Four Indiana businesses achieve 4R-certified milestone

INDIANAPOLIS — Four Agribusiness Council of Indiana members have achieved a milestone through certification in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program.

• Crop Fertility Specialists in Rossville, Indiana — Year Three Certified

• Helena in Berne, Indiana — Year Three Certified

• The Andersons in Waterloo, Indiana — Year Three Certified

• Advanced Agrilytics, Indianapolis — Year One Certified

To be certified, companies must achieve a rigorous set of standards for nutrient management practices, which benefit the environment and their customers’ crop production and business goals.

“The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program leans on scientific and proven practices that benefit the farmer and our society,” said Bruce Kettler, ACI president and CEO.

“These Agribusiness Council of Indiana members are an integral part of helping their farmer customers set and obtain their production goals. These businesses bring value to their communities by making sharing the latest environmental stewardship practices such as 4R.”

What is it?

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is a voluntary program for ACI members that encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs: using the right source of nutrients at the right rate and right time in the right place.

How does it work?

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program occurs on a three-year certification cycle where a retail location is audited on a set of standards developed by the Nutrient Stewardship Council.

This set of standards outlines best practices to be implemented. Each requirement is evaluated each audit period by a private, third-party auditor via an in-person audit to earn or maintain certification.

Advanced Agrilytics

“By becoming 4R Certified, Advanced Agrilytics has proven its dedication to the long-term improvement of Indiana’s water quality,” said Jane Stautz, Advanced Agrilytics sustainability leader.

“Nutrient stewardship is critical within a food supply chain and consumer environment that is demanding sustainable and regenerative farming practices.”

Helena

“Helena’s primary goal is to help our customers succeed,” said Bill Klein, area branch manager at Helena.

“The 4R Certification program and the 4Rs fit Helena’s theme of ‘People…Products…Knowledge’ to a tee — we are committed to providing our customers with the tools they need for success.”

Crop Fertility Specialists

“We continued our participation in the 4R Certification program because not only is it the right thing to do for today, but it is also the right thing to do for tomorrow,” said Rod Miller, location leader at Crop Fertility Specialists.

“The 4R program is an essential part of ensuring that we as agriculturists make decisions for the long term; our families and fellow community members look to us for advice and trust that we will provide recommendations that are both economical and environmentally sound.

“Using the right source, with the right rate, at the right time and at the right place ensures that the decisions we make today are the right decisions for generations to follow.”

Learn more at www.inagribiz.org/indiana-4r-certification