Questr Automation & John Deere

Strategic Partnership Roadmap: The "Last-Mile" of Autonomy

A proposal for Cody Sorge

Presented by Dave Oberting, Managing Director

Questr Automation, Inc. - A Delaware Subchapter C Corp

The "Last-Mile" Strategy

Bridging the gap between engineering and rural reality.

• Deere builds the best machines; Questr makes them work in legacy barns.
• We act as the "Modular Integrator" for the Eastern Panhandle.
• ROOST provides the localized data and workforce Deere needs to scale.

Horizon 1: Operations & Workforce

Immediate value through hardware and human capital.

• 1. Retrofit Integration: Certified installation for "Autonomy Prep" kits.
• 11. Circular Economy: Regional hub for Deere sensor/actuator refurb.
• 3. ROOST Apprenticeship: Training for Deere tech in multi-vendor barns.
• 20. VR Training: AR/VR modules for local tech readiness at EWVCTC.

Horizon 1: Financial & UX Synergy

Removing the barriers to high-end tech adoption.

• 4. Financial Navigation: Layering USDA/WVDA grants with Deere lending.
• 16. Modern Pioneer Scholarship: Joint funding for first-gen tech farmers.
• 19. UX Loop: Providing Deere with data on first-time auto-transitions.

Horizon 2: R&D & Connectivity

Expanding the "Brain" of the farm through integration.

• 2. The Data Loop: Barn sensor data into Deere Operations Center.
• 9. Rough Terrain: Stress-testing algorithms on 30% Appalachian grades.
• 15. Connectivity: Piloting private CBRS/LTE "Data Bubbles."
• 6. Edge Computing: Starlink-integrated fail-safes for zero-latency.

Horizon 2: Specialized Industry Vertical

Dominating the poultry and specialty crop niche.

• 5. Poultry Automation: Autonomous cleaner prototypes on Deere chassis.
• 14. Precision Logistics: "Smart Gator" follow-me kits for feed houses.
• 18. High-Tunnel Autonomy: Testing narrow-track platforms for steep grades.
• 12. Multi-Vendor API: Making Deere the aggregator for all 3rd-party data.

Horizon 3: The Future Revenue Model

Evolving from unit sales to ecosystem services.

• 8. Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS): Shared fleets managed by Questr.
• 13. Carbon Audit: Using high-accuracy sensors for sequestration credits.
• 7. Sustainable Compliance: Automating NRCS/WVCA reporting via data.
• 17. Disaster Resiliency: Post-storm assessment using See & Spray™.

The Partnership Outcome

Establishing the "Small Farm" Tech Standard.

• 10. Joint Advocacy: Defining federal "Climate-Smart" grants.
• Scalability: Hardy County as the blueprint for Appalachia.
• Commitment: Questr Automation, Inc. as the trusted regional arm.

Strategic Alliance

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