Back in July, Sarah and Jodi sat down with the whole GK Technology, Inc.  team at the annual GK Tech summer retreat. In the discussion that follows, we celebrate growth, innovation, and camaraderie. Listen to hear Darin's reflections on founding the company, Kelly's pivotal role in boosting sales, Cheryl's witty take on finance, and more. We share how GK has expanded our available data library storage to over a petabyte, moving from USB thumb drives to hot server rooms.

We also explore the transformative power of precision agriculture, from boosting yields to advancements in watershed modeling and herbicide optimization. Join us for a look at how teamwork, creativity, and innovation drive GK Technology's mission to revolutionize agriculture (and join is for a few laughs along the way, too!)

This is the official end of season one after a short break; join us next week for the beginning of season 2!

Join us as we celebrate a year of the Ag Geek Speak podcast. Journey with us through the highlights of our first year, from the launch of the Tiny Bytes segment and launch of the GK Field Mapper app. We extend our heartfelt thanks and holiday wishes, and are eagerly looking forward to bringing you more insightful conversations and fresh content ideas in the new year.

Google/YouTube Ag Geek Speak Podcast Feed:  https://www.youtube.com/@geektechforag

Episodes Mentioned: 

• Digging Deep into Soil Science with Professor Emeritus R. Jay Goos: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15610053
• Digging Deep into Soil Science Part 2 with Professor Emeritus R. Jay Goos: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15691382
• Darin Johnson and Kelly Sharpe - Pioneering Precision Agriculture https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14357348
• Darin Johnson and Kelly Sharpe Part 2 - Starting an Ag Software Company https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14452267
• The Art of Crop Planning with Josh Stutrud Part 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14915489 
• The Art of Crop Planning with Josh Stutrud Part 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14986112
• Making Water Flow with Paul Fuller Part 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15071861
• Making Water Flow with Paul Fuller Part 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15155876
• From Wilderness to Sky: Clint Streeter's Path to Aerial Imagery Excellence https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15390373
• Geeking Out About Aerial and Satellite Imagery with Clint Streeter https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15543372
• The Man Behind the Curtain: Travis Yeik pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16174248
• Talking AI with The Man Behind the Curtain: Travis Yeik pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16191185
• Tiny Bytes: Introducing GK Field Mapper: We Have an App for That! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15580930
• Accounting for Field Variability with Dr. Dave Franzen https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15206650
• Making Zones Happen with Dr. Dave Franzen https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15314565
• Reading the Landscape with Dr. Tom DeSutter pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16097130
• The Science of the Landscape with Dr. Tom DeSutter pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16131402
• What's in a Soil Test? Getting the Answers with John Breker Pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15772532
• Potassium, pH, and Precision Soil Sampling: John Breker Pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15854748
• Tiny Bytes: GNSS? GPS? What's the Difference? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16178935
• Tiny Bytes: Raster Monster! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15509080

GK Field Mapper App:
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gkmobile.droid&hl=en_US&pli=1
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gk-field-mapper/id6448194019

We will be back with new episodes in the New Year!

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping precision agriculture. We dive deeper into ADMS with software developer Travis Yeik, talk turning digital signals into hydraulic actions, and dive deep into artificial intelligence (AI).

Our latest episode of Tiny Bytes dives into the fascinating world of satellite navigation. Discover the differences between GPS and GNSS, learn how satellite triangulation ensures precise positioning, and explore the transformative role of differential systems like WAAS and RTK in precision agriculture. With practical insights into multi-system receivers and the science behind satellite signals, this episode equips you with knowledge to navigate both the tech and trivia of satellite systems. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike, tune in to elevate your understanding of the technology guiding our world! 

GK Technology, Inc.: https://gktechinc.com/

Elevate your understanding of modern agriculture with Travis Yeik, a trailblazer in precision agriculture technology. From his ranching roots in southeastern Wyoming to his role as software developer at GK Technology, Travis' journey is a testament to creativity and hard work. Learn how his agricultural background has shaped his success in programming, blending cutting-edge technology with real-world farming needs.

Explore the fascinating world of remote sensing and its innovative applications in farming and beyond. Travis shares insights on identifying and monitoring species like sagebrush and Phragmites, leveraging the unique wavelength signatures of different vegetation. Dive into the history of remote sensing, the importance of NDVI, and how these technologies unlock critical insights during the growing season to evaluate crop maturity and health.

