#2 - Tom Gauthier, Founder & CEO at AgTechLogic
Slice of Agriculture Team
03/10/2025
In Episode #2 of Slice of Agriculture our guest is:
Tom Gauthier, Founder & CEO at AgTechLogic.
Listen to the full episode to learn about:
- Live from the Pistachio Grower Conference – Tom shares insights from Monterey, CA.
- The Birth of AgTechLogic – A journey from chemical engineering to ag-tech innovation.
- Precision Spraying Technology – How AI-driven herbicide application cuts costs and reduces waste.
- Challenges Farmers Face – Rising input costs, labor issues, and the need for real-time data.
- Future of AgTechLogic – Expanding globally and integrating AR/VR for next-gen farming solutions.
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Live from the Field: A Conference with a Purpose
When Tom Gauthier joined the podcast, he was in an unexpected but fitting place—the Pistachio Grower Conference in Monterey, California, the world’s largest event dedicated to pistachio farming. As the Founder and CEO of AgTechLogic, Tom was there to connect with growers and demonstrate how precision agriculture technology can help tackle one of their biggest challenges: reducing herbicide use while improving efficiency.
A casual chat at a networking event highlighted the impact of AgTechLogic’s solutions. A grower voiced his struggle with weed control costs, and Tom's response? "That’s exactly what we do." Moments like these reinforce the real-world demand for technology-driven solutions in agriculture.
The Journey to AgTechLogic
Tom’s background is a fascinating blend of problem-solving and innovation. With a degree in chemical engineering and a military background specializing in nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, he transitioned into the corporate world, securing multiple patents while working at Procter & Gamble.
But his true calling came when he moved to Arizona and had a pivotal conversation with an agronomist. Farmers were struggling with weed control, water conservation, and labor shortages—and Tom saw an opportunity. He decided to take the leap, founding AgTechLogic three and a half years ago to bring cutting-edge technology to farming.
How AgTechLogic is Transforming Farming
At the heart of AgTechLogic’s innovation is precision spraying technology, designed to drastically reduce herbicide use. Traditional farming methods involve filling large tanks with chemicals and indiscriminately spraying entire fields. Tom’s solution? Smart sprayers using AI and chlorophyll fluorescence sensors.
Here’s how it works:
- The technology detects chlorophyll, distinguishing weeds from soil or concrete.
- Sprayers target only the weeds, reducing chemical use by up to 90%.
- AI-powered imaging captures field conditions in real time, allowing farmers to detect pests, diseases, and irrigation issues.
Beyond weed control, AgTechLogic’s technology integrates with any precision sprayer and can even be used beyond agriculture. It’s a game-changer for an industry that has been slow to adopt data-driven solutions.
Challenges Farmers Face & The Role of Data
Agriculture remains one of the last industries without widespread real-time data collection. While industries like finance and healthcare rely on analytics for decision-making, many farmers still operate on instinct. However, that’s starting to change.
Tom sees AI and real-time data as the future of farming. AgTechLogic enables farmers to retrofit old equipment with smart sensors, much like turning a regular TV into a smart TV with a streaming stick. This means:
- Instant data collection for better decision-making.
- Cost savings on herbicides, labor, and water.
- Insights into crop health, pest control, and soil conditions.
As Tom puts it, “AI won’t replace farmers, but farmers using AI will replace those who don’t.”
Surprising Insights from the Field
One of the most surprising insights Tom has learned from farmers? The unexpected consequences of climate change.
For example, a California citrus grower suffered a $2 million loss due to a snail infestation—caused by an unusual amount of rain. If AgTechLogic’s technology had been in place, it could have detected the snails early, preventing the loss.
Farmers are resourceful and adaptable, but better data helps them make faster, more informed decisions.
What’s Next for AgTechLogic?
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Tom has two major goals:
- Going Global: AgTechLogic is developing an “AgTelio in a Box” solution, allowing farmers worldwide to order plug-and-play technology for their existing equipment.
- Augmented & Virtual Reality: A new patent-pending AR/VR system aims to engage younger generations in agriculture, making farming more efficient and data-driven.
Final Thoughts
Tom Gauthier’s mission with AgTechLogic is more than just business—it’s about transforming agriculture for a more sustainable future. His approach combines profitability with environmental responsibility, proving that precision agriculture can benefit both farmers and the planet.
As AgTechLogic expands globally, its impact on efficiency, sustainability, and profitability will only grow. Stay tuned for more innovations as they continue to revolutionize the way farmers use data and technology to feed the world.
