WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute
(TFI) launches the 2014 4R Advocate Awards Program this week with a call for
entries from retailers wishing to highlight the exceptional nutrient
stewardship practices of their grower customers. The 4R Advocate Award program, now in its third
year, recognizes farmers who are protecting the environment, boosting
profitability and benefiting society through nutrient stewardship practices
based on the 4R’s (use of the right nutrient source at the right time, at the
right rate at the right time and in the right place). Under the program rules, farmers are
nominated by their retail dealers who are also recognized with 4R awards.
“The farmers honored in the 4R Advocate
program know that environmental protection and economic prosperity are not
mutually exclusive,” said TFI President Chris Jahn.
“This award program adds value to the 4R
nutrient stewardship initiative by engaging growers and retailers with peers who
can share their fertilizer best management practices success stories.”
In 2014,
five winning growers, a spouse or companion and their nominating retailers will
be awarded an expense-paid trip to the Commodity Classic, scheduled for Feb.
27-March 1 in San Antonio, Texas. The Commodity Classic is the once-a-year,
can’t-miss event for America’s soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum farmers. At the
Classic, 4R Advocate winners will see the latest agricultural innovations first-hand,
meet other growers and agricultural leaders from across the nation, and will be
honored at an invitation-only banquet.
2013 4R Advocate winners Rick
and Jesse Brunner, of Fifth Generation Farms in Almira, Wash., recently spoke
about the importance of 4Rs in preserving their land for future generations. “The
4R program epitomizes our philosophy to farm management. We strive to improve
our overall soil health, to limit our environmental impact, and to increase our
profits while continuing the farm legacy we received.” Videos featuring interviews
with the Brunners and other 4R Award winners may be found at www.nutrientstewardship.com/4r-advocate.
Entries for the 2014 4R Advocate Awards
are due on November 12, 2013. A
nomination form, information about past winners, and additional details on the
program are available at http://www.nutrientstewardship.com/4r-advocate.
Winners will be announced in mid-December. For further information on
the program or 4R nutrient stewardship, please contact TFI Director of Stewardship
Programs Lara Moody by telephone at (202) 515-2721 or via e-mail at [email protected].
