How Broadband Supports Modern Agriculture at Ohlde Family Farms

In rural Kansas, agriculture has always been the backbone of the local economy—but today’s farming operations look very different than they did even a generation ago. At Ohlde Family Farms, reliable broadband connectivity has become just as essential as land, equipment, and people.

Operations Manager Kyler Ohlde shared that Ohlde Family Farms is a third-generation, family-owned dairy operation with five locations across two states. Headquartered in Linn, Kansas, the operation includes three dairy facilities with approximately 4,400 milking cows, a 3,500-head heifer yard, 4,500 acres of row crop production, and nearly 100 employees.

“Most of our systems rely on internet connectivity,” Kyler explained. “It’s how we manage cows, people, tractors—everything.”

Broadband as Essential Infrastructure

Nearly every aspect of daily work at Ohlde Family Farms depends on reliable internet connectivity. From managing animals and equipment to coordinating people across multiple locations, broadband serves as the system that connects it all.

The farm uses a wide range of connected technologies, including:

Wireless activity monitors on every cow—similar to fitness trackers—to track health, behavior, and productivity
AI-driven tools to analyze milker performance and optimize efficiency
Hoof health cameras for early detection and improved animal care
A micro-ingredient machine in the feed center to ensure precise nutrition
Accounting, payroll, and real-time communication systems across locations

“In a modern dairy operation, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it affects productivity, animal care, and employee coordination,” said Kyler. “Reliable internet isn’t a convenience. It’s a necessity.”

Local Economic Impact

The impact of Ohlde Family Farms extends far beyond the farm itself. Nearly 100 employees live locally, helping strengthen schools, housing, and workforce stability in the region.

$38M in annual sales
$5.6M in payroll
$57M total local economic impact
218 total jobs supported regionally
$1–2M in local tax revenue

“Our employees depend on the internet to stay connected to family, for healthcare, and for school,” Kyler noted. “All of which is crucial to employee retention in a rural area.”

Partnerships That Make It Possible

Ohlde Family Farms relies on Blue Valley Technologies (BVT) as a local broadband partner to support daily operations and long-term growth.

“BVT has always been a reliable partner,” Kyler said. “Being able to talk to a real person who understands how important this is makes a big difference.”

Ohlde Family Farms’ story highlights a broader truth: modern agriculture and workforce stability depend on reliable broadband and strong local partnerships. When infrastructure providers and local businesses work together, rural communities are better positioned to grow, adapt, and thrive.