FS PARTNERS takes QR code technology to the field

Stefan Dewaele, FS PARTNERS crop specialist at
Pursuit of Maximum Yield site.

“QR” stands for “Quick Response,” and that is exactly what FS PARTNERS is providing customers who are eager to access up-to-date information about this year’s Pursuit of Maximum Yield corn and soybean plots.

This is the second year that FS PARTNERS has run the Pursuit of Maximum Yield project. Last year’s program included on-site presentation at five different fields, attended by more than 160 producers.

 

This year, FS PARTNERS took the communication and marketing of this event to a new level by using QR codes to keep farmers current with stats and analysis of the fields represented in the program throughout the growing  season.  
                                                                   

“The Maximum Yield Plots are designed to showcase corn and soybean trials, and farmers like to stay updated about what’s going on all season,” said Andrew Troyer, FS PARTNERS sales and marketing manager.

Posted at each Pursuit of Maximum Yield site is a large QR code that can be easily seen from a distance. Anyone passing by can learn more about FS PARTNERS by simply taking a picture of the code with their smart phone, which will display real-time information on the crop, variety, applications, and conditions, as well as audio tailored to each site. At FS PARTNERS plots in Ayr, Delhi, Drayton and Elmvale, Ont., information is available and regularly updated.

“We know these codes have a great deal of potential, and we are just at the tip of the iceberg,” Troyer said. “Anywhere someone can use a smart phone, whether at our fuel stations or our corn fields, we plan to have QR codes.”

Juli Paladino, FS PARTNERS retail energy administrator, worked with Troyer to implement the QR codes into the Pursuit of Maximum Yield plot program. She created the behind-the-scenes information to be viewer-friendly on a small screen.

“Today, many farmers are technology savvy and are seeking out new ways to communicate through social media,” Paladino said. “Smart phone technology makes it easy for them to use those tools while out in the field, and we wanted to reach out in a way that makes them want to listen.”