First 4R Advocate Program Winners Announced

Ohio Farmer One of the Five Grower Advocates Named

Last fall, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) launched the inaugural 4R Advocate Program to recognize agricultural retailers and agricultural producers that are leading the way when it comes to implementing 4R nutrient stewardship on the farm.

Thirty-seven retail facilities submitted grower nominations for the program. From those nominated, TFI selected five 4R grower advocates. Grower advocates and the retailer nominator received an expense paid trip to the 2012 Commodity Classic, which will take place March 1-3 in Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, the growers and retailers will be honored during an awards banquet that will be hosted by TFI. They will also join TFI staff in the 4R nutrient stewardship booth, which will be on display at the Commodity Classic tradeshow. Additionally, TFI will work with the winning growers and their retailers to explore future outreach opportunities for the inaugural year of this program.

The 2012 4R Grower Advocate winners and their nominating retailers are:

• Paul Loyer – Loyer Farms, Marion, Ohio – 3,000 acre corn, wheat, and soybean farm; Nominated by Morral Companies, Morral, Ohio
• Todd Welch – Lafayette, Ind. – 2,300 acre corn, wheat, and soybean farm with 25,000 hogs; Nominated by Crop Production Services, Delphi, Ind.
• Barry and Dan Turner – Turner Brothers Farm, Mer Rouge, La. – 5,600 acre corn, soybean, rice, and milo farm; Nominated by Crop Production Services, Mer Rouge, La.
• Temple Rhodes – Chestnut Manor Farm, Centerville, Md. – 2,200 acre corn and soybean farm with 150 beef cattle; Nominated by Willard Agri-Service of Lynch, Worton, Md.
• Bruce Favinger – Minden, Neb. – 1,800 acre corn and soybean farm; Nominated by Cooperative Producers, Inc., Hastings, Neb.

For additional information on the winners and the 4R Advocate Program, contact Lara Moody, TFI Director of Stewardship Programs, by telephone at (202) 515-2721 or by e-mail at lmoody@tfi.org.