Highlight a 4R Farmer and Crop Consultant Today
Chester, Maryland - October 2, 2025 - The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association (MA4R) is seeking nominations for a 4R Advocate in their region. The 4R Advocate Program recognizes agricultural retailers and growers who implement advanced fertilizer best management practices that incorporate the principles of 4R nutrient stewardship. MA4R is a non-profit organization that seeks to empower trusted advisors of farmers to ensure that every nutrient application in the Mid-Atlantic region is applied with the Right Source, Right Rate, Right Place, and at the Right Time to benefit farmers, the environment, and society.
The Fertilizer Institute’s 4R Advocate Program
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading trade association representing the U.S. fertilizer industry. They have been actively promoting and implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices since its inception. In 2012, TFI began the 4R Advocate Program and has since recognized 128 farmers and agricultural retailers who manage over 300,000 acres in 27 states. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, five farmers and trusted advisors have been recognized.
Nomination Process
This fall, MA4R is partnering with TFI to recruit 4R Advocates from the Mid-Atlantic region to help showcase the innovative and cutting-edge practices used here by farmers and their advisors. To nominate a farmer-advisor pair from the Mid-Atlantic, use this online form until December 19, 2025. MA4R will contact your nominees by the end of the year to interview them about their 4R experience and to confirm their willingness to partake in the program. A committee will review each nomination and will select up to three advocates and trusted advisor pairs to recognize for their nutrient stewardship efforts. Selected pairs will be eligible for event travel reimbursement in the Mid-Atlantic, promotion on MA4R social media, local 4R advocacy work, and assistance with the National 4R Advocate application that is due on January 30, 2026.
Previous TFI 4R Advocates in the Region
- 2024 – Bryant Lowe and Allen Spray with Willard Agri-Service – Delaware
- 2019 – Mike Kurek and Tim Hushon with The Mill – Pennsylvania
- 2018 – Jonathan Quinn and Kenny Glenn with Southern States Cooperative – Delaware
- 2015 – Sean Jones and Michael Twining with Willard Agri-Service – Maryland
- 2012 – Temple Rhodes and Allen Spray with Willard Agri-Service – Maryland
For questions, you can contact Jenell McHenry at midatlantic4r@gmail.com.
