marketing – Stout Industrial Technology

From Cultivation to Data Innovation: My Vision for the Future of Ag Tech

by marketing | Aug 27, 2025

I’ve been fortunate to work and lead across four continents, living in the U.S., Canada, Indonesia, and Singapore, and I’ve found that no matter the culture, religion, or background, people everywhere share the same core desires: to provide for their families and to do meaningful work. That understanding has shaped my leadership style. At Stout Industrial Technology, I focus on empowering people, listening to diverse perspectives, and encouraging collaboration across all functions.

When I joined the ag tech space after decades in oilfield services, I was drawn to the scale and purpose of agriculture. It’s one of the most noble industries in the world, essential to every community. I wanted to be part of a smaller, more agile industry where innovation could be driven quickly and directly in partnership with those who benefit from it most: farmers.

From Smart Cultivator to Smart Agriculture

While the Smart Cultivator is an incredible piece of technology, I don’t see Stout’s future as being just a cultivator company. We’re moving toward becoming a smart agriculture and smart data company. The Smart Cultivator is our entry point; it enables us to collect plant-level data that can then be transformed into actionable insights for growers.

Our vision is to provide predictive plant health metrics that help farmers increase yield, reduce costs, and make better decisions in real time. Hardware will remain important, but our revenue and growth will increasingly come from data and software solutions that deliver lasting value in the field.

Turning Data Into Impact

We’re on the verge of launching our basic first step approach of predictive plant health tools, which will allow growers to address issues before they impact yield, shifting the industry from reactive management to proactive strategy.

For me, every innovation must pass a simple test: does it deliver measurable value in the field? That could mean increasing yield, reducing labor, or lowering costs, but if it doesn’t impact one of those areas, it’s not worth pursuing.

Scaling With Integrity

Technology in agriculture only works if it’s been proven under real-world conditions. That’s why we “ground truth” everything we build, working with strategic partners like Tanimura & Antle, G’s and Monette Farms to test in actual fields before bringing products to market. This ensures we deliver solutions that not only perform in theory but also stand up to the challenges growers face every day.

Looking Ahead

Five years from now, I want Stout to be known globally as a trusted provider of agricultural data and insights, not just our Smart Cultivator. My goal is to help make food more affordable and accessible by improving yields and driving efficiency across the industry.

Innovation matters, but science matters more. By blending AI, automation, and deep grower partnerships, I believe we can help farmers meet the demands of a growing population while protecting the land and resources we all depend on.

About Lance

Lance Portman is the CEO of Stout Industrial Technology, bringing over three decades of global leadership experience across the U.S., Canada, Indonesia, and Singapore. Before joining Stout, Lance served as President of PlantTape, where he guided the company through significant innovation and expansion. With a background spanning oilfield services and ag tech, he is passionate about using automation, AI, and predictive data to help farmers increase yields, improve efficiency, and shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Kyle Jeffery on Full-Stack Development, Data-Driven Farming, and the Future of Ag Tech

by marketing | Jul 28, 2025

When I joined Stout as a Senior Software Engineer, I saw a unique opportunity to bring meaningful innovation and cutting-edge software development to an industry that’s historically been underserved by technology. My career has spanned everything from VR robotics at X, the Moonshot Factory, to full-stack cloud infrastructure, but agriculture felt like a space where innovation could make a truly tangible impact.

I first worked on ag tech projects while studying at UC Santa Cruz, and even back then, it was clear that farming is filled with challenges that data and software are uniquely positioned to solve. At Stout, I get to build the tools that make that transformation real – from backend data systems to intuitive mobile and in-cab apps. Every day is different. One minute I’m debugging code in our mobile app, and the next I’m optimizing the backend of our data pipeline or reviewing machine vision outputs from the Smart Cultivator. I thrive on that variety. There’s a rhythm to the work – building, releasing, collecting feedback, and refining. We operate in tight cycles of iteration, which allows us to test new features quickly and roll out improvements that respond directly to what growers are seeing in the field.

One of the most exciting challenges we take on is building intuitive, rugged software that stands up to field conditions. Our goal is to make complex technology feel simple for operators. We’ve built mobile and in-cab apps that allow crews to monitor the machine in real time, see what the cameras see, and adjust cultivator settings on the fly. React Native, Python FastAPI, and AWS Cloud Services are just some of the tools I use to build flexible platforms that scale as our customers’ needs evolve.

Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about how AI and automation will continue to shape agriculture. Stout’s Smart Cultivator already performs multiple functions, mechanical weeding, plant-level scanning, and data capture, in a single pass. But this is just the beginning. AI has the power to transform how growers forecast yields, monitor plant health, and make decisions based on real-time and historical field data. We’re laying the groundwork for that future now with tools that are modular, configurable, and designed to adapt to changing field conditions.

Our software team functions a lot like a startup within the company: lean, collaborative, and always pushing to do more with less. That means every developer plays a cross-functional role, wearing many hats. I manage our fleet tools, contribute to our VRF software, and help design debugging systems that make troubleshooting easier across the board. We also rely heavily on customer feedback to guide product direction, and that connection to the grower makes our work all the more meaningful.

