Emergent Connext has announced a collaboration with Microsoft aimed at establishing a rural Internet of Things (IoT) network that will bring consistent connectivity to vast expanses of farmland across rural California. This initiative, developed in partnership with Microsoft’s Airband program and internet service provider Cal.net, is set to provide access to essential digital infrastructure that supports Smart Farming and IoT integration across agricultural communities in the region.
As part of the collaborative effort, Emergent will work closely with Microsoft and Cal.net to implement reliable broadband connectivity that underpins data-driven farming practices. The initiative focuses on delivering practical technology solutions to growers, enhancing their operational capabilities through the use of precision agriculture tools and remote monitoring systems.
Education and Activation Programs to Launch in Summer 2025
The partnership will also introduce education and activation programs in California’s Central Valley beginning in the summer of 2025. These programs are designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools required to implement Smart Farming and IoT solutions efficiently. The hands-on sessions will guide participants in incorporating connected technologies into their daily operations, facilitating a more informed and tech-enabled agricultural practice.
Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Energy, Connectivity, and Sustainability at Microsoft, emphasized the broader impact of connectivity.
“Together with Emergent, we’re expanding broadband access and helping equip growers in California’s Central Valley with the tools they need to thrive in a connected, data-driven world. Connectivity is a powerful enabler of sustainability—whether it’s empowering farmers with precision agriculture solutions, supporting climate resilience in rural communities, or accelerating the digital transformation of energy systems. At Microsoft, we’re committed to advancing inclusive access to technology that drives environmental and economic progress.”
Targeted Applications for On-the-Ground Impact
The deployment of an affordable and robust IoT network by Emergent is expected to yield a range of tangible benefits for farmers across the region. Real-time soil and weather sensors will enable more efficient irrigation practices, contributing to reduced water consumption. Growers will also be able to lower input costs by applying fertilizers, pesticides, and nutrients with high accuracy. Remote monitoring capabilities will allow farmers to oversee crop conditions and field performance from a distance, leading to improved yields and decreased labor demands.
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In addition to crop-focused solutions, the IoT infrastructure will support animal health monitoring through smart ear tags and collars that track location and well being. Operational efficiency will be further enhanced by technologies that provide real-time insights into the status of liquid and storage tanks.
Mike Roudi, CEO of Emergent Connext, underscored the practical advantages of the partnership.
“Thanks to our work with Microsoft, we’re accelerating the IoT network buildout, and more importantly, we are creating a digital foundation for smarter, more sustainable farming. When farmers can measure what matters with real-time data, they can control costs, conserve resources, and get better results. With Microsoft’s support, we’re helping deliver that value directly to the field.”
Through this collaboration, Emergent Connext, Microsoft, and Cal.net are aiming to bridge the connectivity gap in rural agriculture, laying the groundwork for data-centric farming operations that address both economic and environmental objectives.