Who is gradient?

Here at Gradient we are a group of passionate individuals that believe in using technology to improve agricultural practices. We take the complications of technology and simplify it so that farmers can better understand what is going on in their field. We believe through the use of our cutting edge technology and amazing customer service, we can help you improve your farming practices.

From research to product

Gradient started off as a Research and Development project under the Morning Star Company to help tomato growers better their irrigation management practices.

After many years of trials and adjustments to our initial precision irrigation system, we finally reached a model that helps growers improve irrigation management practices in their fields.

Our finalized model consists of 4 main systems interacting with each other:

  1. Weather based system
  2. Soil based system
  3. Crop based system
  4. Satellite Images based system

Through the use of all our systems we have been able to help growers make better irrigation management decisions. As a result growers have seen an average of 10% to 20% water savings, potentially increased yields, and better fruit/ nut quality.

Learn about the different sensors we use in your field

Our Mission

In collaboration with growers our mission is to implement intelligent agriculture technology and data driven solutions. We assist growers in the decision-making process to achieve better crop yields, quality and overall profitability while improving sustainable production practices.

The purpose of Gradient has always been to provide value to agriculture growers. We believe that when the grower is successful, in turn we are successful. As a result we worked hard to create a user friendly system that makes it possible for people of all backgrounds and ages to quickly and easily make irrigation management decisions.

Here at Gradient we take pride in being innovators and leaders of precision irrigation systems. With our precision irrigation system, you can rest soundly knowing that we’ll be monitoring your crops.

The Future

Gradient has always had strong roots in researching and developing new technologies that will provide value for agricultural growers. We’ve been working hard partnering with companies that are industry leaders to jointly develop new technologies for Gradient customers. Some of the technologies that we are working to add to Gradient include: Automated Laser Weeding, Soil Nutrient Monitoring, Irrigation Valve Automation,  and Automated Pest Monitoring.

Meet the Team

Saul Alarcon

Saul is an Agronomist for Gradient with over 30 years experience in agriculture. His vast experience in agriculture and plant health has been instrumental in developing Gradient’s robust crop models (stress, soil moisture, etc), which in turn allow us to provide best in class service to our growers. Saul holds a BSc. degree in Biology with a specialty in plant health from the Instituto Tecnológico de Los Mochis and is currently pursuing an MSc degree in Agronomy from IOWA State University. Outside of Gradient, Saul enjoys watching basketball, cycling and playing with his dog.

Javier Garrido

Javier Garrido is the lead Software Engineer for Gradient. Over the 8 years he has been with Morning Star’s Agriculture R&D team and Gradient, he has leveraged his love and knowledge of data and technology to help improve agricultural practices. He holds a BS in Computer Science from California State University of Sacramento. Outside of Gradient, he enjoys gaming and watching movies with his wife and dachshund pup Watson.

Vanessa Castillo

Vanessa Castillo is the Lead Field Technician for the southern area. She has been with Morning Star since 2018 and assists growers in using technology to make better informed decisions. She has a degree in Plant Science from Fresno State University. Outside of Gradient, she likes to play with her Yorkie (Potato).

Casey Valcheck

Casey Valcheck is an Agronomist with a BS in Plant Science from UC Davis. He has been with Gradient and Morning Star for 6 years and holds a PCA and a CCA. His knowledge in plant science has helped hone in Gradient’s stress models for Tomatoes, Almonds and Pistachios. Outside of Gradient, he enjoys getting involved in his family farm consisting of pistachio trees.

Exsaelth Jimenez

Exsaelth Jimenez is the Lead Field Technician for Gradient in the northern region. He has a BA in Economics from Sacramento State and has been working with Morning Star for over 10 years in the Agriculture side. As a Lead field tech he ensures total customer satisfaction by keeping all gradient services up and running as-well as addressing any client concerns. The buck stops here they say!

Oliver Dolan

Oliver Dolan is a Software Engineer for the Gradient team. He has a BS in Computer Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Starting his career with Gradient in 2024 his goal is to ensure the growers are able to see their data and make timely irrigation decisions along with helping make the lives of the team easier with technology in any way he can. Outside of Gradient, he enjoys traveling and playing soccer.

Guillermo Jazo

Guillermo Jazo came on board in 2023 with a degree in Ag business. His role involves managing outreach, client relations, and field tech operations, focusing on building strong relationships with our clients. He is passionate about leveraging innovative agricultural technologies to improve crop yields and create sustainable farming solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, going to the gym and spending time with loved ones.