What quacks
like a duck and tells you when MKC is leaving your field?
That would be
an MKC customer’s cell phone.
While your
phone may not quack like a duck, you can receive notification within minutes of
when MKC completes your customer application order.
Last August MKC launched the customer notification system. The first of its kind,
this system brings a new level of communication to MKC customers. Using an
electronic tabloid in spray rigs, rig drivers use technology to notify
customers via email or text message letting the producer know their field has
been sprayed.
Recently, Ryan
Patrick received a text message from MKC notifying him his milo field scheduled
to be sprayed was complete. Patrick, who operates a diversified crop and
cow-calf operation near Lindsborg, recalls working in their shop fixing
equipment that was down when he received the text message.
“It’s
convenient to receive these notifications,” Patrick says. “Especially when you
aren’t around the day your field is being sprayed, you know the job got done.
It is especially beneficial when I am trying to plan other jobs that need done
on the farm instead of waiting and wondering exactly when my field got
sprayed.”
According to
Shane Eck, senior location manager for MKC, more than 500 producers are
currently signed-up for the electronic notification. Eck commented the system
eliminates the producer having the unknown of their spray order.
McPherson
County producer Larry Dahlsten appreciates the promptness of the notification
system. “I don’t have to wonder if my spraying got done today or tomorrow, or
take the time to drive out to the field to look for tracks,” he says.
For Dahlsten and
Patrick, a partner and source of expertise in technology is MKC. “The
application notification system is one more way MKC is providing efficiencies
and expertise using technology for its’ customers,” Eck says.
Patrick is the
first to admit technology isn’t at the top of his list of priorities. “I still
have a flip phone,” Patrick chuckled. “I leave being up-to-date in the area of
technology up to the co-op.”
Today, the
cell phone is more than just a telephone for Dahlsten. He uses it for markets, weather,
communicating via text message and much more.
“It isn’t
always easy to learn [technology] but it has a lot of benefits,” Dahlsten says.
Dahlsten tries to keep up with the technology the younger generation uses and
he laughed as he admitted it is difficult at times. Besides the application
notification system through MKC, he uses precision ag and enjoys staying up-to-date
through MKC’s Facebook page.
“Most
producers, regardless of size, see the benefit in using technology,” Eck added.
“The customer notification system is just one more way MKC is enhancing the
customer service experience for our customers.”
The equipment
has not yet been installed at MKC’s northern locations including Alta Vista,
Onaga, Westmoreland and Manhattan. Customers in these areas can plan to see
this technology offered from MKC in the near future. To sign-up for
notifications, contact your field marketer or nearest MKC location.
