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.”

Safety at its best at North Wellington Co-op

Many staff members of North Wellington Co-operative Services walked with a cautious foot on August 18, as they approached the milestone of reaching 1000 days without any lost time from work related accidents.

This achievement comes thanks to the efforts of the members of the co-operative's Joint Health and Safety Committee to ensure that everyone remains focused on the importance of keeping employees safe at work.

Employees enjoy celebratory cake in honour of achieving 1000 days of accident-free success with (L) John Eccles, North Wellington Co-op director and Kelly Boyle, general manager.

4-H Ambassadors tour FS System

In rain and shine, 4-H Ontario Ambassadors took part in a one-day tour to learn more about their sponsors, GROWMARK, Inc, the FS Co-operatives, and UPI Energy LP.

The one-day tour consisted of a visit to UPI Energy’s bulk fuel plant in Guelph, an FS PARTNERS agronomy and Great Lakes Grain facility in Ayr, North Wellington Co-operative’s unique retail store and lawn and garden centre, a demonstration field plot called Pursuit of Maximum Yield and a 24 hour remotely monitored cardlock FAST STOP® fueling station.

This is the seventh year of the program sponsored each year by GROWMARK, Inc., and UPI Energy LP.

(Right) The group learn about the complex operations of UPI Energy from Bob Hodgson, manager of operations for southwestern Ontario.

(Below) The 2011 Ambassadors admire baby chicks for sale at the North Wellington Co-operative Services retail store and lawn and garden centre. From L-R is Ambassadors Alex Mitchell of Pembroke, Alissa Goodfellow of Napanee, Cassandra Chornoboy of Rockwood, Sylvia Megens of Goodwood and Jennifer Betzner of Lynden.

 



(Right) At the FS Green Plan Solutions™ Pursuit of Maximum Yield site in Drayton, Don McLean, FS PARTNERS agronomist demonstrates new QR code technology at the plot.

 

(Below) Kevin Stumpf, FS PARTNERS branch manager gives an overview of the grain and agronomy business at the Ayr site.  



Final stop of the day was a quick visit at the FAST STOP remotely monitored self-serve gas station in Alma.

Ambassadors promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they have and will continue to receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations, communication, writing reports and press releases, public speaking, using visual aids, agricultural and 4-H awareness and etiquette. They will also be able to take advantage of the many networking opportunities and exposure to new experiences.

The Ambassadors will also attend UPI Energy’s annual meeting next month called Rendezvous and participate as flag bearers during the opening ceremonies.











Syngenta gives crop tour at its Plattsville Research Farm

Strobe-light demonstrations showing spray-nozzle efficiencies along with information sessions on herbicides, seed science and fungicides was all part of the knowledge shared with FS crop specialists visiting Syngenta’s Research Farm just outside of Plattsville this summer.

Travelling by tractor-pulled bleachers, participants were chauffeured through a one-hundred acre field of test plots including corn, wheat and soybeans. Different speakers along the way provided insight into what had gone into each plot and demonstrated the advantage of incorporating an integrated cropping system using layered technology to improve yields.