New Resources Help Iowa Farmers Prepare for Technology Emergencies

Iowa farmers are relying more than ever on electricity, internet connections and digital technology to keep their operations running. But when those systems go down, the effects can quickly spread across an entire farm. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering farmers a new four-part resource series designed to help them prepare for technology-related emergencies before they happen. The series, 'Managing Your Farm's Technology Systems Risk,' was developed by the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management Team and is being released during National Preparedness Month in September. Severe weather, extended power outages and cyberattacks can interrupt everything from communications and financial records to livestock care and equipment operations. The new resources encourage farmers to identify potential problems now and develop backup plans. '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.' The resource series includes three checklists and a reference guide: Digital Ag Risk Assessment helps producers review emergency communications, online security, network protection and financial continuity. helps producers review emergency communications, online security, network protection and financial continuity. Crops – Digital Ag Risk Assessment focuses on crop operations, including GPS and autosteer backups, grain storage monitoring and contract delivery plans. focuses on crop operations, including GPS and autosteer backups, grain storage monitoring and contract delivery plans. Livestock – Digital Ag Risk Assessment addresses animal welfare, backup watering systems, climate controls, feeding procedures and offline records. addresses animal welfare, backup watering systems, climate controls, feeding procedures and offline records. Power and Backup Systems Reference provides guidance for planning backup power systems and determining which electrical needs should receive priority. The power guide uses a four-tier system to help farmers identify essential, important, comfort and non-vital electrical loads. This can help producers determine what equipment needs to keep running during an outage and better plan for generators, fuel supplies or other backup power systems. All four publications and printable checklists are available at no cost through ISU Extension and Outreach's Ag Decision Maker. For more information, farmers can contact Ann Johanns at aholste@iastate.edu or Madeline Schultz at schultz@iastate.edu. Source: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ag Decision Maker Photo Credit: FotoSabine – Adobe Stock