Iowa State University Released Farm Technology Risk Series

The four-part resource guide helps agricultural producers secure essential digital systems and power infrastructure.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Agriculture

Isometric editorial illustration of an industrial electrical transformer and fiber-optic cables in a stylized Iowa farm field, representing agricultural infrastructure security. — Iowa State University Extension has released a four-part resource series designed to help agricultural producers manage risks to essential digital and electrical infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time to evaluate your farm's vulnerability to power and internet outages?

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has published a new four-part resource series titled Managing Your Farm's Technology Systems Risk. The materials aim to help agricultural producers in Iowa identify and address critical vulnerabilities in their operations.

Why it matters

Modern farming relies heavily on consistent internet access, digital tools, and electricity to maintain daily functions. The release coincides with National Preparedness Month to encourage producers to build resilience against severe weather, grid outages, and cyber threats.

The new guide features a four-part series designed to help producers audit their technological footprint. These resources provide a structured approach to assessing operational vulnerabilities across digital and electrical systems.

The players

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

This educational organization provides resources and research-based information to support the agricultural community across the state.

The details

The resources are disseminated via the Ag Decision Maker platform to assist farmers in securing essential infrastructure. This initiative focuses on mitigating risks posed by disruptions to the electrical grid, internet connectivity, and digital security.

September marked the National Preparedness Month observance.
The resource series was released on October 3, 2026.

Market Landscape

As modern agriculture undergoes rapid digitization, the focus on infrastructure resilience has become a critical competitive differentiator for farming operations. By providing formal risk management frameworks, the university helps producers transition from reactive maintenance to proactive security planning.

Producers can now utilize these instructional materials to conduct formal vulnerability assessments of their own digital and electrical systems. Implementing these findings can help minimize potential downtime caused by unexpected outages or security incidents.

The takeaway

Farmers should regularly audit their critical systems to ensure operations can withstand both physical and digital disruptions. Establishing an emergency response plan for technology infrastructure is essential for protecting modern, connected agricultural yields.