ISU dairy event focuses on farm tech

By Andi Anderson

The Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Dairy Team is hosting its annual Dairy Directions Series on January 7 in Sac City and January 8 in Pocahontas. The event will cover a range of relevant topics, including cyber security and AI on the farm, water outlooks, commodity markets, and dairy market trends.

The series aims to equip dairy producers with knowledge on how to protect their technological investments against cyber threats. “For years dairy producers have been a leader on using technology on the farm and now we have to learn how to protect our investments against cyber-attacks,” said Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa Dairy Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We will also review how climate change is effecting our available water, get an update on the commodity market, hear what’s going on at the ISU dairy plus take a look at the milk markets.”

Alexis Stevens, a farm management specialist at ISU, will present on the role of cyber security and AI in agriculture, offering insights on strengthening digital defenses for farm businesses and families. Dr. Matt Helmers, a professor at ISU, will address the changes in available water resources in the region, providing updates on climate and water availability.

Russell “Rusty” Burgett, the new Farms Director at ISU, will share updates on both the production side and current research happening at the ISU dairy. This will include an overview of ongoing projects and advancements in dairy practices.

Fred Hall will also provide an overview of the dairy market, with insights into discussions around federal milk orders and their potential impact on the industry. The event offers dairy producers, heifer growers, and agribusiness personnel the opportunity to stay updated on critical developments in the industry.

The program runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on both days, with the same agenda at both locations. Attendees can choose the date and location that suits them best—either the Sac City ISU Extension and Outreach office on January 7 or the Pocahontas County office on January 8. While the event is free, preregistration is requested for meal and material planning. For registration, contact 712-662-7131 for Sac City or 712-335-3103 for Pocahontas, or register online at Dairy Directions Registration. For further information, contact Fred Hall at 712-737-4230.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university