Nominate The Next Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate

Open until December 4th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2026 (Chester, MD) – Our Mid-Atlantic 4R farmers and trusted advisors are phenomenal, now is the time to recognize a great team to become our 2027 Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate. Nominate yourself or a team that stands out for their 4R work online here.

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.

Following Application Closure

1. MA4R will contact nominations and schedule a 45-minute zoom interview to accept the nomination, learn more about their collaboration and farming practices.
2. All information will be compiled and personal identifying information redacted.
3. The 4R Advocate Committee will review redacted information and judge each application through the use of a rubric.
4. Applicants will be contacted in January regarding their application.
5. The selected pair will work closely with MA4R to write and submit an application to The Fertilizer Institute’s National 4R Advocate Program.
6. The 2027 Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate will be announced during the 2027 Mid-Atlantic 4R Symposium.

Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate Program

In 2026, MA4R announced their first regional 4R Advocates, Tom Linthicum and Dave Shriver with The Mill. This announcement took place at the MA4R Symposium in February. Tom and Dave have been a great resource to MA4R as we develop our 4R Advocate Program. By accepting your nomination to be a 4R Advocate you are accepting to work with MA4R and be available for educational opportunities. The pair will be recognized across the region for the 2027 calendar year.

The Fertilizer Institute 4R Advocate Program

By being selected as the 2027 Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate, one additional benefit will include assistance with building a strong application to the National 4R Advocate Program, managed by The Fertilizer Institute. The Mid-Atlantic region is home to a number of National 4R Advocates, and we are honored to help our local farmers and trusted advisors with that amazing opportunity.

The National 4R Advocate Program has recognized 128 farmers and agricultural retailers since 2012. If selected to be a National 4R Advocate, the pair will complete orientation and case study development during the spring. Then over the summer, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) will complete a farm visit with filming. You will be announced as a National Advocate in August of 2027. In December, you will travel to Washington DC for an event with TFI and complete your honor in March at the National Commodity Classic. Learn more about the National Advocate Program here.

The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association currently has partners and members covering Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It is recommended that 4R Advocates are in this area. If you have any questions about the 4R Advocate Program, please contact Jenell McHenry at midatlantic4r@gmail.com or by calling 443-262-6969.