CERES TAG Launches Next-Generation CERES RANCHER(TM) Device, Delivering Smarter Animal Health Intelligence for U.S. Cattle Producers

New CERES RANCHER device delivers smarter insights, stronger design, and improved efficiency for modern cattle producers across the U.S.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 28, 2025 – CERES TAG, the global leader in direct-to satellite animal tracking and livestock intelligence, has announced the launch of its newest product, the CERES RANCHER (TM). This advanced technology represents the latest advancement in a series of innovations designed to equip ranchers, producers, veterinarians, and researchers with powerful, real-time insights that strengthen cattle operations from pasture to plate.

Following strong growth in the U.S. market over the first half of 2025 and early success with key partnerships and distribution, CERES TAG has expanded its portfolio with a device that incorporates feedback from years of field use across global operations. The CERES RANCHER builds on the strengths of the original CERES RANCH device, delivering new functionality, durability, and simplicity to producers while maintaining the accuracy and reliability that has defined the company’s reputation.

“This is the next level of livestock intelligence to meet the future and current demands of ranching,” said David Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of CERES TAG. “We’ve listened to producers, researchers, and field experts around the world, and RANCHER is the result of this research. It delivers better analytical data, faster, and with greater ease of use.”

The CERES RANCHER includes improvements in battery performance and a stronger, more rugged housing. It features a simplified application process and a newly designed activation tool that improves alignment and reduces user error. Additionally, its updated algorithms now provide separately reported data for resting and ruminating behaviors, a critical development for producers and researchers seeking to better understand herd activity and efficiency.

As livestock operations across the U.S. face mounting pressure from reduced herd sizes and rising calf prices, tools like CERES RANCHER offer real advantages in herd management. With continuous insights into grazing, movement, health, and behavior, the device supports better decisions, streamlined labor, and increased profitability for producers of all sizes.

“Our platform is not just about location, it’s about insights that help producers be more productive and thrive in today’s competitive environment” Smith added. “We’re focused on improving productivity and profitability with every tag.”

CERES RANCHER will be available through approved distribution channels. The original CERES RANCH device will continue to be offered while supplies last, giving producers the flexibility to choose the product that best meets their operation’s needs.

CERES TAG continues to scale its presence across North America with the mission of redefining ranching through intelligence, not just tracking. With clients including Lykes Bros. Ranch in Florida and research collaborations with the University of Tennessee, the company is quickly establishing itself as an essential platform in modern livestock management.

CERES TAG is the world’s first direct-to-satellite animal health intelligence platform, delivering secure, real-time insights on cattle health, behavior, and location without the need for cellular networks or manual data collection. With operations across the U.S., Australia, and beyond, CERES TAG is reshaping how producers and researchers manage animal health, biosecurity, traceability, and profitability.

For more information about CERES TAG and its innovative solutions, visit www.cerestag.com.


About CERES TAG

CERES TAG is a pioneering Australian company specializing in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology. The company’s innovative solutions provide real-time tracking and data analytics for livestock and wildlife, enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability in the agriculture and conservation sectors. | cerestag.com

Contact:
Cara Neill
cneill@jnaadv.com
913.327.0055

Shifting Gears | Automotive Industry at a Crossroads

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to share insights into transformations underway in the automotive sector — from electrification and advanced manufacturing to rapidly evolving supply chains, shifting trade policies and rising foreign investment.

Industry Leaders Share Vision for the Future of Mobility

Christopher Smith, chief government affairs officer for Ford Motor Company, delivered the keynote address, offering attendees a look at how Ford is building the future of mobility — emphasizing forward-looking investments in electrification and its commitment to American manufacturing.  

“The automotive industry is at an inflection point: rapid changes in electrification and global trade are fundamentally transforming the way we do business,” said Smith. “Ford is meeting the moment by making forward-looking investments in emerging technologies, and our commitment to building the next generation of automobiles in America is central to our long-term success.” 

Featured speakers also included Andy Hrasky, vice president of operations for Magna International, and Dan Lee, principal of automotive and strategy practice for Plante Moran.

Hrasky highlighted Magna’s agility in automotive innovation and sustainability, emphasizing Kansas City’s skilled workforce as a key competitive advantage as the company deepens its investment in the region. Lee, delving into shifting consumer demands and North American investment trends, discussed the critical role of battery supply chains — highlighting Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion EV battery plant in the KC region as a key driver of future competitiveness.

