In the heart of the agritech revolution, a quiet storm is brewing, led by a former peanut farmer turned tech innovator. Joey Koebelen, Founder and CEO of Deep Sand Technology, is on a mission to democratize high-precision farming technology, making it accessible and affordable for farmers across the United States and beyond.
Koebelen’s journey began about five years ago when he was searching for an affordable Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) system for his peanut farm. Dissatisfied with the high costs and limitations of existing systems, he discovered the FJDynamics system, which offered superior quality at a fraction of the price. This sparked an idea that would eventually lead to the founding of Deep Sand Technology.
Deep Sand Technology specializes in providing affordable, high-precision auto-steering systems, with a focus on RTK technology. The company’s unique selling proposition lies in its farmer-centric approach. Koebelen and his team, all of whom have farming backgrounds, understand the specific needs and challenges of farmers, ensuring that the technology they provide is practical, reliable, and supported by people who speak the language of the land.
One of the key partnerships that sets Deep Sand Technology apart is its collaboration with GEODNET, the largest RTK network in the world. This partnership allows Deep Sand Technology to offer RTK services in rural areas, where traditional base stations may not reach. By providing farmers with access to RTK technology, Deep Sand Technology is helping to reduce input costs, improve efficiency, and promote environmentally friendly farming practices.
The implications of this technology are vast. For crops like peanuts, potatoes, and cucumbers, which require high accuracy for planting and harvesting, RTK technology can significantly reduce waste and increase yield. Moreover, as the USDA promotes farming practices that require RTK, such as precise soil sampling and variable rate application of fertilizers and chemicals, the demand for this technology is set to rise.
The adoption of RTK technology is also being driven by the increasing use of drones, in-row cultivators, and autonomous machinery in agriculture. As these technologies become more prevalent, the need for high-precision navigation and guidance systems will only grow. Deep Sand Technology, with its farmer-centric approach and strategic partnerships, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
Beyond agriculture, the potential applications of RTK technology are vast. From construction surveying to snowplow navigation, the precision and reliability of RTK systems can improve efficiency and safety across a wide range of industries.
As for the future, Koebelen is optimistic. He sees a world where RTK technology is as common on farms as tractors, where farmers can rely on high-precision guidance systems to navigate their fields with ease. And with Deep Sand Technology leading the charge, that future may not be far off. Read the full story and additional exclusive interviews here.
