By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is set to host an agriculture cybersecurity workshop and public seminar on November 12, 2025, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.
The event will bring together experts, researchers, and students to explore how technology and cybersecurity intersect in modern agriculture.
The workshop, held from noon to 5 p.m., will present findings from three joint research projects between SDSU and Dakota State University.
These projects focus on securing data as it moves from on-farm monitoring tools to cloud storage and on using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect crop anomalies for precision management.
Faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduate students with an interest in cybersecurity, data science, or precision agriculture are encouraged to participate.
The event will also provide networking opportunities through a mixer and dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required, and tickets cost $50 per person. Interested participants can register on the SDSU Extension Events page by searching “cybersecurity.”
Following the workshop, a free public seminar will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. The keynote speaker for both sessions is Andrew Rose, an advisor with BIO-ISAC, a nonprofit focused on improving cybersecurity in the life sciences and bioeconomy sectors.
Rose will share real-world examples of cybersecurity challenges in agriculture, discussing how farms and agribusinesses can prevent data breaches, ransom threats, and unauthorized access to digital systems.
The event highlights SDSU’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and research in agriculture, preparing producers and professionals to manage digital tools safely and effectively in an increasingly data-driven industry.
For more information, interested individuals may contact Sandy Smart, SDSU Extension Interim Director.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety