The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) launched the 2015 4R Advocate Awards Program 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 fourth year, recognizes farmers who are protecting the environment, boosting profitability and benefiting society through nutrient stewardship practices based on the 4R’s. Under the program rules, farmers are nominated by their retail dealers who are also recognized with 4R awards.

Throughout the year, 4R Advocates act as spokesmen and share their stories of how they use fertilizer best management practices to mitigate nutrient runoff and improve their nutrient use efficiency on the farm. The program demonstrates the commitment fertilizer retailers and growers have to help protect the environment.

“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 2015, 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. 26-28 in Phoenix, Ariz. The Commodity Classic is the once-a-year, can’t-miss event for America’s soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum farmers. At 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. Full profiles and videos featuring interviews with 4R Award winners may be found at www.nutrientstewardship.com/4r-advocate.