Emergent Connext and Microsoft to Deliver IoT Connectivity For Agriculture and Rural Communities in California’s Central Valley
Emergent Connext, Inc. has unveiled a significant alliance with Microsoft, targeting the expansion of a rural IoT network which will deliver dependable connectivity over expansive stretches of farmland in rural California. The initiative aims to enhance Smart Farming and IoT adoption among the region’s agricultural communities.
The project is a collaboration among Emergent, Microsoft’s Airband program, and ISP partner Cal.net, striving to bring comprehensive broadband access and equip the Central Valley’s farmers with advanced technological tools to thrive in today’s digitally-driven environment. A representative from Microsoft emphasized the company’s dedication to broadening access to technology that promotes both environmental and economic development.
Starting in the summer of 2025, educational and activation programs will commence in California’s Central Valley. These interactive sessions are designed to guide farmers in integrating Smart Farming and IoT solutions efficiently and effectively, thereby participating actively in the region’s digital transformation.
Transformative Benefits for Agriculture
The deployment of an expansive, cost-effective IoT network is set to enable precision agriculture solutions, granting farmers the ability to:
- Optimize irrigation schedules and conserve water through real-time monitoring of soil and weather conditions
- Reduce costs by precisely applying fertilizers, pesticides, and nutrients
- Remotely monitor crop conditions and field performance, leading to increased yields and reduced labor demands
- Track animal health and movement using IoT-enabled tags and collars
- Lower operational costs through the monitoring of liquid and storage tanks
Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent Connext, expressed the company’s commitment to accelerating the IoT network development and laying a digital foundation for more intelligent and sustainable farming practices. With the incorporation of real-time data measurement, farmers gain the ability to maintain control over costs, conserve necessary resources, and achieve improved outcomes right in the fields.
Emergent Connext is at the forefront of providing IoT network solutions, aimed at enhancing the productivity, reliability, and profitability of agricultural and rural operations. By collaborating with rural internet service providers, the company tackles vital issues such as soil health, climate resilience, and water conservation.
This promising venture highlights the power of connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable practices, enabling agriculture to meet present-day environmental and economic challenges while propelling the industry towards a more technologically integrated future.
