Smart Ag, founded in Ames, Iowa, in 2015, quickly emerged as a leader in agricultural automation. The company developed AutoCart, an innovative system that transformed standard tractors into autonomous grain cart operators. This technology aimed to address the challenges of labor shortages in agriculture while increasing efficiency and productivity during harvest.

In 2019, Smart Ag was acquired by Raven Industries, a pioneer in precision agriculture. The integration allowed Smart Ag’s autonomy software and systems to be scaled and commercialized within Raven’s broader portfolio. Raven’s precision agriculture division now leverages Smart Ag’s innovations as part of its mission to provide farmers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

By automating critical tasks such as grain cart operation, Smart Ag and Raven have helped farmers reduce operational bottlenecks, optimize labor use, and improve overall harvest performance. After Raven’s acquisition by CNH Industrial in 2021, Smart Ag’s legacy continues to thrive as a vital component of Raven’s autonomy and automation strategy, cementing its role in shaping the future of farming.