Michael Gomes
VP Strategic Business Development, Topcon – Agriculture
Michael 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 career experience of implementing electronics for automation from planting through harvest. As Vice President of Strategic Business Development – Agriculture for Topcon, his responsibilities combine strategic relationships, product development, and business strategy to drive 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 Ag Sector Board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and councils for Regulatory, Ag Innovation & Future of Food. He was also recently appointed to serve a second term on the federal taskforce for the Connectivity & Technology needs for Precision Agriculture in the U.S. under the FCC. He is a founding board member of Ag Data Coalition, a not-for-profit corporation, and has served as moderator of Germany’s VDI conference on Connected Off-Highway vehicles 2018-2021. Michael is frequently a guest speaker at conferences and podcasts on precision agriculture or related subjects.
As a native of California, he has familiarity with vegetable crop production and irrigation of the Western U.S. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; an 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.