KC’s Momentum in Automotive on Full Display

With a Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $5 billion, the KC region continues to cement its role as a major North American hub for automotive manufacturing. The region is home to 112 auto industry suppliers, including production powerhouses for Ford and General Motors, and employs nearly 23,000 workers in transportation manufacturing — 60% higher than the national average.

Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, emphasized the KC region’s long-standing leadership in the auto sector and how it’s positioned to lead the next era of mobility.

“Kansas City has been a driving force in the automotive industry for decades, and today, that leadership is accelerating into new territory. KC is not just building vehicles — we’re building the future,” said Gutierrez. “As global trends reshape the supply chain and drive new investment, our region is responding with innovation, talent and world-class manufacturing strength. From legacy automakers to new suppliers, the road ahead runs straight through Kansas City.”

Thank you to BNSF Railway, Elevate Edgerton, Panasonic Energy, and all of our sponsors, who made this year’s event possible. 

Kansas City is Shifting Gears | KC SmartPort PULSE

Panoramic photo of the Kansas City FTZ conference room

From Policy Shocks to Supply Chain Shifts: What’s Next for Auto in KC?

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to discuss trends shaping the auto sector and how these shifts are impacting the KC region. Industry experts from Ford, Magna and Plante Moran tackled key topics impacting the automotive sector, such as trade policy uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and evolving product strategies.

Data Deep-Dive: Explore Plante Moran’s in-depth automotive outlook for expert insights into the current state of the industry and what’s driving change in the years ahead.

>> Get the Report

Major Energy Infrastructure Expansions Power Up KC

Evergy is boosting the region’s energy capacity with a newly announced natural gas power plant in Missouri, adding to two 705-megawatt combined-cycle plants previously announced in Kansas. These significant investments position KC to meet rising demand and power the region’s next phase of growth. 

KC Lands Record-Breaking FinTech Win

KC’s cross-industry momentum just hit a new milestone. Fiserv, a Fortune 500 global fintech leader, announced plans to open its newest strategic hub in the region, creating 2,000 jobs — the largest office attraction project in Kansas City’s history.

6 Ways Kansas City Is Winning Global Business & Investment

In a time when international companies are navigating unpredictability in trade policy, energy prices and supply chain, Kansas City is proving why it’s one of the most strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) markets in the U.S.

Today’s international companies are planning not just for next year, but for the next decade and beyond, making macroeconomic stability a top priority. Kansas City delivers long-term value, offering low-risk, high-reward — and international investors are taking notice.

1. Long-Term Stability in a Turbulent Global Market

Foreign investors view KC as a “clarity market” — a welcome contrast to economic chaos elsewhere.

  • A diversified industry base reduces risk for expanding companies.
  • Kansas City’s regulated utility market and expanding energy infrastructure — including Evergy’s recently announced plants in both Kansas and Missouri — offer reliable, long-term operating advantages.

2. Speed-to-Market

Where other markets are stalled by red tape, Kansas City keeps projects moving — fast. That means reduced risk and increased ROI for international companies.

  • KC’s streamlined regulatory environment offers quicker timelines than many international markets.
  • Recent wins, such as Panasonic’s $4B EV battery plant, demonstrate KC’s ability to accelerate projects without sacrificing quality.
  • Kansas City prioritizes site readiness, with infrastructure and utilities in place to help companies move from interest to groundbreaking with minimal delays.

3. America’s Crossroads

KC sits at the heart of North America, where world-class transportation infrastructure meets unmatched connectivity. From this central location, foreign companies can quickly deliver and reliably scale across the continent.

  • Access to four Class 1 rail lines, four intermodal parks and the largest navigable inland waterway in the U.S.
  • 30% more highway miles per capita than any other major U.S. metro — with four major interstates connecting to Mexico and Canada — enabling KC-based companies to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days or less.
  • KC’s state-of-the-art international airport handles more air cargo than any center in a six-state region — and connects to every major U.S. city in three hours or less.

4. Global Reputation

From industry-leading investments to international sports visibility, Kansas City’s momentum is accelerating — sparking a ripple effect of confidence among site selectors, investors and corporate decision-makers evaluating their next move.

  • Fortune 500 companies and global names, including GooglePanasonic and Fiserv, have recently chosen the region for major operations, investing billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs. 
  • As a FIFA World Cup 26™ host city, KC will be in the spotlight for soccer fans around the world.

5. Workforce Ready for Tomorrow

Advanced manufacturing and high-growth sectors thrive in KC, driven by a deep talent pool ready to drive success — ensuring a seamless market entry for foreign companies.

