The 4R Advocate Program highlights growers and retail partners implementing advanced 4R practices, and provides a year of recognition, advocacy and growth. Since 2012, the program has recognized 128 farmers and agricultural retailers who manage over 300,000 acres in 27 states. These forward-thinking individuals champion sound nutrient stewardship to their fellow growers, policymakers and the media.
Each farm and field is unique. The results from the 4R Advocate Case Studies reflect outcomes from 4R nutrient management practices applied to specific fields in specific years. These results are not indicative of overall farm performance and do not apply to other farm or field situations. Environmental metrics are calculated in generalized terms (see 4R Calculator Equations) and do not reflect exact nutrient losses or productivity. The operating profit calculation includes only nutrient costs and does not represent overall farm profits. These results should not be used for direct comparisons or decision-making without considering individual farm conditions. The case studies serve as a generalized method to evaluate yield performance and environmental benefits of implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
Program Objectives: Recognition – The 4R Advocate Program is an award program that recognizes farmers and their retail advisors for implementing an exemplary 4R Nutrient Stewardship strategy.
Advocacy – 4R Farmers serve as advocates in Washington, D.C., sharing their farm story and data from their ROI case studies. These activities include but are not limited to speaking engagements, interviews, and meetings with legislators.
Research – All 4R advocates commit to sharing some of their farm data with TFI researchers to develop a case study. Using 4R research tools, each winner’s economic and environmental impact are measured and quantified. This data becomes the foundation for their advocacy work with the media, on Capitol Hill and with the federal agencies.
Media & Public Relations – Farmers are best positioned to tell the positive story of fertilizer use efficiency and nutrient stewardship efforts that the industry promotes, and many already are. This is fundamental to protecting the industry’s license to operate and farmers’ access to important crop nutrients. Each farmer story is prepared in print, social media content, and other media assets to share strategically with local press, environmental groups, and the general public.
Farmer 4R Adoption – Farmers trust farmers! Research has shown that the best way to increase adoption and nutrient stewardship practice is showcasing farmer success. The advocates are used in presentations, trade show booths at farm shows, and farm publications to help increase adoption of the 4Rs by other farmers.
2026 4R Advocates Nomination Timeline:
January 30, 2026, 5 PM EST – Application Deadline February 2026 – Application Review & Scoring February & March 2026 – Phone Interviews with top scoring applicants March 31, 2026 – Notification of Winners March – May 2026 – Orientation calls & case study development May, June, & July 2026 – Farm Visits: Celebration and Filming August 2026 – Agronomy Conference & Expo December 2026 – Washington, D.C. Fly-in March 2027 – Commodity Classic
By controlling fertilizer source, application rate, timing and placement, farmers can be profitable and protect the environment.
Right Source
Selecting the right source involves evaluating and responding to a number of factors including soil physical and chemical properties, blend compatibility and the availability of on-farm sources of nutrients
Right Rate
Involves assessing plant nutrient demand, soil nutrient supply including the availability of nutrients in manure, composts, crop residues and more.
Right Time
Includes assessing timing of plant nutrient uptake as well as the dynamics of soil nutrient supply.
Right Place
Positioning needed nutrient supplies strategically, so that plants develop properly and achieve their yield potential.
