FARM COMPUTER USAGE


News Release                                            August 12, 2005


            FARMS WITH INTERNET ACCESS UP FROM 2 YEARS AGO



SIOUX FALLS, August 12, 2005 -- In a recent computer usage and ownership study conducted
by the USDA's South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, 55 percent of all South Dakota farms
reported having Internet access.  This is up from 45 percent reported two years ago, when the
study was last conducted.  Having access to a computer and usage for farm business both
increased from prior levels indicated in the 2003 study.  Sixty-six percent of the farms in South
Dakota now have access to a computer, up from 61 percent two years earlier.  Forty percent of
the farms use a computer for farm business, up 7 points from 2003.

The 2005 survey showed 7 percent of South Dakota farms purchased agricultural inputs over the
Internet, up from 6 percent in 2003.  Nine percent conducted agricultural marketing activities over
the Internet, compared to 7 percent in 2003.  Seven percent accessed National Agricultural
Statistics Service reports over the Internet, unchanged from 2003, while 14 percent accessed
other USDA reports or services over the Internet, up from 12 percent in 2003.

USDA's South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a survey every June to provide
estimates of crop acres planted, grain in storage, livestock inventory, and land values.  In odd
number years since 1997, computer usage and internet access questions have also been included
in the June survey.  These figures are based on responses that represent all sizes and types of
farms.

       The complete report can be accessed at www.usda.gov/nass/
              or call Carter Anderson or Steve Noyes at
                            605-323-6500