To any young software or robotics engineer looking to get into ag tech, my advice is simple: follow your curiosity and build things that interest you. The skills you develop through personal projects and side experiments often translate directly to the field. Agriculture may be behind other industries in tech adoption, but that gap is exactly where the opportunity lies, and at Stout, we’re working every day to close it.

About Kyle:

Kyle Jeffery is a Senior Software Engineer at Stout Industrial Technology, where he designs and develops full-stack software systems that power next-generation agricultural equipment. With a background spanning robotics, cloud infrastructure, and mobile development, Kyle brings a unique perspective to ag tech innovation. From building debugging tools to advancing machine vision and AI-driven automation, he’s passionate about creating intuitive platforms that make farming smarter, more efficient, and data-driven.

Robert Rodriguez on Field-Ready Machines, Customer-Focused Ops, and Why Durability Matters

by marketing | Jun 19, 2025

I spent 22 years in the Army, where reliability and precision weren’t just goals – they were requirements. Now, as Operations Manager at Stout, I bring that same mindset and commitment into agriculture. After retiring from the Army, I earned degrees in Ag Business and quickly saw the impact AI and robotics were starting to have on farming. Once I got hands-on experience with the Stout Smart Cultivator, I knew I had found my next mission.

Every morning, I start by opening the shop, reviewing work orders, and making sure our schedule reflects the priorities that matter most: uptime and performance. My role is about being ready to pivot – whether that means retrofitting machines, responding to field calls, or helping troubleshoot issues firsthand.

Before any Smart Cultivator leaves our facility, we put it through a detailed testing process. We’ve built these checklists from years of field experience – every actuator, every wire, every system is tested. We log 6 to 10 hours of run time per machine, and if something isn’t right, it doesn’t ship. Period.

One of the things I’m proudest of is how we build based on feedback from growers. Our SPH (Smart Powered Hydraulics) system came directly from conversations in the field. I worked with R&D and engineering to move it through our ECO process – from idea to implementation. That’s what makes Stout different: we listen, and we act.

I spend 40 to 60% of my time in the field. You can’t fully understand an issue until you see it yourself: the soil, the weather, the crew dynamics. I talk with operators, watch their workflows, and think critically about how we can make our machines better. Our reliability starts with those real conversations.

We’ve built out support systems that go far beyond a manual. From teardown videos to bilingual training resources to live video calls, we’re committed to making sure operators (not just managers) know how to run, maintain, and optimize their machines.

As Stout evolves into a data-driven company, our operations have evolved too. We now preload computers, install vision systems, and fully program each machine before it ships. We don’t wait for things to break; we’re always improving, always checking in, always looking for ways to add value during maintenance.

To me, reliability means building machines that hold up in any field condition: hard soil, wet rows, heat, cold, you name it. That’s where I focus. Because in this business, durability isn’t just nice to have, it’s everything.

About Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez is the Operations Manager at Stout Industrial Technology, where he brings more than two decades of military maintenance experience to the cutting edge of agricultural innovation. After earning a degree in Agriculture Business, he transitioned into ag tech, inspired by the transformative potential of robotics and AI in the field. Known for his field-first mindset, Robert is deeply committed to machine uptime, operational precision, and long-term customer success. Whether he’s leading operations or working directly with growers, Robert ensures every machine meets the highest standard of performance. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and spending quality time with his family.

Kirk Bulis on Software, Strategy, and the Future of Ag Tech

by marketing | May 6, 2025

From Silicon Valley to the Field: A Practical Approach to Ag Tech

Transitioning from Consumer Tech to Ag Tech: My Journey to Stout

My path into Ag Tech wasn’t a straight line. I studied computer science at UCLA, where I focused on robotics and cloud computing. After working across various enterprise software teams, from interactive retail at Sonos to early consumer tech projects in the iPod era, I found myself craving a challenge with real-world impact.

In late 2023, Steven Snyder reached out to me. We’d shared an advisor at UCLA, and when he invited me to visit Stout, the energy and potential were what sold me on joining the team. I joined Stout in early 2024 as Director of Software, ready to scale the company’s cloud and edge software infrastructure. From day one, I’ve been focused on helping growers access data they can actually use to drive ROI.

Data That Drives Action: Turning Information into Insights

Transforming Field Data into Actionable Insights for Growers

At Stout, my priority is turning data into insights that growers can actually use. That means building systems that are intuitive, reliable, and aligned with field realities. My team and I work closely with early adopters like Tanimura & Antle to ensure that our tools are practical and impactful.

One of the biggest challenges is managing the sheer volume of data generated by the Smart Cultivator. We’re developing solutions that not only capture and process this data effectively but also present it in ways that are easy for growers to visualize and act upon. We’re not just looking at what happened yesterday — we’re focused on identifying trends and projecting what’s coming next.