  • KC offers a highly educated, skilled and cost-effective workforce, including nearly 200,000 people employed in manufacturing and logistics.
  • State and local partnerships are growing talent pipelines tailored to emerging industries with effective training programs such as Great Jobs KC.
  • The region’s strong work ethic consistently drives above-average productivity and enables rapid scalability

6. Open for Business and Building Relationships

Kansas City combines a pro-business climate with strategic global engagement, creating a launchpad for long-term, advantageous international partnerships.

  • The motto is simple: Get past the noise. Find a solution. KC’s economic development partners help companies cut through complexity and act.
  • Ongoing international outreach efforts are creating long-term business partnerships, not just transactions.
  • The Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone program provides manufacturing and distribution companies strategic and logistical advantages to help manage global supply chain complexities.

To learn more about Kansas City’s global business advantages and explore partnership opportunities, contact our team today.

KC Attracts Largest Office Project Recruitment in Region’s History with New Fiserv Strategic Fintech Hub

Congratulations to our partners in Overland Park, Kansas, on Fiserv’s selection of the Aspiria Campus for its new strategic fintech hub.

The largest office project recruitment in Kansas City history, the Fortune 500 company’s planned $175 million capital investment is projected to create 2,000 jobs in its initial phase. 

Read the News Release

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations in attracting Fiserv to the KC region:

State of Kansas

Kansas Department of Commerce

City of Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park Chamber of Commerce

Johnson County, Kansas Government

KC Tech Council

Kansas Board of Regents

Great Jobs KC

University of Kansas

Johnson County Community College

JLL

Occidental Management

50strong

Actalent Services and Aston Carter

Allied OneSource

Black & Veatch

CBIZ

Dimensional Innovations

EnterpriseKC

Evergy

EY

Group O’Dell

H&R Block

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce

Heartland Multiple Listing Service, Inc.

Hiring Our Heroes

Kansas City Aviation Department

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS

Kansas City Royals

KC2026 

KC Current

Lockton Companies

Metropolitan Community College

Morgan Hunter Companies

Netsmart

Panasonic Energy

Park University

Parris Communications

Rockhurst University

SkillBridge

Sporting Kansas City

Storia Strategies

Sunflower Talent Strategies

T-Mobile

TeamKC

TreviPay

University of Central Missouri

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City Region Secures Fintech Powerhouse in Record-Breaking Office Project Attraction of Fiserv

The Fortune 500 company’s new strategic hub brings 2,000 jobs, long-term investment and industry innovation to Overland Park’s Aspiria campus

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 21, 2025 – Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a global leader in payments and financial services technology, has announced plans to establish a new strategic fintech hub in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing 2,000 new jobs and a projected $6.5 billion economic impact over the next decade.

The company will invest $175 million to renovate two buildings on the Aspiria campus at 6500 and 6550 Sprint Parkway. Spanning 427,000 square feet, the new strategic hub is the largest office project ever recruited from outside the market and marks a major milestone in the Kansas City region’s rise as a national tech and fintech leader.

“We are thrilled to expand our U.S. footprint, bringing our people together to drive innovation on behalf of our clients,” said Frank Bisignano, chairman and chief executive officer of Fiserv. “The greater Kansas City Metro area offers a dynamic environment with a growing population of tech talent, making it the ideal location for Fiserv’s next strategic fintech hub. Working with local and state leaders, we are committed to driving growth and prosperity for both Fiserv and Kansas while contributing to the vibrancy of the Overland Park community.”

“Fiserv’s new strategic hub in Overland Park is a significant step forward as we continue to elevate Kansas to new heights,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Fiserv will create high-value career options including opportunities for military personnel transitioning to civilian life and graduates of our higher education system.”

Fiserv’s decision to grow in the Kansas City region underscores the metro’s strength in financial services and technology, as well as its ability to attract and retain high-caliber talent. The company plans to offer an average salary of $102,000 at the new hub and anticipates up to $4 billion in payroll investment over the next 10 years.

The new office will join a growing list of innovation centers across the country for Fiserv, including locations in Alpharetta, Milwaukee, Omaha, Berkeley Heights and New York City. The Kansas City region was selected based on its central location, high quality of life and concentration of financial and tech talent — all key to Fiserv’s hub strategy focused on collaboration and innovation.

“Overland Park is already a strong hub for business and technology leadership, and Fiserv is a natural fit in our community,” said Overland Park Mayor Skoog. “The thousands of jobs Fiserv brings, along with the potential to serve neighboring businesses within our thriving community, is a significant win. I look forward to welcoming Fiserv leadership and their employees to our city.”

