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

    MTC grant puts ‘cherry on top’ for KC startup closing its seed round; two more local companies earn MO funding

    By Tommy Felts | February 7, 2024

    A trio of Kansas City tech startups are among seven Missouri companies splitting $2.2 million in equity-based investments from the State of Missouri — a funding milestone that not only reflects momentum, but amplifies it, one grant-winning founder said. The Missouri Technology Corporation on Tuesday announced the awards from its IDEA Fund, with investments slated for…

    Pipeline’s new cohorts show ‘power of diversity’; here’s who’s joining the elite entrepreneur network

    By Tommy Felts | February 1, 2024

    Pipeline’s roster of high-growth Midwest entrepreneurs swelled Thursday as the premier fellowship network officially announced more than two dozen founders joining its 2024 Fellowship and Pathfinder Program. “The selected Fellows and Pathfinders represent the power and impact of diverse companies, leaders and regions being represented in a cohort,” said Vincent, executive director of Pipeline Entrepreneurs.…

    KC startup pairs with blockchain platform to build trust, value in premium beef genetics

    By Tommy Felts | January 31, 2024

    A newly announced strategic collaboration is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle promote the value of feeder cattle, while simultaneously bringing more transparency to a critical market segment within the beef industry. The initiative between Vytelle and BlockTrust Network — an API-driven platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance trust within the beef supply chain —…

    Leveraging KC’s resources: How the right people at the right time can unlock a startup’s potential

    By Tommy Felts | January 27, 2024

    The level of collaboration seen in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is unmatched by peer communities, said Jill Meyer, noting it’s not a phenomenon that developed by accident. And it takes transparency and trust, she added. “There is a lot of work that resource partners do to make sure that our companies and our founders have…