26 SOURCE | Spring 2022
Paving the way to FS PARTNERS Digital Transformation
Juli Paladino , FS PARTNERS Marketing Assistant jpaladino @ growmark . com
It ’ s no secret that the future of agriculture relies heavily on technology , encompassing everything from seed , crop protection , plant nutrients , farming practices , equipment , livestock , and all points in between . Technology helps us to hone in on efficiencies with a greater balance between our environment and economic prosperity . We have witnessed first-hand many advancements already in agriculture , with variable rate applications , Roundup Ready 2 Xtend ® , and MicroEssentials ® to name just a few . GROWMARK continues to embrace advancements in technology and provide us with the right tools to serve our farmers even better every year .
FS PARTNERS is supported in that pursuit by the progressive GROWMARK agronomy team , including people like Brian Henze ,
Brian Henze and Nicole Penney
GROWMARK ’ s Agronomy Technology – Portfolio and Services Manager , who help to develop , train , and continually improve the platforms that best serve our farmers . FS PARTNERS Precision Ag Specialist Meagan Ioi comments , “ Brian has really helped us make the most out of the new technology available , and more specifically , new technology that supports our digital transformation project that is live this spring !”
FS PARTNERS ’ management identified the need for a digital transformation project nearly 18 months ago when strategic planning led the team to focus on the farmer of the future , and their growing needs for data , transparency , and innovation . FS PARTNERS Division Manager Frank Barron explains , “ Looking ahead to 2040 , we understand that our farmers will demand more of digital tools and our competence at delivering them . It is important as a company to continue to build on our digital platform , and the many efficiencies that it can provide in the future .”
This project was spearheaded by FS PARTNERS Precision Ag Manager Nicole Penney and Kevin Stumpf , Ayr Hub Manager , working closely with Brian Henze and his team .
“ We realize that we are only scratching the surface on new potential technology , so our systems have to be ready for the next change ,” says Penney . “ And they ’ re happening quickly ! We are excited to provide our farmers with the best tools that we have available in 2022 !”
As part of the digital transformation project , each of FS PARTNERS ’ five hubs has a designated Agronomy Administration Sales and Support Lead , who coordinates the flow of data between farmer and FS PARTNERS operator , administrative staff , crop and precision ag specialist , and manager . ( Shown in photos : Kaitlin Sioen in Ayr , Courtney Cridland in Delhi , Rachel Van Ankum in Drayton , Kerry Dejong in Mitchell , and Claudia Halk in the north serving Alliston & Elmvale ). At the same time , this individual ensures that our processes and data align with our 4R Retailer Certification requirements , including field boundaries , crop plans , professional application , and as-applied maps .
“ We knew it was a big ask of these five individuals , but they have delivered BIG results ,” adds Stumpf . “ Collaboration is at an all-time high . These admins are our champions at the branch level .”