With the threat of cyber-attacks increasing in the agriculture industry, some farmers differ if there is a need to secure data. Jason Perdue farms and raises cattle in Eastern Nebraska said, “I don’t understand all of what’s out there and all of the possibility of what is at risk.” He says he’s more concerned about livestock data than crop information. “I’m probably a little more concerned if something were to happen to our controlling system like the ventilation, feed or water in our livestock barn.”[1]
Pork producer Aaron Kavan says protecting his data helps keep the US food supply chain secure. “There’s becoming a lot of data in feedlots and these barns. We need to be sure that information is protected and not into the hands of foreign nations that can know what we’re producing and how much we’re producing. But, also put a stop or put a block on how these barns are operating.”
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Convention that precision agriculture has helped made him more efficient if the technology is protected. “There is a lot of automation that happens that relies on electricity. There is a lot of computers that are used for feeding. There’s a lot of data collected on sows and pigs that are being born.”
Both farmers say they use two-step verification and password protection, but Kavan says he will be taking additional steps to protect his data. This is good.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says cybersecurity threats are mounting for the nation's farmers. During a recent US Senate Agriculture Committee's 2023 Farm Bill hearing, the Red Oak Republican questioned USDA Under Secretary Dr. Chavondra Jacobs-Young about current efforts to combat cybersecurity threats, such as last year's ransomware attacks on JBS and NEW Cooperative, targeting attacks on precision agriculture and intellectual property. "The ag sector has come under a lot of increasing cyber-attacks," said Ernst. "This is threatening the livelihood of our farmers, and then in turn, of course, threatening our nation's food chain."
Dr. Jacobs-Young says one of the USDA's goals is to raise awareness about some of the dangers that cybersecurity threats pose in the country. "In the agriculture research service, we do a lot of, you know, IP-related research--vaccine development, etc., etc.," said Jacobs-Young.[2] "So, we're constantly protecting our systems from intrusion--which is interesting, because our ultimate goal is to make all of it public--but when we're ready to make it public."
She says the USDA also trains incoming staff members and retrains existing employees on A-I and cybersecurity prevention procedures. Ernst also questioned Jacobs-Young regarding how the USDA plans to use data-driver research around carbon to ensure farmers and producers make the best decisions for their operations. "I travel across the state of Iowa doing what is known as the 'full Grassley,'" said Ernst. "We visit all 99 counties every single year. And, a lot of our farmers have expressed interest and what to be engaged, whether it's carbon capture or other projects. But, how do we get that information out to them?"
Jacobs-Young says it's important to discuss options regarding carbon with producers. "I've been on farms, as well as talking to our producers, about what is it they need," she said, "and how can we deliver it in a way it can be receptive--because adoption is part of the issue that we have. We develop wonderful technologies, innovations and tools, and then we struggle with adoption."
This Senate hearing was part of the Committee's exploration on agricultural research projects highlighted under the current Farm Bill, in preparation for next year's Farm Bill.
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[1] https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/farmers-have-mixed-feelings-on-cyber-threats-and-security-their-data/
[2] https://www.kmaland.com/news/ernst-voices-cybersecurity-concerns-at-farm-bill-hearing/article_527e58c6-7718-11ed-9080-a3c815f37b7f.html
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