By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is preparing farmers for the challenges of modern agriculture by offering a three‑part webinar series focused on digital farming risks.
Titled Digital Farming Systems Risk Awareness and Management, the series will take place April 7–9 during ISU Extension and Outreach Week. The goal is to help farmers understand and manage the risks that come with increasing reliance on digital tools and connected farming systems.
The series was developed by the ISU Extension and Outreach farm management team in partnership with the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach.
It is part of the Cyber Incident Management Exercises program, which aims to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with practical skills to recognize, prepare for, and address potential threats affecting digital farming operations.
Digital agriculture continues to expand across Iowa. USDA’s 2025 data shows that 72% of Iowa farms use a computer, 84% use a smartphone and 42% rely on precision agriculture technologies. Many producers now conduct business online, with 45% purchasing inputs and 38% marketing agricultural products digitally. As technology use increases, so do associated risks.
Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, emphasized the seriousness of these threats. “Cybercrimes and weather disasters can be equally devastating to Iowa’s digital infrastructure,” he said. “Helping farmers prevent losses and recover quickly when incidents occur is now a core part of risk management.”
All three webinar sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. CDT and include:
- April 7: Weather Disasters Impact on Digital Farming Systems
- April 8: Cyber Threats Impact on Digital Farming Systems
- April 9: Managing Weather and Cyber Risks in Digital Farming Systems
Farmers, agricultural professionals, and industry partners are encouraged to register online and may attend any or all sessions.
In addition to the webinars, an in‑person Digital Farming Systems and Crisis Management workshop will be held in Ames on August 24. This event will highlight how digital tools are used across Iowa farms and explain how weather emergencies or cyberattacks can disrupt operations. Attendees will learn strategies to strengthen preparedness and reduce losses.
Registration is required for both the webinar series and the workshop. For more information, contact Madeline Schultz at Schultz@iastate.edu.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education