The Fertilizer Institute announced Aug. 5 the selection of three sets of agricultural retailers and their farmer partners as the 2025 4R Advocates. According to TFI, the grower-retailer partners are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to implementing nutrient management practices grounded in the 4R principles: “Applying the Right fertilizer source, at the Right rate, Right time, and Right place.”
“Our 2025 4R Advocates are leading the charge in three unique regions when it comes to sustainability and stewardship in agriculture,” says Corey Rosenbusch.TFI president and CEO. “Their dedication to the 4Rs supports healthy soils, strong yields and a more resilient food system. We’re honored to recognize these grower-retailer teams for advancing science-based practices that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.”
The 2025 4R advocates are:
- Retailers — Felipe Aguilar and Fernando Ceja of Helm, Calif., at the Wilbur-Ellis Co.; farmer — Sal Parra, Jr. also of Helm, at Burford Ranch and Coyula Farms.
- Retailer — Anthony Furlin of Trenton, Mo., at MFA Inc.; farmers — Mark and Kristi Urich of Laredo, Mo., at Urich Farms.
- Retailer — Taylor Ivy of Stuart, Fla., at Nutrien Ag Solutions; farmer — Elizabeth Malek of Naples, Fla., at Lipman Family Farms.
TFI says the 4R Advocate program is a key element of its efforts to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. The initiative underlines the critical role of efficient nutrient utilization in sustainable crop production systems, it says.
Now in its 13th year, the 4R Advocate program showcases the tangible benefits of 4R Nutrient Stewardship through real-world application and field-level results, says TFI. It adds that the 4R framework is designed to provide farmers with research-based, practical tools to improve crop productivity, enhance environmental outcomes and promote sustainable farming for future generations.
Representing a wide range of crops and regions, the 2025 4R advocates will engage in TFI-led outreach and education efforts throughout the year. These activities will include speaking at on-farm field days, industry panels and local engagement opportunities to help share their stories and encourage broader adoption of 4R practices.
TFI announced earlier in June that 65 million acres of U.S. cropland are under 4R nutrient management practices, well ahead of an industry goal of reaching 70 million acres by 2030. A 4R acre is defined as an acre of U.S. cropland under management using 4R practices, such as crediting organic sources and removal rates, variable rate technology, split applications, the use of cover crops, accounting for weather during application, etc.
