WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced today it is recognizing 10 new farmers and retailers as 4R Advocates. This honor is bestowed upon select pairs who play a crucial role in showcasing the real-world economic and environmental benefits of implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. Now in its 10th year, the 4R Advocate program demonstrates the in-field successes of implementing 4R practices based on the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizer.
“For 10 years, TFI has honored agricultural retailers and farmers who do more than just talk the talk when it comes to 4R Nutrient Stewardship,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “I am continually amazed by the passion and dedication these advocates bring to their work and livelihoods, and we are excited to work with them in the coming year.”
4R Advocates recognized since 2012 collectively farm more than 246,000 acres on a variety of cropping systems in 25 states. The 2021 class of 4R Advocates represents 31,745 acres and three new states – Alabama, Arkansas, and California.
This year’s Advocates are:
- Myron Johnson, Double J Farms, Headland, Ala.
Drew Schrimsher, GreenPoint Ag, Decatur, Ala.
- Zack Brown, Zack Brown Farms, Success, Ark.
James Varvil, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Corning, Ark.
- Brenda Wolgamott, The Wine Group, Rippon, Calif.
Rebecca Kaupp, Helena Agri Enterprises, Salinas, Calif.
- Janette Veazey-Post, Lamb Farms Inc., Oakfield, N.Y.
David DeGolyer, Western New York Crop Management Association, Warsaw, N.Y.
- Stephen Paget, Simplot Grandview Farms, Burbank, Wash.,
Jack Jensen, Simplot Grower Solutions, Pasco, Wash.
Throughout the year the Advocates will be included in TFI’s outreach efforts to promote fertilizer management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of 4Rs to their farming peers.
The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients. 4R Advocates and other farmers have partnered with The Fertilizer Institute to demonstrate how 4R practices have led to cost-efficiencies and improved environmental outcomes on their fields. More information and data on their efforts is available at 4RFarming.org.
4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve in-field goals, such as increased production and profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability. The 4R concept incorporates practices that use the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.
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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.
