A Day in the Life of Antonio: Stout’s Demo Technician

by marketing | Dec 23, 2024

I didn’t really plan to work in agriculture, it just kind of happened. I started as a tractor operator for Tanimura & Antle, learning the basics of running machines in the field. Before that, I had little experience working with machinery or doing fieldwork. Over two years, I became proficient with the equipment, but I wanted to do more. That’s what brought me to Stout.

When I joined Stout, I had to start from scratch with things like hydraulics and understanding the function of each part and how they’re all tied together. As an operator, I only knew how to make them run. Now, I’ve learned how to take them apart, fix issues, and put them back together. That’s been the biggest growth area for me in this role.

What My Job Looks Like

My week varies greatly on what demos we have lined up. If there are no demos scheduled, I focus on checking on our customers and their Stout machines. I make sure they’re running smoothly, help train new operators, answer questions, and fix any issues that come up. When there’s a demo, I make sure the machine is prepped to ensure a proper representation of our Smart Cultivator. Once everything is dialed in, I get to run and show the machine in action.

The best part of my job is troubleshooting and it’s rewarding when you find the solution. Once you’ve run into a similar problem a couple of times, familiarity with the issue reduces the time spent working on it and in turn allows the customer to continue with their normal operation. With over 50 machines deployed throughout North America and Europe, having the ability to troubleshoot over the phone is crucial for keeping our machines running smoothly for our grower partners.

Why Customers Appreciate Stout Machines

What impresses growers the most is how reliable our machines are. They’re built tough, so they can handle all kinds of field and weather conditions. From firsthand experience over the past four years, I’ve seen how well the machines perform once they’re set up properly – whether it’s day or night. Customers are always surprised by how well-built and reliable they are.

Traveling for Stout

One of the coolest things about my job is the travel. I’ve had the opportunity to work in 10 states and Mexico and Canada, meeting growers from all kinds of farming operations. It’s awesome seeing how people in different places get excited about our machines. In Mexico, I saw how much the technology would help their operations. Seeing how open they were to adapt to our machine and willing to change some of their farming practices to optimize the performance of it was eye opening.

My Advice for Someone Getting Into Ag Tech

If you’re considering a career in ag tech, give it a try. Whether it’s an internship or a short-term job, putting some skin in the game will help you gain experience and validate if it’s worth pursuing. It’s not always easy, but if you enjoy problem-solving and/or working with your hands, it’s worth it to make a difference in agriculture.

At Stout, we’re just getting started in ag tech. There’s a lot of potential, and it’s exciting to be part of something that’s helping farmers directly. For me, it’s been a chance to learn, grow, and to make a real impact in the industry.

About Antonio

Antonio is a Demo Technician at Stout, specializing in troubleshooting, machine operation, and operator training for the Smart Cultivator. Starting as a tractor operator at Tanimura & Antle, he has grown into a skilled technician, traveling to 10 states and two countries to help customers optimize their farming practices. With a customer-first approach and hands-on expertise, Antonio is proud to make a direct impact on farmers while contributing to the future of ag tech.

About Stout

Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.

Reflections on a Career in Software Engineering: My Journey to Stout

by marketing | Nov 26, 2024

About Me:

I am a generalist. Being a generalist is how I wound up at Stout, and is—in a sense—what I do at Stout.

I’ve been programming since before the Y2K bug. I wrote my first lines of code at 13 and—with my father’s help—got my first paid programming gig by 15. In parallel with my career in software, I had an academic career: I hold a double major in math and physics from NYU and a PhD in applied physics from Caltech. I’ve been known to tinker with cars, motorycles, and electronics.

Over the years, my career has taken me through enterprise software, software startups, academic research, a hardware startup, various types of software, and now agtech with Stout.

My Time at Stout:

I was recruited to Stout by two colleagues who I had worked with at a previous job: David and Steven. When he found out that I was available, David, who has since left Stout, reached out immediately. Although my role at Stout was not well-defined at that point, Stout had a lot of “stuff” to do, and I could do a wide variety of “stuff”.

So far, as a software engineer at Stout, my role is diverse. I’ve worked on:

– Cloud software: Code to handle data once it leaves the machines.

– Edge software: Writing code for the smart cultivators’ on-board systems.

– Web development: Collaborating on our website and customer-facing tools.

Every system I touch uses different languages and frameworks, so being a generalist has been a huge asset. I can pivot quickly to support different parts of our technology stack, and that is frequently more important than being the deepest expert in any one area.

One thing I love about Stout is how well-designed the hardware is. As a software engineer, it’s a relief to work with machines that are mechanically robust and reliable. The engineering on the mechanical and electrical sides sets a strong foundation for the software to shine.

Another thing I’ve really enjoyed about working at Stout is the clear utility of what we’re doing: we help farmers grow crops efficiently. It’s very concrete. Before Stout, I had zero ag-related background, but I was drawn to the tangible, real-world impact of this industry. In fact, it’s better than “tangible”: it’s edible!

