Kirk Bulis on Software, Strategy, and the Future of Ag Tech
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 experiences at Sonos to early consumer tech projects in the iPod era, I found myself craving a new challenge—something impactful and innovative. In late 2023, Steven Snyder reached out to me, since we had shared an advisor at UCLA, and he invited me to visit Stout. As soon as I saw the machines and met the team, I knew this was something special. I joined in early 2024 as Director of Software, ready to help scale the company’s cloud and edge software infrastructure.
Day to day, I work closely with our software team to keep us aligned with what matters most, delivering value to growers today, while also laying the groundwork for tomorrow. I’m not just overseeing from a distance; I stay hands-on with development and make sure our work is concerted and intentional. Steven and I collaborate constantly to ensure our software architecture supports the machine vision, cultivator functionality, and data insights that are core to Stout’s platform.
One of our greatest technical challenges is managing the massive volume of data generated by the Smart Cultivator in a cost-efficient way, while still delivering high performance tools for our growers to visualize. Our mission is to help growers easily access meaningful field data that gives them the edge they need to maximize their returns. To achieve this, we prioritize tight feedback loops and frequent incremental updates, working closely with early adopters like Tanimura & Antle, whose insights are critical to refining and improving our solutions.
Our team is continuously working on how we collect, visualize, and deliver data to customers. Right now, we’re finalizing a web app that makes field-level information accessible and intuitive. We’re working toward a future where growers can use per-plant data to track size, spacing, and growth patterns, helping them forecast harvest timelines and improve efficiency. It’s not just about seeing what happened yesterday; it’s about predicting what will happen next. But to reach that potential, growers have to commit to the process and scan their fields consistently to unlock the full value of the platform.
What excites me most about AI and edge computing in agriculture is the opportunity to empower growers, not replace them. There’s a misconception that AI tells farmers how to grow. That’s not the goal. AI should be a tool that makes seasoned growers even more precise, efficient, and competitive. With generative AI and large language models, we can create tools that help synthesize vast datasets and provide clear, contextual recommendations without taking the grower out of the loop.
To software engineers interested in Ag Tech, I say this: be smart, but also be wise. Know the business, the market constraints, and the physical realities of working with soil, water, and weather. Ag tech isn’t just software on a screen. It’s a living system. My proudest achievement at Stout so far is helping shape our data platform, moving from a patchwork of tools to a robust, scalable system that enables faster updates, safer decisions, and more trust with customers. We’re laying the foundation for a new paradigm in farming, and I’m excited to keep building it.
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.
About Stout
Stout is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in precision implements and AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for growers. Committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology, Stout continues to lead the way in developing advanced machinery for the farming community.
