Author: jmartin

Communicating the 2021 Sustainability in the Fertilizer Industry Report

Each year, The Fertilizer Institute collects data from member companies to track and highlight industry improvement in sustainability performance in key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use, and industry innovation. The 2021 report was released in February of this year.

However, this data can be of no benefit if we don’t properly communicate. Earlier this month, TFI’s team hosted a webinar walking through the data and providing tools and resources for how members can help TFI tell the industry’s sustainability story. The webinar is available to view by clicking the link below, and we encourage you to contact TFI’s Manager, Communications, Morgaine Mertz-Myers with any questions about sharing the data.

View webinar

New Data from the Fertilizer Industry Highlights Sustainability Improvements

Arlington, Va., March 7, 2022 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released new data highlighting industry improvement in sustainability performance in key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use, and industry innovation.

“The 104,000 employees of the fertilizer industry work each day to produce and supply fertilizer to farmers in an effort to feed the world,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “Each step of the supply chain is focused on doing more with fewer resources and the impact on communities and the environment. The data in this report highlights the achievements we’ve made in worker safety and energy and environmental metrics.”

TFI has collected data since 2013 on metrics that provide insight into the industry’s efforts to improve safety, security, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and efficiency. The data announced today was gathered in 2021 and reflects industry operations in 2020.

Report highlights include:

  • In 2020, the industry captured 31 percent of all CO2 generated per ton of nutrient produced. These greenhouse gases are not emitted into the atmosphere and are used for other industrial uses.
  • To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 40 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid.
  • Nitrogen producers are using 54 percent less water to produce one ton of fertilizer than they did in 2013.
  • The fertilizer industry is more than twice as safe as industry peers when compared to the industry benchmark data from the Department of Labor.
  • The industry’s performance on the lost time incident rate is the lowest it’s been since data collection began in 2013.

The data includes metrics on segments of the fertilizer industry from fertilizer use on the farm, worker safety, energy and environment, and industry innovation. To learn more about this year’s report, visit tfi.org/sustainability.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org.

TFI Seeks Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the leading voice of the fertilizer industry, is seeking a Senior Vice President of Government Affairs to lead a collaborative and well-rounded team, while managing his or her own portfolio of advocacy issues, which include climate change, energy, trade, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. In addition, the new SVP must not only be able to build relationships across branches of government, agencies, and political parties, but also within the department and throughout TFI.  

The ideal candidate will have existing relationships in all areas of government and be willing to lend his or her expertise to the team — whether the lead on the issue or not. Preferred candidates will have knowledge or experience related to agriculture and the farm economy.

Click here for the full position description.

 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV and cover letter expressing interest and summarizing relevant experience to Jennifer Proctor, [email protected].

TFI Insights – March

March Insights

 

Fertilizer Markets, Supply and Demand

A summary of highlights from a recent presentation delivered by TFI market intelligence experts

Download presentation summary here

Trade, Markets, and Competitiveness: Federal Agencies and Import Injury Investigations

The global market for manufactured goods is interconnected and heavily relies on fair trade including compliance with laws and agreements by both exporters and importers. Laws and agreements exist to protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition within the United States, resulting from unfair pricing by foreign companies and unfair subsidies to foreign companies by their governments … more

Download paper here

 

TFI Member Spotlight

Taylor Pursell, Chairman at Pursell Agri-Tech, LLC

“First as Pursell Industries and today as Pursell Agri-Tech, our relationship with TFI goes back more than 50 years. In that time, as the industry has grown and evolved so has TFI. Our industry has benefited by having a unified voice under the TFI umbrella. Speaking from a strict operations standpoint, TFI’s industry roundtable has made it easy for Pursell’s technical staff to interact with their peers to discuss new technologies and processes. This meeting, along with all TFI events and programs, has been a great value to Pursell.”

The Fertilizer Institute Names 2022 4R Advocates

ARLINGTON, VA, Jan. 5, 2022 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today selected five farmers and their fertilizer retailers as 4R Advocates, who are being recognized for their commitment to implementing fertilizer management practices that incorporate the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship and have demonstrated economic and environmental benefits.

“While 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a priority for the fertilizer industry, it’s also a tangible solution for thousands of farmers across America who are seeking fertilizer application practices that have real-world impact on their bottom line and their land,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “We are proud of the industry’s retailers who work with growers to implement these practices at the field level.”

Now in its 11th year, the 4R Advocate program demonstrates the in-field successes of implementing 4R practices based on the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizer. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve in-field goals, such as increased production and profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability.

In 2021, the fertilizer industry committed to putting 70 million acres of cropland under 4R management by 2030. A 4R acre is defined as an acre of U.S. cropland under management using 4R practices, such as crediting organic sources and removal rates, variable rate technology, split applications, the use of cover crops, accounting for weather during application, etc.

