First Hoosier companies are 4R certified

INDIANAPOLIS — Five Indiana companies participated in the pilot 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program this year.

Four received year-one certifications on Nov. 20.

The program certifies that those who apply or make recommendations on how nutrients should be applied to crops are doing so in accordance with 4R nutrient stewardship principles: using the right source of nutrients, at the right rate and right time, in the right place.

Participants must go through an annual, independent, third-party audit. They must demonstrate that they understand and follow 4R principles.

Each company shared an update on their involvement with the 4R program.

1. The Andersons — Waterloo: “We were very excited to take part in this pilot program,” said Adam Lovelace, director of the farm center at The Andersons. “4R is a great program using science-based tools to help growers understand nutrient loss and help protect the environment. We’re really excited to be a part of this program and the expansion in the state of Indiana.”

2. Helena Agri-Enterprises — Berne: “Our goal is to keep our customers on the cutting edge of both technology and any science-based solutions that we can provide,” said Bill Klein, area branch manager at Helena. “The 4R process is absolutely science-based. It has their best intentions in mind with regards to productivity. But it also is a strong statement for protecting the environment and water quality. I think all of us in agriculture are focused on sustained success.”

3. White River Co-Op — Mitchell: “It is important to be prepared to help our farmers to be better stewards of nutrients,” said David Brim, director of agronomy operations at White River Coop. “I don’t know anyone that wants to waste money by applying nutrients they don’t need. “Adhering to the 4Rs is a responsible, science-based way to use nutrients, and it is very important for the agriculture industry to demonstrate that we apply nutrients with consideration for the environment.”

4. Co-Alliance — Marion: “Co-Alliance is focused on providing and bringing maximum return on investment to our member-owners, while also seeking sustainable environmental solutions that benefit Indiana agriculture,” said Doug Whicker, vice president of agronomy at Co-Alliance.

5. Crop Fertility Specialists — Rossville: “We participated in the 4R Certification program because not only is it the right thing to do for today, but it is also the right thing to do for tomorrow,” said Rod Miller, location leader at Crop Fertility Specialists. “At CFS, we are a company that prides itself on strengthening our community — not only do we work here, we live here and raise our families here. This is why the 4R program is essential to ensuring we as agriculturists make decisions for the long term; our families and fellow community members look to us for advice and trust that we will provide recommendations that are both economical, as well as environmentally sound.”

Learn more at www.4rcertified.org.