Key Takeaways:
- Farmblox has unveiled COP-R-LOCK, a new sensor-based security system designed to deter theft of critical farm resources such as copper wire, pumps, and fencing.
- Developed in partnership with ag crime expert Bobby Rader, the system uses Farmblox’s existing automation and sensor network to provide real-time theft alerts, even in remote or low-connectivity areas.
- The launch follows an alarming surge in agricultural theft across California, where copper and equipment losses are now costing farmers millions annually.
Farmblox: Tackling a $5 Billion Agricultural Problem
Agricultural theft remains a widespread issue in the United States, with losses estimated at $5 billion annually from stolen or damaged equipment. In California’s Tulare County alone, authorities reported over $1 million in agricultural theft losses between January and September 2025.
Thieves are increasingly targeting copper wire due to its resale value—now around $3–5 per pound—disrupting irrigation systems and leaving farms temporarily inoperable. Farms in remote or off-grid areas, often beyond law enforcement’s immediate reach, face particular challenges in protecting infrastructure.
“Wire, fencing, fuel, and equipment are being targeted more than ever, and it’s costing growers not just money, but their peace of mind,” said Nathan Rosenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Farmblox. “With this new system, we’re giving growers the ability to know what’s happening on their land at all times and prevent damage to valuable equipment, no matter how far-flung or off-grid their operation may be.”
Advanced Technology and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The COP-R-LOCK system builds on Farmblox’s field-proven automation platform, which already monitors environmental and operational conditions across farms. By adding advanced motion and tamper detection, the new solution instantly alerts farmers to theft attempts, improving response times and minimizing losses.
Designed for easy deployment, COP-R-LOCK can be installed across diverse crop systems—including orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops such as maple operations. The company is also in discussions with leading insurance providers to offer premium discounts to farmers who adopt the system.
“I have conducted and overseen thousands of criminal investigations regarding ag crime,” said Bobby Rader, who has more than 15 years of experience in agricultural theft prevention. “Farmers and law enforcement have long lacked the tools to fight back effectively. This partnership with Farmblox provides the innovation we need to make real progress in ag security.”
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