Stout Industrial Technology Appoints Paul Bonnett as Chief Executive Officer 

I’ve worked in agriculture since I was 18, but my background is in mechanics and electrical work. I originally set out to find a job in mechanical repair when I stumbled upon the Ag Tech industry by accident. I joined a company that worked on automated farming equipment, and from there, I became more intrigued by how automation and autonomous systems were shaping the future of agriculture. It was an unexpected path, but one that led me to where I am today at Stout.

I first saw Stout’s Smart Cultivator in action while I was working for another company. What impressed me was how simple it was to operate—just press start and go. In contrast, the equipment I worked with at the time required extensive calibration and back-end adjustments before it could run properly. That ease of use was what initially attracted me to Stout. Eventually, I applied for a position, and when the opportunity arose, I joined the team.

As a Service & Production Technician, my day varies based on what machines come in for servicing. We receive work orders that outline what needs to be inspected or repaired. If I’m working on a machine from the previous day, I continue troubleshooting it. If a new unit arrives, I run through a detailed checklist to identify potential issues and ensure it’s running at peak performance.

Customer support is also a key part of my role. When growers reach out with issues, I assess the problem and help troubleshoot it remotely whenever possible. One thing I’ve learned is to never assume the issue upfront.  Instead, I take the time to investigate first before giving an answer. That way, I can provide the most accurate diagnosis without jumping to conclusions.

From my experience, the biggest challenge growers face when adopting new Ag Tech is fear—fear of change, fear of technology, and fear of the unknown. Many growers have been using the same equipment and methods for years, and learning a new system can be daunting. In reality, many operational issues stem from driver error, rather than the technology itself. Some operators pick it up quickly, while others take longer to transition.

At Stout, we follow a thorough checklist to ensure every machine operates at its best in the field. This checklist is based on real-world experiences and allows us to proactively address potential issues before they become problems for customers. Many of us have worked with these machines long enough that we’ve memorized what to look for, but we still follow a structured process to maintain quality and reliability.

One of the most challenging aspects of my role has been working with Smart Powered Hydraulics (SPH) and the Stout Rate Fertilizer (SRF). Installing these systems on different machines presents a unique set of challenges that require a combination of mechanical and electrical expertise. At first, these installations were complex, but over time, they’ve become second nature with enough practice and repetition.

I don’t think Ag Tech will ever reach a point where machines are built and serviced entirely by robots. There will always be a need for skilled workers to maintain, repair, and improve these systems. The industry is shifting toward a more technical workforce, where hands-on technicians will play a crucial role in keeping automated equipment running efficiently. As Ag Tech continues to develop, I see an increased demand for specialized skills and new infrastructure to support this growing and evolving sector.

For those looking to enter the Ag Tech field, my advice is simple: be ready to move fast. This industry is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is key. The more you learn about mechanics, electronics, and automation, the better prepared you’ll be for the opportunities ahead.

About Gustavo

Gustavo Dominguez is a Service & Production Technician at Stout, where he specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting automated farming equipment. With a background in mechanics and electrical work, he transitioned into Ag Tech after seeing the potential of automation to transform farming operations. Passionate about innovation, Gustavo is dedicated to helping growers adopt new technology with confidence while ensuring Stout’s Smart Cultivator and other systems operate at peak performance.

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.

My journey into ag tech wasn’t exactly planned, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. Early in my career, I worked in operations where everything was done the old-school way—by hand, on paper, with little to no technology involved. Scheduling, field applications, fertilizer dispatch, all of it was manual, but then I got my first taste of technology in the industry. I saw what GPS monitoring and other digital tools could do, and it changed my perspective. It became clear that there was a huge opportunity to modernize these outdated processes. I realized that not only could technology make agriculture more efficient, but it could also open doors to new possibilities that hadn’t even been considered yet. That curiosity led me down the path I’m on today.

Agriculture is unpredictable. Weather, labor availability, and market fluctuations all impact day-to-day operations. As Director of Sales Operations, I’ve had to learn how to balance structured planning with the flexibility to pivot at a moment’s notice. This industry demands both—a clear vision of where you’re headed, but also the ability to react quickly when things don’t go as planned. It’s a leadership style that embraces adaptability while staying grounded in long-term goals.

One of the toughest parts of my role is navigating the natural resistance to change within agriculture. At the end of the day, this industry is about production—getting from seed to harvest as efficiently as possible. Introducing new technology, no matter how beneficial, can be seen as a disruption. Growers need to know that integrating something new won’t just be an extra step—it has to improve efficiency without negatively impacting their bottom line.

The biggest challenge isn’t just selling a piece of equipment—it’s shifting mindsets. Many farming practices have been done a certain way for generations, and now we’re asking people to trust a machine to do the work that’s historically been done by hand. That’s a big leap. To overcome this, we focus on proving the real-world benefits of the Stout Smart Cultivator—how it reduces labor challenges, provides immediate data for decision-making, and ultimately helps growers improve their operations.

Technology is touching every part of agriculture—from the field to the packing sheds to the sales office. At Stout, our focus is on using data-driven solutions to help growers make better, real-time decisions. Instead of reacting to issues after they’ve already impacted a crop, our goal is to provide insights that allow growers to adjust before it’s too late. That’s where the future of ag tech is headed: proactive, not reactive.

Innovation isn’t always easy, and pushing boundaries comes with its challenges. But what keeps our team motivated is the fact that we’re doing something new. We’re at the forefront of a movement that’s changing the way farming operates. There are days when things don’t go as planned, when frustrations run high, but in those moments, we remind ourselves why we’re here.

The ag tech space is full of exciting developments, but not all technology is useful today. Some innovations look great on paper but aren’t ready for practical application. Our job is to refine what we offer and ensure that it truly benefits the people who use it. That means listening to growers, understanding their needs, and adapting our solutions accordingly. It’s not about pushing technology—it’s about creating solutions that make sense in the real world.

If I had to pick one skill that’s essential for success in this space, it would be understanding growers. You need real-world experience to truly grasp what they’re up against—the pressures, the regulations, and the challenges they face every day. Without that understanding, it’s difficult to communicate how technology can help. The key isn’t telling them what they need—it’s listening to what they actually need and working with them to find the best solution.

Over the next five to ten years, I think we’ll see the true potential of ag tech start to unfold. Right now, there’s a lot of excitement, but not every new innovation will stand the test of time. The companies that stay focused, listen to their customers, and truly integrate into agriculture’s real-world challenges will be the ones that succeed. Adoption won’t happen overnight—it’s a gradual process. But as the technology matures and proves itself, we’ll see a shift toward more targeted, effective solutions that become essential tools for growers.

For me, that’s what makes this field so exciting. We’re not just creating technology for the sake of it—we’re solving real problems. And as long as we stay grounded in that mission, the impact we can make is limitless.

About Sal

Sal Espinoza is a dedicated leader in ag tech with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With nearly a decade of experience in agriculture, he has held key roles at Wilbur-Ellis, FarmWise, and now Stout Industrial Technology, where he drives advancements in AI-powered automation for farming. Sal’s expertise lies in developing practical, grower-focused solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the field.

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.

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.