Manhattan, Kansas Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

HitchPin Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for innovation in agricultural service coordination. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12008493, titled ‘System and methods for selecting equipment and operators necessary to provide agricultural services’, uses a computer-based system to efficiently match farmers with equipment and operators suited to their specific needs.

The system collects detailed service requests from farmers, such as planting or harvesting tasks, and then evaluates available machinery and operator profiles. It generates optimized pairings based on compatibility and availability. Once matched, the system schedules the service and maintains a shared calendar to keep all parties informed. It can also adapt schedules quickly if unexpected issues like weather delays arise.

This technology aims to reduce wasted time and improve equipment use by automating a complex coordination process that has traditionally relied on manual efforts. Farmers benefit from streamlined access to resources, while operators can maximize their work opportunities.

By integrating real-time data and automation, HitchPin’s system represents a significant step forward in agricultural logistics. It helps the farming community respond faster and work smarter during critical planting and harvesting seasons. This innovation promises to boost productivity, reduce operational friction, and support sustainable farming practices by optimizing resource use.