By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has introduced a new series of resources designed to help farmers protect their operations from technology-related disruptions. Released through Ag Decision Maker, the four-part resource series, Managing Your Farm's Technology Systems Risk, encourages agricultural producers to prepare for emergencies before they occur.
The release aligns with National Preparedness Month, observed each September to promote readiness for emergencies affecting homes, businesses, and communities. As agriculture becomes increasingly dependent on technology, preparing for potential disruptions has become a critical part of farm management.
Modern farming operations rely heavily on electricity, internet connectivity, digital tools, and automated systems to support daily activities. From crop monitoring and grain storage management to livestock care and business records, technology plays a significant role in maintaining productivity. However, severe weather events, electrical grid failures, cyberattacks, and network outages can quickly disrupt operations and create serious challenges.
The new resources were developed by the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management Team to help both crop and livestock producers evaluate vulnerabilities and improve readiness for unexpected situations.
According to Ann Johanns, program specialist for Ag Decision Maker with ISU Extension and Outreach, advance planning can make a significant difference during emergencies.
“Farm operations are increasingly connected, which creates both opportunities and vulnerabilities,” said Ann Johanns, program specialist for Ag Decision Maker with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Planning ahead with these simple checklists can help producers respond quickly, reduce downtime, protect animal welfare and minimize financial losses. Taking time to prepare before an emergency happens can save significant stress for farm families and employees when every minute counts.”
The series includes four practical publications. The Digital Ag Risk Assessment provides a general operational checklist covering emergency communications, online security, network protection, and financial continuity planning.
For crop producers, the Crops Digital Ag Risk Assessment offers guidance on field operations, GPS and autosteer backup plans, grain storage monitoring, and delivery contract contingencies. Meanwhile, the Livestock Digital Ag Risk Assessment focuses on protecting animal welfare by addressing backup systems for water supply, climate control, feeding procedures, and record management during digital outages.
The fourth publication, Power and Backup Systems Reference, serves as a detailed planning guide for backup energy systems. The guide was co-authored by Dan Shrock, automation architect at Synk™ and former U.S. Navy submarine electrician, and provides recommendations to help producers prepare for power interruptions.
One of the key features of the guide is a load-tier framework that helps farmers organize electrical needs into four categories: essential, important, comfort, and non-vital loads. By identifying priority equipment such as water pumps, livestock ventilation systems, and grain monitoring technologies, farmers can better determine the size of generators, fuel reserves, or renewable energy systems needed during emergencies. This approach can reduce uncertainty and help avoid unnecessary investments in oversized backup systems.
All four resources are available free of charge through Ag Decision Maker and can be downloaded as printable guides and checklists. The materials are intended to help producers strengthen business continuity, improve emergency preparedness, and reduce potential financial losses from unexpected disruptions.
Supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Extension Risk Management Education program, these resources provide farmers with practical tools to safeguard operations in an increasingly technology-driven agricultural environment. By preparing for power failures and digital threats in advance, producers can improve resilience, protect assets, and maintain critical farm functions during emergencies.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education