By Madeline Schultz and Lisa Scarbrough
As digital tools become essential to modern agriculture, Iowa farmers face growing risks from both cyber threats and extreme weather events. To help producers strengthen their digital resilience, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a three‑part webinar series, Digital Farming Systems Risk Awareness and Management, April 7–9, during ISU Extension and Outreach Week.
The series, developed by the ISU Extension and Outreach farm management team, along with the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach, is part of the Cyber Incident Management Exercises program. The webinar series will equip farmers and agricultural professionals with practical tools to identify, prepare for and manage risks affecting Iowa’s increasingly digitally connected farming systems.
Digital agriculture continues to expand rapidly across the state. According to the USDA’s 2025 data, 72% of Iowa farms use a computer, 84% use a smartphone and 42% rely on precision agriculture technologies. Farmers are also conducting more business online, with 45% purchasing inputs and 38% marketing products online.
“Cybercrimes and weather disasters can be equally devastating to Iowa’s digital infrastructure,” said Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Helping farmers prevent losses and recover quickly when incidents occur is now a core part of risk management.”
Source : iastate.edu