The Unsung Backbone: Why IT Matters in Agriculture

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In today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world, the agricultural industry is no exception when it comes to needing robust technological infrastructure. Behind every successful organization is a network of systems quietly ensuring that everything runs smoothly. At USPOULTRY, our in-house IT team plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission and supporting our member associations with cost-effective, secure and innovative solutions.

But what does it really mean to have a dedicated IT team in an agricultural organization? Simply put, it means having the technical foundation to grow smarter, operate more efficiently and safeguard our systems and data against ever-evolving threats.

Purpose-Driven Technology
The mission of our IT team is clear: to lead USPOULTRY and its affiliates with cutting-edge technology, networking and cybersecurity practices. We aim to provide our national and state associations with reliable support, scalable infrastructure and tailored web solutions that empower them to focus on what matters most — their work in the agricultural space.

Currently, our IT team manages and maintains 27 websites, including those for USPOULTRY, the USPOULTRY Foundation, IPPE, NPIP and 19 state poultry associations. These websites aren’t just static landing pages — they’re dynamic tools that offer features like meeting registration forms, membership databases and real-time updates. Whether it’s building a custom interface for a conference or setting up secure logins for member organizations, our team ensures these platforms are intuitive, mobile-friendly and dependable.

Practical IT Support for Practical Challenges
Beyond website development, we offer hands-on technical support to our member organizations, identifying cost-saving solutions such as shared licensing or hardware purchases. Our systems administrator works directly with each affiliate to ensure servers and workstations are secure, current and optimized — including overseeing backups both locally and in the cloud.

Cybersecurity is another cornerstone of our IT function. As threats grow more sophisticated, our team partners with third-party experts to conduct regular network scans, analyze vulnerabilities, and implement necessary patches. We also educate our internal teams on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding unknown links and attachments, and keeping software consistently updated.

One simple truth guides our approach: the easiest way into a company’s network is through the user. That’s why we’ve implemented measures like external email tagging and employee training sessions — proactive steps to keep everyone alert and informed.

Meet the Team
Brett Force, Senior Web Application Developer
Joining USPOULTRY in 2001, Brett has been instrumental in building and maintaining the USPOULTRY and IPPE websites, as well as various internal tools that streamline operations for our staff. Each year, Brett also leads digital security planning for our flagship IPPE event, ensuring a seamless and protected experience for attendees and exhibitors.

Des Butler, Senior Affiliate Developer
Since 2013, Des has supported USPOULTRY and its affiliates by developing mobile-responsive websites and intranets. From managing SQL databases to delivering custom project applications, Des brings a deep understanding of how to align technology with organizational needs.
 

Prentiss Baker, Systems Administrator
Prentiss came aboard in 2018 and now oversees the health and security of our entire IT ecosystem. From managing cloud backups and hardware maintenance to resolving system vulnerabilities, Prentiss ensures that our digital infrastructure is resilient and reliable.
 

Investing in In-House IT is Investing in Our Future
In an industry rooted in tradition and innovation alike, having an in-house IT team is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. From protecting data to enabling connectivity, from building digital platforms to helping associations save money on technology, our IT team ensures that USPOULTRY and its partners are equipped for the demands of the modern agricultural landscape.

Their work may happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day — in every secure login, every glitch-free webinar and every website that connects stakeholders across the country.

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• IT
• Agriculture
• Tech Support