4R Advocates recognized since 2012 collectively farm more than 270,000 acres on a variety of cropping systems in 25 states. The 2022 class of 4R Advocates represents 24,200 acres across five states and grow corn, soybean, wheat, peanuts, carrots, alfalfa, and hay.

This year’s Advocates include:

  • Brooks Garland, Lee Peanut Farms, Lee, Fla.
    Keith Shaw, Mayo Ag Services, Mayo, Fla.
     
  • Wyatt Harris, Harris Farms, Hepler, Kan.
    Shannon McClintock, Hepler AgChoice-MFA, Hepler, Kan.
     
  • Brandon & Sarah Kliethermes, CADA Farms, Bunceton, Mo.
    John Reigelsberger, AgriVision Solutions, Salisbury, Mo.
     
  • Jeff Lakner, Lakner Farms, Wessington, S.D.
    Payton Eagle, Agtegra Cooperative, Wolsey, S.D.
     
  • Benjamin Ellis, Jr., Champlain, Va.
    Erin Hardin, Southern States Cooperative, Warsaw, Va.

Throughout the year the Advocates will be included in TFI’s outreach efforts to promote fertilizer management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of 4Rs to their farming peers.

The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients. 4R Advocates and other farmers have partnered with The Fertilizer Institute to demonstrate how 4R practices have led to cost-efficiencies and improved environmental outcomes on their fields. More information and data on their efforts is available at 4RFarming.org.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.  

Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge Identifies New Fertilizer Technologies and Products

Arlington, Va., Oct. 18, 2021 – Today, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced the organizations and products selected under the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Collectively, the challenges aim to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFS) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water.

“Innovation has been the hallmark of the fertilizer industry, leading us to the modern industry that helps feed the world,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “Enhanced efficiency fertilizers and other new technologies play a big role in our ability to do this efficiently and sustainably, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the winners of this challenge.”

The organizations selected today are part of the second component of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge, which identifies novel pre-market technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields.

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful economic, environmental, and social effects. EEFs and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions to increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. These technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability.

Winners include:

Tier 1 solutions ($17,500 prize):

  • Dr. Christopher Hendrickson, Aqua-Yield Operations LLC, Draper, Utah, for a nano-smart fertilizer.
  • Taylor Pursell, Pursell Agri-Tech, Sylacauga, Ala., for “Urea 2.0,” which replaces the conventional urea core with a customizable mixture of materials to provide fertilizers tailored to local needs.

Tier 2 solutions ($10,000 prize):

  • Dr. Kuide Qin, Verdesian Life Sciences, Cary, N.C., for using innovative mixture technologies to improve performance of industry-standard nitrapyrin for longer effectiveness, less nitrate leaching, and prevention of farm equipment corrosion.
  • Dr. Catherine Roue, Fertinagro Biotech International, Portage, Mich., for “Phosphate Liberation Booster” technology, which uses secretions from phosphate-starved plants to boost plant uptake so less fertilizer may be added, and legacy phosphorus can be accessed. 
  • Chandrika Varadachari, Agtec Innovations Inc., Los Altos, Calif., for “Smart-N,” which is a smart-fertilizer that releases nutrients on-demand by the crop, and which creates a chemical “cage” for urea that dissolves into plant nutrients.

Tier 3 solutions (Honorable mention):

  • Dr. Jaroslav Nisler, the Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic, for using derivatives of the plant growth hormone MTU, which helps create longer growth periods, protection from stress, larger plants, and potentially less nutrient loss per unit of fertilizer applied.
  • Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Penn., for creating a “protected fertilizer package,” which can carry nutrients through soil pores to the area around the plant roots.
  • Dr. Robert Neidermyer, Holganix LLC, Aston, Penn., for “Bio 800+,” a microbial inoculant that harnesses the power of over 800 species of soil microbes, kelp, and other soil amending ingredients to promote greater crop production and plant health.
  • Paul Mullins, Brandon Products Ltd., Ireland, for “BBS-1,” a biostimulant derived from seaweed extract that is applied as a fertilizer coating to improve nitrogen-uptake in root cells.

The first part of the challenge, “EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge,” identified existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Those products were announced in March 2021 and are currently undergoing greenhouse trials at the International Fertilizer Development Center.

EPA and USDA are working in collaboration with TFI, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The challenges were developed with input from stakeholders such as corn grower representatives, fertilizer companies, university researchers, and environmental and industry NGOs.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

TFI’s 4R Advocate Program Now Accepting 2022 4R Advocate Nominations

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is now accepting nominations for the 2022 4R Advocate awards. This program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship using the 4Rs, or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place. Through these 4R farming practices, farmers improve their return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact. The announcement was made by TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today during the opening session of the InfoAg Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

The 4R Advocate program highlights farmers’ partnerships with their retailers or certified agronomists throughout the year and demonstrates to the fertilizer industry, the agricultural community, and policymakers the real-world benefits the 4Rs deliver on the farm and in communities.

