Episode Details

One of the realities of ranching is that water never takes a day off. Whether you’re running cattle in the Texas Panhandle, the deserts of the Southwest, or the rolling hills of the Southeast, maintaining reliable water systems is one of the most important responsibilities in livestock production. While attending the Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, I had the opportunity to visit with Matthew Jesko of RanchBot, a company that is helping producers take much of the uncertainty out of water management through remote monitoring technology. Jesko serves as a Business Development Manager for RanchBot and covers much of Texas and Oklahoma. Raised around the cattle industry through his family’s commercial cow-calf operation near Dalhart, Texas, he understands firsthand the challenges producers face when it comes to managing water infrastructure across large acreages. 

At its core, RanchBot is a remote water monitoring system designed specifically for agricultural producers. The concept is simple but powerful: rather than spending hours driving from tank to tank checking water levels, producers can monitor those systems from their phone, tablet, or computer. The technology was developed around a common problem in ranching. Most trips to check water end with everything working exactly as it should. However, the one time a producer doesn’t make that trip may be the time a tank runs dry, a well quits working, or livestock are put at risk. RanchBot aims to eliminate that uncertainty. Using satellite-powered technology, RanchBot monitors water levels and infrastructure in areas where traditional cellular service may not exist. Whether a water tank sits on a remote ranch in West Texas, a grazing allotment in New Mexico, or a pasture in Oklahoma, the system continues to communicate through satellite connectivity. The result is near real-time information delivered directly to the producer. If water levels drop unexpectedly, a well stops pumping, or another issue develops, RanchBot sends notifications so operators can respond before livestock are affected. That proactive approach can save producers time, fuel, labor, and potentially significant losses associated with water shortages. Beyond monitoring water levels, the system can also provide valuable insights into livestock behavior by tracking water usage patterns. Producers can identify changes in consumption and monitor activity around water sources, providing another layer of information about herd performance and management. One of the features that stands out is the simplicity of installation. According to Jesko, most RanchBot units can be installed in less than fifteen minutes without specialized tools, training, or technical expertise. The devices are designed to be practical for busy producers who need solutions that work without adding complexity to their operation.

The RanchBot platform is accessible through both mobile and desktop applications, allowing producers to monitor multiple locations at once. Family members, ranch managers, employees, and trusted advisors can also be granted access to the system when needed. While water monitoring remains the foundation of the company, RanchBot’s technology extends far beyond stock tanks. The company also offers monitoring solutions for wells, weather stations, cameras, and other critical ranch infrastructure. As agriculture continues to adopt new technologies, tools like RanchBot are helping producers improve efficiency while maintaining peace of mind. Remote monitoring allows operators to spend less time checking systems that are working and more time focusing on the areas of the operation that require attention.For cattle producers managing large acreages, remote pastures, or multiple locations, that can translate into meaningful savings and better decision-making.

After visiting with Matthew Jesko, it is clear that RanchBot’s mission is straightforward: help producers protect one of their most valuable resources b