Aussie livestock tech company tags Johnson County for its new North American HQ
January 29, 2025 | Startland News Staff
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.”
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.
Featured Business

2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KCSourceLink releases annual We Create KC report
In 2012, Kansas City made the bold proclamation it wanted to become the most entrepreneurial city in America. To track its progress, entrepreneurial resource hub KCSourceLink launched We Create KC, a series of reports that track metrics associated with the health of the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From access to capital to jobs created, the report looks…
UMKC’s Bloch Venture Hub offers multi-tier hub for startups at different stages
A new community resource space for Kansas City entrepreneurs at all stages launched Friday with the aim to build a bridge for early-stage ventures. Previously a Country Club Bank location, the facility hopes to cultivate more local entrepreneurial ventures. Located at 4328 Madison St., the Bloch Venture Hub is powered by University of Missouri-Kansas City’s…
Digital Sandbox announces funding for six new companies
On Thursday, Digital Sandbox KC announced its newest cohort of six area startups. Led by entrepreneur Jeff Shackelford, the Kansas City-based incubator welcomed 17° 73° Innovation Co, Anticipate Ventures, FEWDM, Homegrown & Happy, Live-K and TicketRx to the program. “The continued support through partnerships, like Independence, Olathe and Great Plains Energy for the Energy…
During Taste of Techstars, David Cohen offers three tips for hopeful applicants
Founder and co-CEO of Techstars David Cohen addressed Kansas City via a simulcast on Thursday morning, sharing three tips for startups. This preceded the day long workshop Taste of Techstars, which is hosted in multiple Techstars cities. Including simulcast talks, mentor sessions and pitch practice — Kansas City Techstars managing director Lesa Mitchell said she…


