<teongrcss of tbr tlnitcb !etates m,1stimgton. l)( 20510 499 July 22, 2019 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Pai, We write today in support of the nomination of Aaron Horinek to serve as a member of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Task Force for Reviewing Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States, also known as the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force. As an innovative grain farmer based outside of Colby, Kansas, Mr. Horinek would provide necessary perspective, experience, and expertise to the Task Force. Managing a grain farm outside a small town in northwest Kansas, Mr. Horinek understands the needs of the modem farmer as he continues to push the limits of innovative precision agriculture technjques by implementing a variety of technologies to strengthen his practices and increase his crop production. These increasingly complex tools include drone technology; satellite imaging; cloud-based data processing; prescriptive mapping and monitoring of seed, fertilizer, and irrigation systems; soil monitoring sensors; and grain inventory management systems. As the application of these modem sensors and machines are further implemented into daily farm operations, the need for high-speed, quality broadband connectivity exponentially increases. In order for today' s agriculture economy to remain productive and competitive with the globalized market, there is a dire need for heightened attention to this critical issue, and Mr. Horinek not only understands this sentiment but depends on it. While Mr. Horinek's connectivity has allowed him to implement these technologies, it has also eased access to markets, through mechanisms like online grain trading, that those in urban areas often take for granted. Mr. Horinek's personal investment in agriculture has led to his active involvement in the Kansas Farm Bureau, and he now serves as the Chairman for the American Farm Bureau Federation's Technology Advisory Committee. As one can tell, his leadership in the precision agriculture field has already been acknowledged by his peers and subject matter experts. Given his personal experience in developing innovative solutions with technology combined with his leadership role in the Kansas agriculture economy, we support Mr. Horinek's nomination to the Task Force. Thank you in advance for your careful consideration of his nomination, and please contact our staff if you have any questions regarding this request. Sincerely, :r-e..<"C" "\ (Y\ b ('" ~ ftt_~ Jerry Moran Pat Roberts United States Senator United States Senator g;w.N~ Roger Marshall, M.D Ron Estes Member of Congress Member of Congress ~w~ Steve Watkins Member of Congress