant efforts we can undertake to bring the next generation back home to rural Missouri while simultaneously raising the quality of life everywhere.

Chinn is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a hog producer from Clarence.