Stout Industrial Technology Appoints Paul Bonnett as Chief Executive Officer 

“Stout Industrial Technology has shown that AI and robotics have a real place in the field. I’m excited to bring my global agriculture experience to help scale this innovative platform. Together, our team is ready to tackle the toughest operational challenges facing growers and the industry today,” said Paul Bonnet, CEO of Stout Industrial Technology.

“Paul’s leadership and deep expertise in agronomy, data science, and technology make him the ideal choice to guide Stout into its next phase of growth,” said Steven Snyder, Co-Founder at Stout. “His proven ability to turn technology into measurable value for growers will strengthen Stout’s leadership in delivering actionable insights and ROI through field-proven automation and analytics solutions.”

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.

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.

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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Stout Industrial Technology Appoints New Leadership

SALINAS, CA (August 3rd, 2023)

Stout Industrial Technology, a prominent AI company focused on agtech solutions, is proud to announce two significant additions to its leadership team. Ryan Mazzuca joins as the new Business Development Director, and Lance Portman takes the helm as CEO. These strategic appointments are geared towards reinforcing Stout’s commitment to continued growth and enhancing its position as an industry leader in artificial intelligence and agricultural technology.

“I am looking forward to leading the innovative team at Stout,” said Portman. “Together, we will build upon Stout’s already impressive accomplishments and drive the company’s growth to even greater heights. Stout’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture and supporting farmers is unwavering, and I am excited to be a part of this transformative journey.”

Portman brings a distinguished leadership background and record of successfully bringing products to market, stewarding innovative teams and constructing sound business practices, having held key executive roles at prominent companies across the globe, including BJ Services Company, Baker Hughes Incorporated, and PlantTape, a fully automated agriculture transplanting system. His extensive experience in managing diverse operations, specifically in the agricultural sector, will be invaluable in driving Stout’s mission to provide growers with durable, labor-saving farm solutions.

Mazzuca joins Stout as the new Business Development Director, bringing a wealth of experience from companies such as Bloomfield Robotics, Iron Ox, and Tanimura & Antle. His proven track record in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships will play a pivotal role in expanding Stout’s market reach and solidifying its position in the industry.

“I am deeply honored to be a part of the talented, visionary team at Stout,” remarked Mazzuca. “Stout has already established an exceptional product that is positioned to shape the future of agriculture. I am looking forward to contributing to the team and supporting growers tackling the adoption of Stout’s cutting-edge technology.”

With a steadfast commitment to agricultural innovation and a focus on developing AI solutions that empower growers, the Stout team continues to lead the charge in shaping the future of farming. The recent additions to the team are expected to contribute significantly to their ongoing success, further solidifying Stout’s position as the leader for AI solutions in the agriculture industry.

Stout Industrial Technology Adds Global Distribution And Investment From CNH Industrial

Helping growers automate labor-intensive field work with artificial intelligence

SALINAS, CA (December 9, 2022)

Stout Industrial Technology, Inc. (Stout) has announced an investment from and global distribution agreement with CNH Industrial that will see Stout’s AI-powered Smart Cultivators sold and serviced at New Holland dealerships worldwide.

The machines simultaneously cultivate and remove weeds at the rate of 1 – 2 acres per hour and are anticipated to be available for sale at selected New Holland dealers in early 2023. Stout currently has Smart Cultivators operating in locations across the US and in the United Kingdom. 

The minority investment by CNH Industrial adds Michele Lombardi to Stout’s Board of Directors and adds Stout’s proprietary vision system, neural network and AI expertise to CNH Industrial’s See & Act portfolio of products.

Stout Industrial Technology is a Salinas, CA based artificial intelligence company focusing on labor-intensive applications in agriculture. The Company builds software-defined implements for tractors that use machine vision and AI to identify and remove weeds via mechanical actuation instead of chemicals. Born inside a grower-shipper operation, Stout’s hardware and software solutions are developed from the grower’s perspective, hardened in the field prior to commercialization and continuously improved to help growers lower their operating costs and increase their margins.