Helpful formulas: 

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

NDVI = (NIR - RED) / (NIR + RED)

Green NDVI (GNDVI) = (NIR - GREEN) / (NIR + GREEN) 

GK Technology, Inc. https://gktechinc.com/

It is one thing to have a variable rate map. It is another to have a variable rate map on a controller. In this episode of Tiny Bytes, we dive into the basics of exporting prescriptions. 

In this episode, we talk polygons, polygon count limits, vertices, and file size constraints. Whether you're working with modern systems or legacy equipment, this episode equips you with the basics to help you better understand the prescription making process.

GK Technology supports farmers by bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and older equipment, ensuring prescriptions are accurately applied across diverse setups. If you’re looking to master the art of precision ag exporting, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to make your beautiful maps work.

Tiny Byte Shapefile Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15807779

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation as we dive into the world of soil sampling with special guests Kyle Okke, Jason Hanson, and Lane Bothwell, who with us, Ag Geek Speak, form the Montana Mafia. This group spent a couple of days in eastern Montana collecting soil samples for Kyle Okke, and put the GK Field Mapper app to the soil sample test. Together, we explore the challenges, innovations, and camaraderie that make soil sampling both a science and an art.

We share stories from the road, including the creative setups of our soil sampling rigs—from mid-90s pickups to hydraulic probes—and how even small comforts like air conditioning make a big difference during long days in the field. We also cover how the GK Field Mapper app is transforming soil sampling with real-time updates and cloud technology, simplifying the process and enhancing collaboration in the field. 

But it’s not all about the tech and tools! This episode is packed with laughter, friendly competition, and the kind of storytelling that highlights the joys and quirks of working in agriculture. From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the unspoken rules of teamwork, we delve into what makes fieldwork so rewarding.

Whether you’re an experienced agronomist or just curious about precision agriculture, this episode offers a fun and engaging look at the tools, techniques, and teamwork behind soil sampling.

The main dialogue of this episode first appeared on Agronomists Happy Hour 
https://agronomistshappyhour.com/
Thank you Kyle and Jason for letting us replay and make sure to check their podcast out if you haven't already!

GK Technology, Inc. https://gktechinc.com/

GK Field Mapper: https://gktechinc.com/gk_field_mapper/

ADMS: https://gktechinc.com/adms-product/

Join Sarah and Jodi as they discuss the role of satellite imagery, its various sources, and how to select quality satellite imagery for use in precision agriculture applications.

Jodi and Sarah cover NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis and its relationship with crop yield, guiding smarter management of field crops. They share real-world experiences with tools like ADMS and insights into sourcing reliable imagery from platforms like Sentinel, NAIP, and Landsat. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to learn how to overcome challenges like cloud cover and smoke, blend resolutions for more accurate maps, and unlock the secrets to creating actionable zone maps.

Whether you're a precision ag pro or just starting your journey, this episode delivers practical tips and a fresh perspective on using technology to manage field variability. Tune in and take your crop production to the next level!

Tiny Bytes Episode 5: Raster Monster! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15509080

ADMS https://gktechinc.com/adms-product/ and GK Server access information: https://gktechinc.com/consultants/

Unearth the secrets of soil science with our insightful guest, Tom DeSutter, as we navigate the fascinating landscape of soil classification and its vital role in agriculture. Discover how the unique vertisol soils of North Dakota's Red River Valley challenge and inspire local farmers, and learn why understanding soil taxonomy is akin to mastering the Latin naming system for plants and animals. Gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of soil composition on farming decisions, and how the presence of clays like smectite can shape agricultural practices.

Journey with us as we address the challenges of managing soil pH and salinity, particularly in arid climates. Explore the delicate balance of hydrogen ions and nutrient availability, and why substances like calcium carbonate are essential in neutralizing acidity, while gypsum isn't the magic fix for pH woes. Unravel common misconceptions about soil salinity in areas such as the Northern Great Plains, and understand the practical strategies farmers employ to maintain productive, healthy soils despite the presence of diverse salts.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Tom DeSutter from North Dakota State University as he unravels the mysteries of landscape variability. Dr. DeSutter's expertise offers a fresh perspective on the delicate balance between soil health and agricultural sustainability, particularly in the unique terrains of North Dakota.