Editor, Times-Union:
I’ve heard folks say I have prime farmland. What I haven’t heard mentioned are the eleven towers scattered across it - eleven towers that you have to till, plant, and harvest around. Heaven forbid you hit one. Planes that spray my fields can’t hit the full area because of these obstacles. I’ve got four irrigation units running to irrigate the best I can, where normally two would suffice.
My father told me 25 years ago, and again six years ago: “If you ever get the chance to sell this farm, sell.” That stuck with me - and now I believe that opportunity is here.
We’re living in a world driven by data. Agriculture is no exception. The drones you see flying over fields today are doing far more than taking pictures - they’re checking plant population, disease pressure, weed presence, and crop health. That information is sent directly to our phones or tablets so we can make educated, real-time decisions. This is modern farming - precision agriculture powered by data.
Every tractor, sprayer, planter, and combine on my farm uses data and AI to maximize efficiency and productivity. That’s why yields continue to increase significantly. According to Purdue University and other agricultural research institutions, these technologies are driving unprecedented crop performance. The National Corn Growers Association reported that last year the U.S. planted over 92 million acres of corn, averaging 179 bushels per acre. The NCGA yield contest winner produced an incredible 623 bushels per acre. The future of agriculture is smart, data-driven, and precise.
And what fuels that precision? Data storage.
From farmers to everyday smartphone users, we all rely on it. That’s why a data center here in Kosciusko County makes sense. Farmers need data. Businesses need data. Families need data. A facility that supports that infrastructure is not a threat - it’s a solution.
Beyond the agricultural advantages, the economic benefits are undeniable. The tax revenue generated could help keep property taxes down for residents. Construction of a multi-billion-dollar facility will bring a surge of high-paying, skilled jobs during the building phase and ongoing employment in maintenance, landscaping, and operations. At full scale, it promises 300 good-paying permanent jobs - right here in our community.
I believe this is what’s best for the future of Kosciusko County. Not just for agriculture, but for everyone. We need to move forward, not backward. Embracing innovation doesn’t mean abandoning farming - it means enhancing it and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Tim Polk
Warsaw