Photo credit: USDA Farming lends itself to spending a lot of time alone. Physically getting together with like-minded people is naturally more difficult in rural America with fewer people nearby, bigger distances to drive, and fewer meeting places. However, building community is important for mental health and continued learning. The internet has been changing the way farmers network and get information for years. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s played a critical role in keeping farmers connected to ag businesses and each other over the last year. Industry Events Through 2020, many staple industry events were not held in person. Farm Science Review, USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum, and Farm Progress Show were moved online. The 2021 National Farm Machinery Show was cancelled all together.