Michael Gomes has been active in the digital transformation of agriculture for more than 25 years, as it has been moving from precision technologies to decision-based systems with a careers experience of implementing field automation from planting through harvest. As vice president of business development for Topcon Agriculture his responsibilities include aspects of business strategy, product development and strategic relationships to drive business growth. His personal experience includes utilizing technologies of measurement; optical, sonic, and positioning toward improving in field efficiency and he is a co-inventor on patents for auto steering, sensors and user interface.
In support of developing a stronger industry, Michael currently serves on the USA federal task force for connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture; under the FCC in affiliation with U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also Serves on the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) councils for Regulatory Affairs and Agriculture Innovation. He is also a founding board member of Ag Data Coalition not for profit corp., PACE advisory committee for stewardship and moderator of Germany’s VDI conference on connected off highway vehicles. Michael has served as guest or speaker for numerous international conferences and podcasts on agriculture innovation and connectivity.
As a native of California, he has familiarity with horticultural crop production and irrigation technologies. Michael holds a B.S. from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; MBA from Golden Gate University, graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program (Class 33) and has also been recognized as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He and his wife Kara have a daughter and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and beef cattle ranching in their spare time.