LISTEN: Ground Truth Ag puts real-time objectivity into grain grading; here’s how it makes your food safer
October 31, 2025 | Austin Barnes
On this episode of our 12-part Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we speak with Kyle Folk, CEO and founder of Ground Truth Ag — a next-gen ag-tech company using AI, machine vision and near-infrared spectroscopy to deliver real-time grain-quality data across the farm-to-market workflow.
Folk shares how his upbringing on a Canadian farm inspired the mission; how the company went from a folding-table garage startup to a commercial-ready solution; and why giving farmers and grain handlers instant, objective insight into quality is a game-changer for profitability, trust and transparency.
Recorded live at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo in Topeka, explore how the Midwest agtech corridor surprised this founder as “a lot like home.”
Listen to a teaser below or click here for the full podcast episode.
Austin Barnes
Austin is a growth-focused business strategist with deep roots in media and storytelling. As executive editor, he leads Startland’s revenue generation, partnership strategy, and market expansion— aligning mission-driven journalism with scalable business models.
With over a decade of experience spanning media, brand development, and strategic communications, Austin has helped grow Startland’s reach beyond Kansas City, launching new monetization efforts and driving engagement with more than 700,000 readers each year. His work bridges entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth —positioning Startland as a national model for community-centered media.
