The program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to nutrient stewardship using the four R’s (4R), or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time and in the right place. Using 4R practices, farmers improve their return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact. 

Applying and meeting the Nov. 5 deadline is easy. Details, supporting materials and entry forms are available online. Entry forms offer directions for farmers and retailers to demonstrate their efforts at applying the 4R nutrient stewardship principles and to document results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories on the website to get ideas of the types of information to include in applications.

The 4R Advocate Award Program is one component supporting the recent announcement that the fertilizer industry has committed to having 70 million acres under 4R nutrient stewardship management by 2030.

“The 4R Advocate Awards celebrate how the sustainable use of fertilizer is a priority for the industry and for millions of farmers across the nation,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “A key goal for the industry is a commitment to a healthy environment. Setting this goal for improved nutrient stewardship is an important step in meeting that overall goal. The farmers and retailers named as 4R advocates demonstrate how 4R practices improve farms, communities and bottom lines.

“Fertilizer retailers are on the front lines as trusted advisers for farmers and help them implement the 4Rs in their fields,” Rosenbusch added. “The 4R Advocate Program highlights these partnerships and demonstrates to the fertilizer industry, the agricultural community and policymakers the real-world benefits the 4Rs have on the economic and environmental bottom lines.”

Now in its 11th year, the 4R Advocate Program has recognized 100 farmers and retailers farming 282,000 acres in 25 states. These forward-thinking individuals serve as examples by championing sound nutrient stewardship. The 4R advocates will spend the next year supporting TFI-sponsored activities. They’ll also service as 4R representatives in their communities during educational events and special presentations.

The 2022 4R advocate winners will be announced in mid-December. Winners receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2022 Commodity Classic, which takes place March 10 through March 12 in New Orleans, Louisiana. TFI will recognize the 2020 4R advocate growers and nominating retailers in an exclusive awards banquet that takes place during the event. 

Raising awareness and adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship is a priority for the fertilizer industry. The industry is working to educate fertilizer manufacturers and retailers, growers and agricultural stakeholders about the 4Rs at agricultural trade shows, through company visits and 4R speaking engagements. While the 4R messages from the fertilizer industry are being well received, engaging farmers and sharing 4R success stories from the field level play a critical role in adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship practices.  

PHOTO: 2020 program winners include (front row, left to right) Eric Hopkins and Tim Stein, Belle Grade, Florida; Mike Kurek, Delta, Pennsylvania; Taylor Allison, Abernathy, Texas; (back row, left to right) Tim Hushon, Red Lion, Pennsylvania; Jeremy Brown, Broadview, Texas; Jeff O’Bannon, Madison, Missouri; Corey Rosenbusch, Arlington, Virginia; Phil Conrad, Madison, Missouri; and Bryan Ryberg, Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of The Fertilizer Institute.