Year End Review
As we start a new year, we found it the perfect time to reflect on a great 2024! It was a transformative year for our team; from our product launch to invaluable lessons learned. To get a behind-the-scenes look on a year of challenges, milestones and successes we sat down with CEO Kyle Folk and COO Divyesh Patel.
Big Wins: Milestones That Defined 2024
When asked about the year’s major milestones, Kyle dove right into the year’s biggest accomplishment: "Getting the benchtop MV/NIRS into commercialization and being used on farm and in facilities as well as testing the on-combine unit on multiple farms—those were monumental achievements," he stated. These milestones are not just wins for us but big wins for the industry, showcasing years of dedication and innovation in redefining grain grading processes.
For Divyesh, seeing the benchtop in action was a standout moment. “Nothing made me more excited than dropping off those first benchtop units to customers. Watching them pour grain through the system and seeing it work seamlessly—there’s nothing like it,” he said.
Kyle also took great pride in the recognition the team received, which underscored their hard work and innovation. "Receiving the ABEX Awards was also a highlight this year, affirming the impact and relevance of our work," he added.
The value of strategic partnerships formed over the year was something both Kyle and Divyesh shared. The collaborations have not only accelerated growth but have also enhanced product development, leading to more robust and relevant solutions.
Lessons from the Field
Last year marked a significant evolution for us, transitioning from a focus on development to embracing the complexities of manufacturing. "We weren't just crafting prototypes anymore; we became a full-blown manufacturing company," Divyesh explained. "It was a major leap, but it aligned perfectly with our strategic direction."
Kyle highlighted the challenges of moving beyond R&D to meet real-world demands. "The shift was profound—we weren’t building just for ourselves anymore. We needed to ensure that our products not only met but exceeded customer expectations, and that required a whole new level of support and engagement from our side," he stated.
Divyesh also praised the team's adaptability, "This past year emphasized the importance of flexibility and quick adaptation. These qualities have been important as we've balanced the drive for innovation with the necessity of operational excellence."
Celebrating Our Team
Both Kyle and Divyesh highlighted the critical role of their team in the year's achievements. Kyle expressed deep appreciation for the team's efforts, "They’re the reason we’re here. From the grain data collectors who dedicate countless hours to mastering the nuances of grain to the software developers who skillfully address our spur-of-the-moment ideas with expertise, every team member has profoundly contributed."
Kyle also shared the weight of his responsibilities and the essential support he receives: "A big thing for me is ensuring we're effectively raising capital and managing the business—that responsibility rests on my shoulders. But I can't perform effectively without the team excelling at their roles. They truly are the backbone of all our success."
Echoing Kyle's sentiments, Divyesh added, "While Kyle and I might steer the ship, it’s the team that powers it forward. They've embraced challenges with enthusiasm and have consistently exceeded our expectations. We simply couldn’t achieve any of this without them."
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The future is bright at Ground Truth Agriculture, with big plans already in motion. Expanding grain types to include red lentils, oats, and soybeans is a top priority. “We’re taking what we’ve learned and applying it to new grain types,” Kyle explained. “It’s exciting to think about how this technology can impact even more parts of the supply chain.”
Divyesh is focused on scaling up production. “Our current space isn’t enough anymore. Moving into a larger manufacturing facility is a key goal for this year, and it’s going to be a real step up for us,” he said.
Both are also eager to gather more feedback from customers. “The more hands we get these units into, the better,” Divyesh said. “Hearing directly from users helps us refine and improve.”
Thank You
Reflecting on the support from their community, Kyle expressed gratitude: “Thank you to everyone involved, from our dedicated team to our innovative partners and supportive investors. The commitment from all has been a huge contributor to our success.”
Divyesh added, “The openness to change has enabled us to transform an industry. It’s the willingness to adopt new approaches that propels us forward.”
Kyle and Divyesh shared a unified message: “We are incredibly thankful for the trust placed in us and the feedback that shapes our journey in automated grain grading. Together, we look forward to achieving remarkable things in AgTech.”
