Digital Farming Systems Risk Awareness Webinar Series Announced

By Andi Anderson

A new online webinar series titled Digital Farming Systems Risk Awareness and Management will take place from April 7 to April 9, 2026.

This three‑day virtual program is designed to support farmers as digital technology becomes increasingly important in agriculture.

Each session will begin at 12:00 PM on April 7, April 8, and April 9, giving participants convenient midday access to the training.

The purpose of the series is to help farmers identify, understand, and manage risks linked to modern digital farming systems. As agriculture becomes more connected through sensors, software, online platforms, and data‑driven tools, farmers face new vulnerabilities.

Problems such as hacked farm equipment, stolen digital data, and malfunctioning automated systems can affect farm operations. In addition, weather‑related disasters continue to threaten equipment, communication networks, and farm infrastructure. Because of these challenges, farmers must be prepared to protect their digital tools and ensure their operations remain safe and efficient.

Cybercrimes have become a growing concern for agriculture. Digital equipment connected to the internet can sometimes be targeted by cyberattacks, making cybersecurity a critical part of modern farming. Weather events, including storms, floods, and sudden power outages, can also interrupt digital systems.

The webinar series will teach farmers how to reduce risks before these events occur and how to recover quickly afterward. These strategies can help farmers maintain productivity even during emergencies.

Participants will learn practical steps to strengthen their digital systems, protect important information, back up data, maintain essential equipment, and plan for emergencies.

The training also aims to build confidence and awareness so farmers can adapt to new technology safely and responsibly. The sessions encourage farmers to ask questions, share experiences, and learn effective solutions that apply to daily farming operations.

The event is organized to support Iowa farmers and agricultural professionals. Anyone who wants to participate can register online. Madeline Schultz is the contact person for the event and can be reached at (515) 294‑0588 for more details.

Farmers are encouraged to secure their spot early to benefit from valuable information and connect with others who are preparing for the future of digital agriculture.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic