The Feed

Celebrating Ag Day

March 8, 2012

Today is National Ag Day, and hopefully all U.S. citizens will take a second to be thankful for the abundant and safe food supply we have in America. The year round variety of food in our grocery stores is amazing and the production and logistics necessary to make it happen is a modern wonder made possible by dedicated farmers, input suppliers and transportation experts.

4R Advocates Provide Grower to Grower Educational Opportunities

March 5, 2012

Stewardship, The Feed

Last week, representatives from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) staffed a booth at the Commodity Classic trade show. The Classic brings together corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum growers from around the country – which provides TFI a great opportunity to engage with growers regarding 4R nutrient stewardship (implementation of best management practices that address the right source at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place).

What is the Role of Fertilizer in Today’s Society?

February 14, 2012

Stewardship, The Feed

I am constantly asked about the business of fertilizer and one of the most common inquiries I receive is “What is the role of fertilizer in today’s society?” The entire team at The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) spent countless hours in 2011 communicating about fertilizer and its role in feeding a world population that is expected to grow to nine billion by 2050.

In Regards to Reactive Nitrogen...Don't Believe Everything You Read

February 3, 2012

Energy & Environment, Stewardship, The Feed

The reactive nitrogen issue began in earnest with a jointly authored paper in Science magazine trumpeting the exponential increase in reactive nitrogen release(s) to the environment since 1950. The article drew a line out to 2050 predicting further and alarming increases in N release. Just for background, reactive nitrogen is any form of N except N2; or the atmospheric form.

TFI Launches 4R Advocate Program

January 24, 2012

Stewardship, TFI News, The Feed

Raising awareness and adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship is a top priority for The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). Currently, TFI is educating members and growers about the 4Rs at agricultural trade shows, member company visits and other 4R speaking engagements.

Feeding the Future

December 16, 2011

Stewardship, The Feed

I am continually pointing out that feeding a growing population will require enhanced efficiency in agriculture. Of course, a key component in meeting this challege is the use of fertilizer in a sustainable agricultural system based on the 4R's of nutrient stewardship (use of the right nutrient source at the right time, the right rate and in the right place). Through this, farmers can meet environmental, economic and social goals.

Is it Organic?

December 14, 2011

Energy & Environment, Stewardship, The Feed

While at the Far West meeting this week in Pasco, Washington I was inspired to write my first blog – at least first for the new TFI website. Things workwise thankfully slow down a bit this time of year, but in addition, despite having numerous topics upon which I could potentially blog, I have been suffering from a bit of writers’ block. To some degree I need to be inspired by the topic; such as the crazy carnival atmosphere at the previous climate meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.

USDA’s Embrace of 4Rs Will Help Advance Their Adoption in Agriculture

December 14, 2011

Stewardship, The Feed

Fertilizer is a component of sustainable crop production, and TFI recognizes that in excess, nutrients can contribute to pollution. If overused or incorrectly applied, fertilizer nutrients will negatively impact the environment and the community – not to mention the grower’s pocketbook. Conversely, if we under use nutrients, we remove more nutrients than we add, reduce yields, and reduce farm livelihoods.

Is an Agricultural Certainty Program a Useful Tool?

November 9, 2011

Energy & Environment, Technology, The Feed

In recent months, Chesapeake Bay states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and stakeholders from both the agricultural and environmental community have been discussing a proposed voluntary effort termed “agricultural certainty”. If implemented correctly, the program could provide farmers certainty that states would not impose additional regulations on them for a given period of time with regard to environmental protection.

Global Food Security - A Looming Challenge the Public Often Forgets

October 28, 2011

Energy & Environment, Stewardship, The Feed

This month the world will have its 7 billionth person born. People’s diets are moving in a direction that requires more resources to produce food. By 2050, the world is projected to have 9 billion people. Meeting the needs to feed all of these people will no doubt be a challenge, but one the public often forgets.

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