more on the roost: A low-risk, high-return farm automation pilot for hardy county, WV

Hardy County’s farms are already innovating. The Rural Operations Optimization & Systems Trial (ROOST) — Questr Automation LLC’s on-farm pilot — turns that momentum into practical, measurable gains you can feel in your chores, your utility bills, and your margins. At its core, the ROOST is simple: we work with you to test a few right-sized automations on your farm, measure the results, and line up funding so the payback is fast and the risk stays low. You choose what gets installed; we handle the heavy lifting.

What’s in it for participating farms?
First, time back. Automations take over repetitive tasks—egg handling, feed/water checks, ventilation and lighting setpoints — so you make fewer extra trips and spend more time on management (or family). Second, real cost relief. We estimate ROI and energy savings up front and help you pursue USDA, WVDA, conservation district, and utility incentives that can cover a meaningful share of costs. Third, steadier barns and cleaner records. Sensors, simple dashboards, and biosecurity checklists reduce surprises and make audits and lender conversations easier.

Farmer-led, funding-forward.
The ROOST is built around farmer leadership—nothing is imposed. We start with a short fit check, map your pain points, and bring you a menu of practical options that match your operation and your constraints (power, connectivity, season). Every option is paired to a likely funding path (e.g., energy efficiency, conservation cost-share, or value-added upgrades) so you’re not carrying the whole bill. If something doesn’t work for you, we adjust or turn it off—no penalty, no hard sell.

Proof you can take to the bank.
This pilot isn’t theory. We baseline current hours, inputs, and outcomes; we monitor after installation; and we summarize results in a crisp, two-page case study you can share with your lender or processor. Our north-star targets are ambitious but practical: aim for significant time savings (hundreds of hours per year across a full effort), material efficiency gains, and measurable energy reductions that shorten payback.

A fast, farmer-friendly experience.
Participation is straightforward: quick intake, on-farm planning, installs timed to your calendar, hands-on training, and responsive support throughout one full production cycle. At the end, you keep the know-how (and often the gear), plus a clearer path to expand what worked—on your terms.
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For more information, contact Dave Oberting at [email protected] or 202.568.0852.