Mark and Kim Riesselman worry they are being left in the dust as broadband internet transforms Iowa agriculture.

With relatively slow and often unreliable internet service at their Crawford County farm, the Riesselmans find it difficult to access detailed reports on markets and weather they need. It’s next to impossible to download and use one of the growing number of apps that help farmers analyze yield data to improve production practices. And with only satellite-based internet service available, the Riesselmans find it tough to access internet videos that can provide detailed instructions on caring for hogs or repairing equipment.

“It really feels like we are being left behind, like we are sort of second-class citizens because of where we live,” Kim said last week at their farm near...