Post ties 15,000 fewer US farms to data centers, but commenter says the data doesn't prove it

A commenter questioned the evidence behind a NowThis Impact post linking U.S. farm losses to pressure from data centers. In their view, a lower farm does not establish responsibility on the part of technology companies.

Here's what to know

The post called on political leaders to prioritize communities over corporations. The caption stated, "15,000 farms were forced to close in 2025, as data centers put even more pressure on farmland."

The commenter wrote: "The USDA reported that the United States had approximately 15,000 fewer farms in 2025 than in 2024. That part is accurate. However, the statistics do not mean all 15,000 farms were forced to close, and they do not establish that data centers caused those losses."

While the caption presented the decline alongside data center development, it did not identify a particular farm affected by a project.

More background

The video shows an aerial view of 80-year-old Ohio farmer Leslie Nogle's crop art to protest data centers. There is an outline of the state with a barn, a cow, corn, and a sign that reads, "Not for sale to data centers." 

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Buckeye State has the fifth-most data centers in the country and that 18 municipalities have data center-related initiatives on their Nov. 3 ballots. Nogle told the newspaper that she isn't worried about data centers because of a local moratorium but that other areas are "having a real battle with the data centers wanting to take their farmland."

TikTokers argued against the facilities. "You can't eat a data center," one wrote.

Another said: "We have one being built near my town and my god is it just huge. It's not even done being built, but the site is just so horrible. It's so so big it's actually shocking."

Where can I learn more?

Local disputes over data centers have raised concerns about farmland and resources.

• In Virginia, Caroline County is using eminent domain to seize farmland for data-center water.

• Washington's Skagit County is weighing a data-center ban amid concerns about water and farmland.

• Utah lawmakers are questioning data centers' costs for power, water, and supporting infrastructure.

• In Texas, residents are pushing back against a data-center plan carrying $19.6 billion in leases.

• Mississippi Delta residents fear data-center development will bring pollution rather than promised prosperity.

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