“This historic investment is another example of a major company choosing to invest here and solidifies Johnson County as the economic engine of the metro region and the State of Kansas,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.

The new strategic hub will also serve as a career engine for the local community, offering high-value opportunities to graduates of regional higher education institutions and to veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

“Fiserv’s investment is monumental — and so is the Kansas City region’s ability to deliver,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With a fast-growing tech sector, a deep pipeline of financial services talent and a business community that works as one, Kansas City has the capacity and competitiveness to meet this moment. There’s no better proof that Kansas City is winning than a global fintech leader choosing KC over markets like Nashville, Dallas and Atlanta. Our market is arriving, and the rest of the country is taking notice.”

“Fiserv’s significant investment and job creation reflect the strength of our community, the vibrancy of our local economy and confidence in our community’s future,” said Tracey Osborne Oltjen, president & CEO of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “The high-paying jobs and innovation this project brings will amplify our strong fintech sector and have a lasting, positive impact throughout the region. We’re proud to have partnered with Overland Park city leaders, the Kansas Department of Commerce and KCADC to make this project possible.”

Fiserv is expected to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Overland Park facility, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. Amenities at the Aspiria campus will support employee well-being, including fitness, dining and collaborative spaces — all aimed at attracting the region’s top tech talent.

“Fiserv selecting the Aspiria campus for a strategic employment hub further adds to the already thriving technology ecosystem in the Kansas City region,” said Chad Stafford, president of Occidental Management. “We are pleased to have played a part in bringing Fiserv’s long-term commitment to the community, where we believe we have a top-notch experiential environment to help attract the very best professional talent in the Midwest.”


About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a Fortune 500 company, aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index and one of Fortune® World’s Most Admired Companies™. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.com

The Connector | April 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Something Big Is Coming: Le's see how big Animal Health can get. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Something BIG is coming to the Animal Health Summit…

The Animal Health Summit is back – and this year’s event is bringing something new to the table – something with the potential to change the conversation. Register today for the Summit happening August 25–26.

We’re not saying much yet. But you’ll want to be there when it lands.

KC Animal Health Corridor Spring Networking Event

🌟 Spring Networking Event – Sponsored by Country Club Bank

Join us May 1 from 4–6 PM at Stock Hill for the AHC’s Spring Networking Event—where good convos (and good drinks) flow.

Spots are limited—register now and we’ll see you there! >> Register Now

Iron Paw Award KC

Dr. Edward Robb Named 2025 Iron Paw Award Honoree

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Edward Robb, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Iron Paw Award.

A respected leader, innovator, and advocate for animal health, Dr. Robb’s impact spans decades—and continues to shape the future of our industry.

On A Mission KC Recognized for Transformative Community Impact

We are proud to recognize On A Mission KC as the 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Service Award.

With tireless dedication and deep local reach, On A Mission KC provides vital veterinary care and support to underserved communities—removing barriers to access and honoring the bond between people and their animals.


How Business Consolidation is Shaping Leadership and Innovation in Animal Health

Business consolidation in the Animal Health industry has reshaped the landscape, influencing not just the size and structure of companies but also the nature of leadership within the sector. The merging of smaller, specialized companies into larger multinational corporations has created a more complex dynamic where a diverse range of thought leaders now play key roles in shaping the industry’s direction.  >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

A Year of Growth and Impact: American Royal’s 2024 Annual Report

Felixvet Announces New Hires to Lead Sales

Chewy Announces Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Hill’s Pet Nutrition announces veterinary leadership changes in US and EMEA

AVMA echoes Congress’ renewed call to recruit and retain veterinarians in high-need areas

ELIAS Animal Health Receives Full Approval from USDA for the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®), First-In-Class Treatment for Canine Osteosarcoma

Elanco Announces Changes to Board of Directors; Signs Research Agreement to Explore Novel Therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease and Life Extension in Pets

Freshpet advances research on pet-human health connection

Merck Animal Health Donates $50,000 to the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization to Support Its Educational Advancement Program

Boehringer Ingelheim Partners with Veeva to Launch ‘One Medicine Platform’

Study identifies possible new treatment for cats with urinary obstructions and elevated potassium levels

Students see success at Midwest American Society of Animal Science Meeting

K-State veterinarian warns of common pet poisons

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Launches “Because You’re Only Human”

Felixvet Launches Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets

Philip J. Bergman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) Joins ELIAS Animal Health Scientific Advisory Board


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1