The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center is pleased to announce that Madeline Schultz and co-PD, Alexis Stevens were awarded the 2025 Outstanding Project Award for the North Central region at the recent ERME National Conference that took place in Nashville, TN.
Their project, "Cybersecurity for Iowa Farmers and Rural Businesses" was recognized during the conference with other regional winners. This project aimed to raise cybersecurity awareness and equip farm managers with practical steps to reduce risks. Through strategic partnerships with cybersecurity experts and industry leaders, the project introduced this critical topic to farm business owners in an accessible way to raise cybersecurity awareness and equip farm managers with the knowledge and tools to reduce risks.
Shultz said, "As farmers add more internet connected technology to their homes and businesses, keeping their families and farms safe has become top of mind. I am very proud of the way the farm management team came together to expand their knowledge and skills around cybersecurity and be prepared to support Iowa farmers on a topic growing in importance."
One of the participants attending the workshop said, "No matter how good you think you are they are always learning ways to get your information, so you have to make yourself a hard target."
To learn more about this project, click on video.
You may also read a synopsis of the project, on our Center's website: 2025 ERME Outstanding Project - North Central
Photo above show Ann Johanns and Ryan Drollette receiving the award from Center Director, Brad Lubben on behalf of Shultz and Stevens. Ann is an Extension Specialist and Ryan is a Farm Management Specialist, both members of the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Team.
