WGCIT Resident FARMX: REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE By Emily Lyons, Program Manager
Founded in 2014, FarmX emerged with a mission to tackle the pressing issues of irrigation, fertilization and water management in California’s agricultural sector. What began with an innovative soil moisture probe has evolved into a comprehensive suite of technological tools, thanks to a series of groundbreaking Today, FarmX positions itself as a trusted advisor for growers looking to adopt advanced technology. The company’s primary goal is to provide tools that optimize crop yields, conserve resources and mitigate threats, ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices. innovations and strategic mergers. A Trusted Advisor for Growers In 2022, FarmX acquired AutoModality, a leader in fully autonomous software for robots and drones. This acquisition has propelled FarmX to the forefront of autonomous farming technology. The robotics team at FarmX is pioneering GPS- denied autonomous navigation for ground vehicles and drones, enabling precise navigation in challenging environments, such as under tree canopies, mountainous terrain and near infrastructure. This innovation marks a significant shift toward mission-driven autonomous technology in agriculture. Exciting Developments in Autonomous Farming • 2025 Pilot Program: FarmX will pilot its first autonomous tractors, showcasing the potential of its advanced technology.
• Retrofit Kits: The company will offer kits to retrofit existing vehicles, making autonomous technology accessible to more farmers. • Perceptive Vision Navigation: This cutting-edge navigation system will be available for drones, rovers and tractors, enhancing their operational capabilities. On the farm management side, FarmX offers Osmo, a product designed to thrive in all types of soil. Osmo provides real-time data through a mobile app and can sense up to 48 cubic feet, outperforming other sensors on the market. This capability allows farmers to make informed decisions based on accurate and comprehensive soil data. FarmX’s leadership team comprises visionary innovators driving the company’s mission forward. CEO Tuchar Dave and VP of Robotics Robin Woodby, the founders of FarmX, bring a shared vision for revolutionizing agriculture. Dan Hennage, VP of Robotics, spearheads the autonomy team, focusing on the development of cutting-edge autonomous solutions. Leif Chastaine, Executive VP of Commercialization, serves as the primary contact for growers interested in adopting FarmX’s advanced technologies, ensuring seamless integration and support. Together, this team is shaping the future of agricultural innovation. FarmX continues to push the boundaries of agricultural technology, providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry. For more information or to connect with FarmX, interested growers can reach out to Leif Chastaine at leif@farmx.ag.
29 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
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