Qrnngress nf tqe llnite?t j;futes tmunl1iugfmt, ll<!r 20515 487 July 18,2019 The Honorable Ajit V. Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: We write to you in support of the appointment of Dr. Michael Adelaine to serve on the Federal Communications Commission's Task Force for Reviewing Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States (Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force). As you know, many farmers and ranchers in rural America face great difficulty in accessing reliable broadband Internet services. The availability of broadband Internet access services on agricultural lands is essential for advancements in precision agriculture. Studies estimate that precision agriculture technologies can reduce agricultural operation costs by up to $25 per acre and increase farm yields by up to 70 percent by 2050. Because of these benefits, we applaud you for quickly establishing the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force to address current gaps in broadband coverage on agricultural lands as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill. Dr. Adelaine's experience as Vice President for Technology and Safety at South Dakota State University (SDSU) uniquely qualifies him to serve on the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force. He combines extensive experience in addressing agricultural needs in rural America with a deep understanding of the technological challenges facing farmers and ranchers. Furthermore, SDSU is the first land grant university to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Precision Agriculture and is leading the nation in precision agricultural training and research. Thank you for your consideration of Dr. Michael Adelaine to serve on the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force. We are confident he will be a valuable voice on the task force and for rural America, where broadband needs are often the greatest. Sincerely, M. MICHAEL RO United States Senator PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER