Aussie livestock tech company tags Johnson County for its new North American HQ

January 29, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

David and Melita Smith, Ceres Tag; courtesy photo

An Australian leader in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology announced its plans Wednesday to establish North American headquarters at the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park — bringing a half-dozen jobs and paving the way for more tech innovators from Australia to land in the local market.

“The Kansas City region was the clear choice,” said David Smith, founder and CEO of Ceres Tag, which makes durable, solar-charged smart monitoring sensors that can be attached to wildlife or livestock. “This region offers the perfect environment to grow our presence and deliver our groundbreaking technology — poised to transform animal health science for businesses across North America.”

Ceres Tag flagship product; courtesy image

Founded by Smith and his wife, Melita, in 2016, the company offers insights previously unavailable to farmers, ranchers and wildlife managers to improve productivity, profits and conservation. By delivering plug-and-play solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing software systems, Ceres Tag empowers a variety of end-users with a scalable and less-intrusive approach to animal monitoring, boosting productivity and profitability.

Its new headquarters will initially support four to six employees, with additional sales representatives positioned strategically across the United States.

The move further strengthens the Kansas City region as a hub for animal health technology and innovation, said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council.

“Ceres Tag’s investment in our region reinforces our global reputation as a leader in animal health innovation,” she explained. “Representing 56 percent of total worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales, the Animal Health Corridor is home to some of the most cutting-edge technology in our industry, and we’re thrilled to welcome Ceres Tag to our robust network.”

With headquarters in Kansas City, Ceres Tag is actively seeking partnerships with businesses across the animal health sector to enhance insights and improve customer outcomes.

Young animal health professionals, digital natives with a heightened focus on animal welfare, represent a key demographic for Ceres Tag’s technology, the company said. By improving market access and providing unprecedented insights into animal health and performance, Ceres Tag equips ranchers, farmers and more with the tools they need to adapt to evolving industry demands and ensure optimized solutions for their own businesses and customers.

Click here to learn more about Ceres Tag.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2025 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Kansas City Crossroads District

    Pure Pitch Rally palms $20K to KC startups

    By Tommy Felts | August 1, 2017

    Kansas City already has the right lineup for its own tech rally, Karen Fenaroli said. “We have the investors, we have the start-up talent,” Fenaroli, founder of Fenaroli & Associates and organizer of Pure Pitch Rally, said.  A pitch competition next month attempts to connect the two, offering winning entrepreneurs an opportunity to nab $1,000…

    Strawberry Swing

    Indie craft, maker fair Strawberry Swing returning Sunday with KC love

    By Tommy Felts | August 1, 2017

    One of the largest indie craft fairs in the Midwest is expected to draw thousands of Kansas Citians to discover local makers and creators. Strawberry Swing’s summer event, set for Sunday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art lawn, aims to showcase vendors from Kansas City, as well as parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma and more.…

    Rack Performance beefs up with seed investment from former Perceptive Software execs

    By Tommy Felts | July 28, 2017

    Lenexa-based Rack Performance has raised a seed investment round that will fuel the exercise tech startup’s sales and development. Rack Performance has raised $300,000 from perceptiveEQUITY, a new early-stage investment firm that’s managed by three former executives at Lenexa-based Perceptive Software, which was purchased by Lexmark International for $280 million in 2010. Lexmark recently sold…

    After 2014 departure, Lyft operations return to KCMO

    By Tommy Felts | July 26, 2017

    Kansas Citians now have more ridesharing options than just Uber. After nearly a three year hiatus, the ride-sharing giant Lyft on Sunday re-launched its operations in Kansas City, Mo., including Kansas City International Airport. Lyft’s arrival represents more local competition among Uber and Lyft, and more choices for riders in Kansas City. Lyft already was…