Advancing 4R Nutrient Stewardship Across Delaware & Maryland
The Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance unites agribusinesses, farmers, government agencies, conservation groups, and scientists. Together, we’re making sure every nutrient application across Delmarva farms follows the 4Rs — the Right Source, Rate, Time, and Place — to improve profitability, protect waterways, and strengthen communities.
A Collaborative Approach to Farming & Conservation in Delaware and Maryland
Founded in 2015 by The Nature Conservancy and the Delaware-Maryland Agribusiness Association, the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance (formerly the Chesapeake 4R Alliance) works to increase the adoption of nutrient stewardship practices across Delaware and Maryland farms.
Our Mission:
Help farmers apply nutrients efficiently and responsibly while supporting long-term farm productivity and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Recognizing the People Who Make DEMD4R Work
This Alliance succeeds because of a committed network of leaders across agriculture and conservation.
Kristin Fisher
Non-Government Organization (Secretary)
Lindsay Thompson
Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association
Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Assocation (Current Chair)
Tim Hushon
Agribusiness
Logan Field
Agribusiness
Jamie Kimbles
Agribusiness
Sapana Pokhrel
Research
Brooke Walls
Delaware Department of Agriculture
Government
Nick Miller
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Government
Practical Solutions for Delaware & Maryland Farmers
The Alliance focuses on:
- Increasing productivity and profitability for Delaware and Maryland farms.
- Hosting 4R workshops and field days to connect farmers and advisors.
- Supporting on-farm demonstrations for variable-rate nitrogen management and nutrient modeling.
- Building partnerships through conservation programs like RCPP, CSP, EQIP, and WRE.
Turning 4R Principles Into Regional Results
Since 2015, the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance has:
- Helped farmers manage thousands of acres with conservation practices.
- Launched on-farm demos showing the benefits of precision nutrient management.
- Connected agribusinesses, conservation partners, and farmers through hands-on training events.
Every acre managed with the 4Rs benefits farmers, waterways, and the entire Chesapeake Bay region.
Join the 4R Movement in Delaware & Maryland
Farmers, agribusinesses, and conservation partners are all part of this effort. You can:
Download our handouts on 4R Practices
Learn more about the benefits of membership
Press and News
Nominate The Next Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate
August 11, 2026
Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association (MA4R) will be accepting nominations until December 4th. The purpose of a 4R Advocate program is to highlight growers and agricultural retail partners for implementing 4R practices, while offering a year of recognition.
Plant Map 3D: A New Technology Helping Farmers Get More Benefit from Cover Crops
August 9, 2026
Applications are now open! Plant Map 3D helps farmers see how much nitrogen their cover crops have made available for corn uptake — and adjust sidedress rates accordingly. The technology is available to eligible Chesapeake Bay watershed farmers through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project funded by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Apply […] Read More
2025 Summer Voucher Findings
July 29, 2026
One way, MA4R has been moving the needle, is through the use of 4R Vouchers. These vouchers are good for $1,000 worth of nutrient data management or advanced nutrient management planning. Funds go directly to a trusted advisor to assist a farmer for free or at a reduced cost. The purpose of the voucher allows any farm, no matter the size or level of 4R implementation, to organize their data or plan out how to utilize an advanced nutrient management practice for their business and showcase how the practice would benefit their farming operation.
Mid-Atlantic 4R’s Launches a New Website
July 24, 2026
Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association is very excited to share, they have recently completed a new updated website! Check out 4rmidatlantic.com to see our updated website, learn about current funding opportunities, and meet all those who work together to make for a successful program.
Contact Info
📞 Lindsay Thompson | 443-262-8491
📧 lindsay.mdag@gmail.com
📱 Facebook: @DEMD4RAlliance