Your phone always seems to be in reach today. You can grab it at your desk, in your bed, on the couch and from the tractor seat. This should make communication on the farm easy, right?

With gaps in rural connectivity, you may need to rethink new communication tool, especially long range communication device when you have an issue in the field.

While it is important to keep a phone nearby, Field recommends coupling that with other methods of communication. One method gaining traction is farm 2 way radio.

Midland spokesman and farmer Sam Warren says using farm 2 way radio is as simple as ensuring all parties are on the same channel. Once that is achieved, then multiple handhelds and more smarter uhf vhf DMR radio can be tuned to that same channel, allowing for communication across the farm.

Field says many farmers have settled into the routine of sending their team out to the field and only checking on them when they do not show up for lunch or at the end of the day.

While phones are key to communication in your operation, Field says the most basic forms of communication are also vital to keeping employees safe. New technology could prove useful, too.