Proven Solutions Built By Growers, for Growers

Building Trustworthy, Reliable Ag Tech Solutions

For me and the Stout software team, building systems that growers can trust is essential. That means more than just coding; it’s being in the field, understanding what growers need, and creating solutions that work seamlessly under real world farming conditions.

Right now, we’re finalizing a web app that provides field-level data on plant size, spacing, and growth patterns. The goal is to give growers the data they need to make smarter decisions, optimize operations, and reduce costs—without adding unnecessary complexity.

The Future of Ag Tech: Empowering Growers, Not Replacing Them

How AI and Edge Computing Enhance Precision Agriculture

For me, AI isn’t about replacing growers, it’s about making them even more effective. The next wave of AI and edge computing at Stout will focus on delivering actionable, predictive insights that help growers anticipate and address challenges before they arise.

Generative AI and large language models are incredibly powerful, but they’re only as valuable as the insights they deliver. At Stout, our mission is to leverage these technologies to give growers more control, more predictability, and more confidence in their operations.

Advice for Engineers and Ag Leaders

How Ag Tech Engineers Can Make a Real-World Impact

For engineers considering Ag Tech, my advice is simple: Get to know the field. For engineers entering Ag Tech, it’s more than just writing code, it’s about creating practical solutions that address the daily challenges growers face.

My proudest achievement at Stout so far? Moving our data platform from a patchwork of tools to a cohesive, scalable system that empowers growers with faster updates, more reliable insights, and stronger decision-making capabilities. It’s a foundation we’re going to keep building on, one release at a time.

About Kirk Bulis

Kirk Bulis is the Director of Software at Stout Industrial Technology, where he leads the development of scalable cloud and edge platforms for smart agricultural machinery. With over two decades of experience in software architecture and full-stack development, Kirk has worked across industries, from interactive retail experiences at Sonos to data-driven healthcare systems. He holds a master’s in Computer Science from UCLA and brings a practical, systems-focused mindset to advancing precision agriculture through innovative software solutions.

Stout Surpasses 60,000 Acres and 3 Billion Plants Scanned

by marketing | Apr 23, 2025

In a space crowded with prototypes and pilot programs, Stout Industrial Technology stands apart — delivering automation that’s working, scaling, and trusted in commercial fields around the world. The company announced today that its AI-powered Smart Cultivator has now covered more than 60,000 acres, scanned over 3 billion plants, and traveled the equivalent of three laps around the planet. These are real-world numbers from production farms across six countries—proof that Stout’s technology is scalable and built to perform.

With Smart Cultivators now operating across three continents, multiple countries, and numerous U.S. states, Stout’s system is getting smarter every day – adapting to a wide range of climates, growing regions and crops. Whether it is lettuce in Salinas, peppers in Virginia, or specialty crops in Europe, growers rely on Stout’s field automation to supplement labor with smart, per-plant precision in both weeding and cultivation. There’s no question: Stout has earned its place in mainstream agricultural operations.

From design to deployment, every Stout machine is engineered for durability, ease of use, and clear return on investment. No special engineering team is required – Stout machines are built to be operated by existing tractor drivers with minimal training. Onboard computing means there’s no downtime due to connectivity issues, and when internet is restored, machines automatically update with the latest plant and weed models while syncing precise data to the Stout Data Dashboard.

This level of precision comes to life through the Stout Data Dashboard, which delivers real-time, per-plant insights across the field. From plant counts and growth rates to other health metrics, growers and executives gain a clear, actionable view of performance at a granular level. This visibility empowers teams to optimize operations, pinpoint field visits, and drive strategic improvements backed by high quality data.

Ryan Mazzuca, Director of Business Development

“What excites our customers most is the ability to finally see what’s happening at the field level—across every scanned acre,” said Ryan Mazzuca, Director of Business Development at Stout. “With our dashboard, growers aren’t just reacting to problems, they’re making faster, smarter decisions backed by real-time data.”

Stout’s rapid growth is no accident. The company’s machines were built in close collaboration with growers who understand the real challenges of farm operations. With a learn-by-doing mindset, product acceleration happens in the field – not in an office. Based in the heart of the Salad Bowl of America, Stout’s headquarters were intentionally established in the middle of active farmland, just minutes from its production and R&D facilities. This proximity allows the development team to engage directly with crops in real time, ensuring the technology is field tested, grower informed and ready for commercial operations.

Lance Portman, President

“Growers are tired of empty promises, and they want machines that work,” said Lance Portman, President of Stout. “At Stout, we’re no longer asking executives to take a leap of faith on our data analytics. We are showing you the acres, the numbers, the impact. This is automation that’s working to address multiple pain points for growers today — and it’s only getting better.”

About Stout Industrial Technology: Founded in 2019, Stout Industrial Technology, Inc. builds machines that reduce labor requirements for growers by combining AI with professional-grade industrial automation. Comprising team members from the high-stakes, high-performance industries of automotive racing, defense, aerospace, medical, agriculture, and manufacturing, Stout Industrial Technology provides solutions that are field-tested, environmentally friendly and help growers lower their operating costs while improving quality and yield.

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