December 26, 2008
For generations Ohio farmers have been somewhat isolated from many new technological advances. Most Ohio farmers use the latest agricultural technology and many have already entered the cyber age and not only use the latest in computer technology but are making extensive use of mobile devices such as cell phones and PDA's. One survey found that 75% of farmers own cell phones which is 10% higher than cell phone ownership among the general public.
Cell phones allow a farmer to communicate with family and farm workers while out in the fields. For an Ohio farmer, a cell phone gives them peace of mind while working alone in the fields with dangerous equipment. One engineering company has even devised a system that will monitor leaf temperatures and send the farmer a text message when the plants need water. Farmers who keep computerized records can send data to the computer by cell phone. For example, Ohio dairy farmers keep very accurate records of milk production and butterfat content for every cow they own. Cell phones give them the ability to enter this data from the dairy barn. Many of these programs have been written about on mobile marketing industry web sites.
Database Marketing
Ohio farmers now have the ability to get bulk SMS weather reports via short codes whether they are at home or are out in the fields. Accurate weather reports are especially important to farmers and most Ohio farmers check weather reports often and some companies have targeted the farmers through mobile advertising programs like these. Up to the minute and long range forecasts are readily available on mobile devices. Since farm-related activities depend on weather conditions, instant access to weather reports via cell phones allows the farmer to plan activities and work.
Ohio farmers can get instant futures and commodity quotes via cell phones and plan economic activities accordingly. No matter what kind of farming they are engaged in, Ohio farmers can access quotes for corn, soybeans, dairy, and any other commodity they might produce. Commodity markets can be very volatile and not being up to date on prices can cost an Ohio farmer dearly. Grain merchandisers can send a text message to farmers when prices are favorable, and in volatile commodity markets, time can be of the essence and mean the difference between profit and loss.
Mobile Marketing Campaigns
Many farmers participate in various farmers’ markets which take place throughout Ohio. Through the use of mobile marketing, Ohio farmers could let regular customers know what kinds of special produce they will have at the next farmers’ market. By going on to an interactive text message web site like 84444.com, farmers can set up a text message promotion that would allow them to send mobile coupons to their regular customers.
Farmers can sign up for cellular alerts for such things as seed prices, fertilizer specials, and the many other products essential Ohio farmers. This allows the farmer to save a considerable amount of money. Cell phones have become standard equipment for most Ohio farmers. No matter what kind of farming is engaged in, there are mobile solutions for every kind of Ohio farmer and when they have down time, they can even check how their fantasy baseball team is doing on their cell phone.