Concluding Thoughts:

There is interesting work to be found in solving almost any kind of problem. By developing a general skill of technical problem solving, you increase the likelihood that you’ll find work solving interesting problems with interesting people. That’s what I’ve done, and that’s what I’m doing at Stout.

About Henry

Henry Kozachkov is a versatile software engineer with over two decades of programming experience and a passion for solving complex, real-world problems. Holding a double major in Mathematics and Physics from NYU and a PhD in Applied Physics from Caltech, his career spans enterprise software, academic research, and hardware startups. At Stout AgTech, Henry develops cloud, edge, and web software that empowers farmers to grow crops more efficiently. He thrives on Stout’s innovative engineering and the tangible, edible impact of his work in precision agriculture.

About Stout

Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.

Introducing Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer: Precision, Efficiency, and Sustainability

by marketing | Nov 6, 2024

At Stout, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and our latest product, the Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer, is a testament to that commitment. This groundbreaking solution is set to transform how fertilization is managed in farming operations, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.

The Future of Fertilization

The Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer is more than just a new product – it’s a smarter approach to farming. Traditional fertilization often results in overuse of materials, driving up costs and increasing environmental impact. Our new smart fertilizer implement (add on?) addresses these challenges by focusing on precision, delivering nutrients directly to the individual plants that need them, when they need them.

Why Choose Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer?

Reduce Material Use:

In agriculture today, efficiency is crucial. Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer minimizes material use by tailoring nutrient delivery to the specific needs of your crops, optimizing results with fewer inputs, saving both time and resources.

Precision by Each Individual Plant:

Instead of applying fertilizers uniformly, our technology adapts to each plant’s unique requirements, ensuring that every part of your crop receives the optimal amount of nutrients. This personalized approach boosts both productivity and plant health.

Achieve Uniformity with Less Inputs:

Uniform crop production is critical, and achieving it doesn’t have to mean using more resources. Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer helps you drive uniformity across your fields with fewer inputs, creating more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices.

Take the Next Step in Sustainable Farming

Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer is now available and ready to further revolutionize your farming practices. By choosing the Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer, you’re not only improving your farm’s efficiency but also contributing to a more sustainable future in agriculture.

The Stout Smart Rate Fertilizer is designed to meet your needs.

Unlocking Efficiency: Insights from Garry, Production DevOps Engineer

by marketing | Sep 24, 2024

As the Production Development and Operations Engineer at Stout, I focus on one core objective: ensuring our cultivators operate with maximum efficiency. These machines are the heart of our business, and it’s my job to ensure they are operationally healthy and always performing at their peak. I like to think of them as my children—they demand attention, but it’s immensely satisfying knowing they are performing at their best.

My primary role is ensuring that our machines run the correct computer code and operate efficiently. I oversee everything from machine assembly to machine software management and updates, often troubleshooting issues that arise in the field. When machines are in use by our customers—whether on the East Coast, UK, or even Australia—I’m on standby and ready to respond.

However, I also wear many hats beyond machine assembly and management. I frequently dive into IT tasks, assembling computers, building servers, and even troubleshooting issues like office computer settings or email administration.

One of the most challenging issues I’ve faced recently was identifying and resolving a condition in our cultivators that would cause the actuators to pause unexpectedly. This situation would, of course, often occur during machine demos—frustrating, to say the least. After extensive analysis of the machines’ behavior, I finally discovered a pattern. It turned out that the issue was related to computer housekeeping tasks. These systems, originally designed for 24×7 surveillance cameras, were not optimized for the off-and-on cycles of our machines.

By adjusting the system to run housekeeping tasks in the first few minutes of operation rather than mid-cycle, we eliminated the problem. Now, the cultivators run smoothly with fewer interruptions, resulting in a much better experience for our customers.

Automation plays an essential role in my work. The ability to update machines while they’re in operation is a recent development that has saved me countless hours. Previously, we had to pause operations to apply computer code updates, causing downtime for our customers. Now, we push updates in the background, and they take effect the next time the machine is powered up.

As we continue to scale globally, with machines running across different time zones and continents, it’s vital that we build systems that can self-manage, allowing me and the company to focus on the bigger picture.

One area where I’ve pushed myself is backfilling my skill set with coding. While I’m not a software developer by trade, this role has forced me to dive deeper into coding languages like Python. It’s a steep learning curve, but I have learned that there is no limit to learning something new. Balancing this newfound knowledge with my broader responsibilities has its challenges, but that’s part of what keeps the job interesting.

Throughout my day, I’m constantly searching for ways to improve efficiency and develop new solutions to the unique challenges we face operating these machines in the field. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure peak performance for our customers. Whether through software code updates, troubleshooting technical issues, or automating processes, I’m always focused on finding the most efficient way to improve operations and keep things moving.

