From Fields to Firewalls: A Farm’s Journey to Full-Property Connectivity

A few years ago, I got a call from a family-owned farm that had grown into a thriving seasonal business. Every fall, they transform their property into a beloved destination for families throughout the region. With thousands of visitors coming through each weekend for pumpkin picking, hayrides, fresh cider donuts, and a massive corn maze, the farm had no problem attracting crowds.

Wi-Fi throughout a Rural Property, enabling connectivity no matter where you are on the property.

But behind the scenes, the story was different.

The farm was struggling to keep up with the demands of daily operations. Their IT setup was outdated and disconnected. The office had a single computer running QuickBooks and a printer. There was no Wi-Fi outside of the office, no way to share files between staff, and no connectivity to other buildings spread across the property. They were unable to accept mobile payments during their busy events, and they had no backup system or security in place to protect their important data. They were not just looking for better internet. They needed an IT infrastructure built to support the way they worked.

The Challenge

The farm faced several major technology roadblocks. These included:

• No Wi-Fi coverage across the property

• No communication or file sharing between buildings

• No mobile payment options during seasonal events

• No virus protection or centralized security

• No backup solution for QuickBooks and other sensitive data

• No foundation in place to support future growth

They needed something reliable, secure, and scalable. And they needed it in place before the fall season kicked off.

Designing the Solution

I started by learning how they operated day to day and how the farm changed during event season. I then designed a solution that would not only meet their immediate needs but also grow with them over time.

Here are the steps I took to bring the farm fully online and secure:

• I installed a business-grade firewall, a managed switch, and wireless access points to give the office secure, stable internet and internal connectivity.

• I configured Microsoft 365 and SharePoint to give staff access to email and shared files from anywhere on the property.

• I deployed enterprise-grade virus protection across all devices to reduce the risk of cyber threats and provide peace of mind.

• I built a wireless network that extended across the entire property using Ubiquiti point-to-point and point-to-multipoint equipment, which allowed all buildings to connect back to the office without physical cabling.

• I installed access points both indoors and outdoors at each key building and guest zone, ensuring consistent coverage wherever it was needed.

• I implemented a secure backup solution with both local and cloud-based storage for their QuickBooks machine and other important files.

• I set them up with mobile point-of-sale solutions, allowing them to accept payments via iPads anywhere on the farm during events.

The Transformation

Once everything was in place, the difference was immediate. Their team could now work from anywhere on the property, from the front gate to the equipment shed. Files were no longer stuck on individual devices. QuickBooks ran smoothly, and the backup system gave the owners the peace of mind they had been missing. Guests could enjoy their visit without long payment lines or Wi-Fi dropouts, and the staff could focus on running the event rather than chasing down tech problems. Most importantly, the entire setup was secure and built to grow with them.

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More Than Just Pumpkin Patches

While this solution was built for an agritourism-based farm, the same infrastructure can benefit a wide range of rural operations and businesses. These include:

• Horse farms that host competitions and clinics, where stable-to-office communication and guest-facing Wi-Fi are essential

• Dairy farms that rely on cloud-based herd management, sensors, and scheduling tools for daily operations

• Sod farms that need mobile access to logistics and scheduling systems across large fields

• Wineries and greenhouses that require connectivity for staff, production equipment, or retail spaces

• Farms with on-site stores or markets selling local foods and handmade goods, where mobile payments and secure access to inventory systems are critical

• Outdoor wedding venues and seasonal event spaces, where guest experience and seamless operations depend on stable connectivity

  
  

If your property is large, spread out, or seasonal in nature, having a secure and scalable IT infrastructure is no longer a luxury. It is a core part of running your business efficiently and delivering the kind of experience your customers expect.

Ready to Connect Your Property?

If outdated systems or limited connectivity are holding your business back, you are not alone. I help small businesses design reliable and scalable IT solutions that align with their operations, environment, and long-term goals. This allows them to stay connected, work more efficiently, and move forward with confidence. If you are ready for a tailored solution built around the way you work, I would love to connect and learn more about your needs.