Technology companies are planning to bring 5G wireless technology to rural farming and food production processes. Some farmers are currently utilizing 4G technology, but moving to 5G would allow even faster connectivity with more devices connected to a cell tower. The new 5G technology would have a significant impact on farming productivity and sustainability.
According to Fortune.com the use of 5G will revolutionize farming. It would allow a farmer to plant crops, monitor the growth of crops, detect crop conditions, and help track live stock thru the use of 5G computer applications, wireless censors, drones, self-operated vehicles and automated production processes. Farmers would have the ability to precisely compare field conditions in a specific area and analyze crop yields. They could easily detect environment temperatures, identify when crops need watering, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Some farmers may be reluctant to use 5G over concerns it may be used as a means of spying, taking away rights, and eliminating agricultural jobs. Currently, there are 2.1 million agricultural workers in the U.S., according to ABI Research. 5G implementation would reduce those numbers as there will be less need for unskilled farm workers.
The use of 5G technology may have adverse health consequences. 5G may create unhealthy, “GMO-like” or “Frankenstein” food, according to TheDefender.com. 5G technology may also have an adverse environmental impact, especially in rural areas. Eqipping rural farms with 5G technology may make it more difficult for people to find pristine places of refuge from toxic radiation.