Learn more at www.stout.ai or follow Stout Industrial Technology on LinkedIn.

CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) is a world-class equipment and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland Agriculture supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH Industrial has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH Industrial’s 37,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

 For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit: cnhindustrial.com

For news from CNH Industrial and its Brands visit: media.cnhindustrial.com

The blades open and close around the plants and remove any weeds sur-rounding them as it moves down the rows. The cultivating and weeding blades, along with the row width and height, are all easily adjustable. The Smart Cultivator processes fields at one to two acres per hour.

“With the ability to reduce both labor needs and chemical inputs at the same time, early adopters of the Smart Cultivator have found that there is an immediate financial benefit,” says Steven Snyder, Chief Technologist at Stout Industrial Technology. “It’s a great fit for both organic and conventional growers.”

A Machine That Keeps Learning

Currently, Smart Cultivator has the ability to work in fields of leafy greens such as romaine, iceberg and red-leaf lettuce, and brassicas. New crops are continually being added, Snyder says. Tomatoes and melons are coming soon.

“If a grower contacts us about a specific crop, we have a system in place that allows us to very quickly get the images we need to train our system to work on a new commodity,” he says.

Rugged Construction Designed for Field Conditions

The Smart Cultivator has cutting-edge technology, but it is designed with the user in mind. It has a user-friendly, touch-screen interface, precision seed line tracking for tight machine-to-plant spacing, automatic blade depth control and more. The Smart Cultivator requires only a 1,000 RPM PTO and three-point hitch, with no electrical or hydraulic connection to the tractor needed.
It is also designed with field conditions in mind, Snyder says. The Smart Cultivator works on any soil type and has automatic bed pressure and height control systems, which adapt to different soils – even rocky ones.

“We wanted something that would be easy to use and extremely durable, because we know it’s really hard for businesses to integrate new technologies into their operations,” Snyder says. “It’s made of heavy steel, with shock absorbers, and all the electronics and wiring are completely sealed and waterproof. You can pressure wash it; it doesn’t need special handling. Growers who are already using it say it’s reliable, it works, and it’s easy to use,” Snyder says.

Stout Industrial Technology Launches the Smart Cultivator

SALINAS, CA. (February 15, 2021)

After completing more than 1000 hours of trouble-free operation on their first prototype, Stout Industrial Technology completed the first commercial Smart Cultivator in May 2020 and now has completed its 16th commercial machine with more in production. With the initial commercial sales deliveries now completed and operating with success, Stout Industrial Technology is pleased to announce the availability of the Smart Cultivator to farming communities across the United States.

The Smart Cultivator is an automated weeder and cultivator that combines a proprietary, agriculturally proven mechanical platform with a cutting-edge artificial intelligence vision system, called Stout True Vision, to eliminate weeds and cultivate ground in a single pass. The machine processes fields at 1-2 acres per hour with one tractor driver and is rugged and durable. The machine features a self-tuning AI vision system, user-friendly touch screen interface, precision seed line tracking for tight machine to plant spacing, automatic blade depth control and more. The Smart Cultivator requires only a 1000 RPM PTO and 3 point hitch, with no electrical or hydraulics connection to the tractor. All electrical components are shockproof and waterproof.

“The Smart Cultivator addresses a critical labor shortage in the agriculture industry while simultaneously improving efficiencies in farming operations,” says Steven Snyder, Chief Technologist at Stout Industrial Technology.  “Early adopters of the Smart Cultivator have found that there is an immediate financial benefit with the reduction in labor needs and the ability to reduce chemical inputs, making the Smart Cultivator a great fit for both organic and conventional growers.”

The Smart Cultivator is the first of many industrial technologies to come from the diverse group of innovators behind the Stout Industrial Technology brand.  Combining a spirit of innovation and a background in product development, the team’s collective experience portfolio spans from space telescopes and virtual reality headsets, to automated farm equipment and high throughput specialty manufacturing lines.

Stout Industrial Technology looks forward to a bright future creating high quality, intelligent technology and machines that are designed to be dependable and last a lifetime.