About Garry

Garry is a DevOps Production Engineer, specializing in automation tools for AI-powered Smart Cultivators. With over 25 years of experience, he has led IT infrastructure projects across multiple industries, including healthcare and AgTech. Previously, he served as Senior Infrastructure Engineer at Montage Health, where he enhanced security and productivity through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) design. Garry is known for his expertise in network automation, hybrid cloud technologies, and developing cost-saving solutions.

About Stout

Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.

The Journey of Innovation in Agriculture: A Story from Austin Larick

by marketing | Aug 21, 2024

When I reflect on my role as the Mechanics Team Lead at Stout, I see a journey deeply rooted in a passion for creating what didn’t exist and pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology. My background in agriculture and AgTech has been instrumental in shaping this path. From my early days, I’ve been driven by a desire to bring new solutions to life, a pursuit that has found a perfect home at Tanimura & Antle and subsequently, Stout.

My journey with Stout began with the commercial development of the PlantTape automated transplanter at Tanimura & Antle. This innovation was the catalyst for the creation of the Tanimura & Antle R&D department. The process of transforming ideas into reality has always been thrilling, and Tanimura & Antle’s extreme motivation to push the industry forward has been a significant driving force behind our successes. Our R&D department, which started as a small team in the bullpen of the hardware shop, has now evolved into the cornerstone of Stout’s innovative spirit.

In my role, I emphasize flexibility and simplicity in our designs. Traditional engineering approaches sometimes lack the fundamentals of moving dirt needed for agricultural innovation. I’ve learned from experience that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. For example, we’ve refined our precision implements, like the Smart Cultivator, to allow growers to make adjustments easily and precisely. The user-friendly interface on our Smart Cultivator has significantly improved efficiency and productivity for growers world-wide.

Precision in agricultural machinery is crucial for minimizing waste and maximizing yield. By ensuring that our machines operate with high accuracy, we can help growers reduce wastage and increase the consistency of their produce. The information our machines provide, along with their precise operations, leads to better outcomes in the field, whether it’s in terms of crop yield or operational efficiency.

Our team has developed key innovations in precision implements that benefit growers by making their tasks easier and more efficient. One of the most significant advancements has been the development of a user interface that simplifies adjustments and enhances the precision of operations. This allows growers to be more confident and effective in their fieldwork.

However, developing machinery for diverse agricultural environments comes with its unique challenges. The older generation of farmers being mostly happy with doing what has worked in the past. The increasing openness to technology among younger generations of farmers is encouraging, and it fuels our drive to innovate continuously.

Feedback from growers is invaluable in our design and development process. We prioritize their input to ensure our machinery meets their needs and enhances their productivity. For instance, while working on the Smart Cultivator, we developed an implement to lift drip tape based on requests from specific growing practice, although it required further refinement to suit different regional practices.

At Stout, we strive to make our machinery both user-friendly and technically advanced. Our approach stems from being a farming company first, reaching out to Silicon Valley for technological expertise rather than the other way around. This collaboration ensures that our solutions are practical and beneficial for growers.

The future of agricultural machinery lies within greater efficiency, reduced traffic, and optimal use of growing areas. Stout is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement by creating machines that maximize efficiency with minimal input. Our focus on precision and resource management is key to leading the industry in these future trends.

Looking back, one of the most surprising and rewarding experiences was patenting a simple yet effective landing gear design. It’s moments like these that remind me of the value of intuitive thinking and practical solutions. Every small improvement we’ve made to our machines brings immense satisfaction as we see more growers benefiting from our innovations.

For those entering the AgTech field, especially engineers, my advice is to remain open-minded and adaptable. Agriculture presents unique challenges that require innovative thinking and practical solutions. Understanding that the field environment is unpredictable and uncontrollable is crucial for developing effective technologies.

Every step we’ve taken at Stout to improve our machinery has been a collective achievement. Seeing our innovations make a positive impact on growers’ lives is the most rewarding part of my job. As we continue to push the boundaries of agricultural technology, I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities it holds for Stout and the farming community.

About Austin

Austin Larick, the Mechanics Team Lead at Stout, has a rich background in agriculture and AgTech. Influenced by his grandfathers, both skilled welders, and encouraged by his father’s inventive challenges, Austin developed a passion for problem-solving from a young age. After honing his skills at Wyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech), he started his career at Ramsey Highlander, progressing from welding to electrical work, hydraulics, and machining. He then managed the shop at Green Valley Farm Supply for five years. Austin then spent nine years at Tanimura & Antle (T&A) in research and development, solidifying his reputation as an innovator, where he worked on the PlantTape transplanter. His diverse expertise and leadership have positioned him as a key figure at Stout, dedicated to pushing boundaries in agricultural technology.

About Stout

Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.