Advocate nominations are due no later than Friday, October 31, 2021. Details, materials, and entry forms for retailers and industry partners to nominate farmers are available online at nutrientstewardship.org/advocates/become-an-advocate/. Entry forms offer easy directions for farmers and retailers to document their efforts to apply the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and to chart results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories on the same website.

The 2022 Advocates will spend the next year supporting TFI-sponsored 4R activities, as well as serve as 4R representatives within their businesses and communities during educational events and special presentations.

The 2022 4R Advocate winners will be announced in mid-December. They will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to the 2021 Commodity Classic, scheduled for March 10-12, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. TFI will honor the 4R Advocate growers and nominating retailers during an awards banquet that takes place during the event.

To date, 100 4R Advocates from 25 states, representing nearly one-quarter million acres have been recognized. They grow crops that include apples, alfalfa, cabbage, collard greens, corn, cotton, hops, peanuts, rice, soybeans, strawberries, tomatoes, and more.

The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients. 4R Advocates and other farmers have partnered with The Fertilizer Institute to demonstrate how 4R practices have led to cost-efficiencies and improved environmental outcomes on their fields. More information and data on their efforts is available at 4RFarming.org.

As 4R Nutrient Stewardship management practices grow in popularity among farmers, the industry has gained additional support for the practices from allied industry groups such as Certified Crop Advisors, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and The Nature Conservancy.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI serves its members through legislative, educational, technical and economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

TFI Releases 2016 Commercial Fertilizer Report

This week, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) released the 2016 Commercial Fertilizer Report. The 2016 edition, a joint project of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO), highlights that U.S. fertilizer nutrient consumption increased 0.6 percent to 22.13 million short tons during the fertilizer year ending June 30, 2016. Total gross tonnage, which includes single-nutrient materials, multiple-nutrient materials, organics, and secondary and micro-nutrient stood at 61.38 million tons during fertilizer year 2016 (July – June). 

For the first time, this year’s report is exclusively available as a digital download, providing immediate access to the data. Digital copies are available for purchase in the TFI store. $100 for TFI and AAPFCO members and $250 for non-members.

Order here

Meet the 2021 4R Advocates

Each year, The Fertilizer Institute recognizes 4R Advocates, 5 pairs of retailers and farmers who are making 4R Nutrient Stewardship a priority in their operations. These partners get it, 4R Farming makes sense economically and environmentally. And that’s why TFI is highlighting their work. We invite you to learn more about them and how they incorporate the 4Rs into their businesses and operations.

 

Zack Brown Farms Defines Success With Top Yields 

Grower: Zack Brown, Zack Brown Farms, Success, AR
Advisor: James Varvil, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Corning, AR

Read More

 

Double J Farms — Cover Crop Champion

Grower: Myron Johnson, Double J Farms, Headland, AL
Advisor: Drew Schrimasher, GreenPoint Ag, Decatur, AL

Read More

 

For Simplot Grandview Farms, Potatoes Are Just the Beginning

Grower: Stephen Paget, Simplot Grandview Farms, Burbank, WA
Advisor: Jack Jensen, Simplot Grower Solutions, Pasco, WA

Read More

 

Precision Nutrient Application Produces Premium Wine

Grower: Brenda Wolgamott, The Wine Group, Rippon, CA
Advisor: Rebecca Kaupp, Helena Agri Enterprises, Salinas, CA

Read More

 

Sustainability is Key for Lamb Farms

Grower: Jeanette Veazey-Post, Lamb Farms, Inc., Oakfield, NY
Advisor: David DeGolyer, Western New York Crop Management Association, Warsaw, NY

Read More

TFI Elects 2021 Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the election of its 2021 Board of Directors. The election took place during a vote of the membership during TFI’s Annual Meeting this week in Dallas, Texas. CF Industries, Inc.’s CEO Tony Will serves as TFI’s Chairman and Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC will serve as Vice Chairman.

“TFI’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in the health of our organization, providing valuable insight and vision to our team as we execute our strategic,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “I look forward to working with this excellent group of leaders as we work together to advance and grow the fertilizer industry.”

Members elected to a one-year term include: Josh Long, American Plant Food Corporation; Tony Will, CF Industries, Inc.; Gary Halvorson, CHS Inc.; Mark Pytosh, CVR Partners, LP; Don Lambert, EuroChem North America; Brian Harlander, Gavilon Fertilizer LLC; Mark Orr, Growmark, Inc.; Michael Peyton, Helm Fertilizer Corporation; Melih Keyman, Keytrade AG; Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC; Mark Behrman, LSB Industries, Inc.; David Schramm, N-7, LLC; Michael Webb, Nutrien; Kerry McNamara, OCP; Doug Stone, J.R. Simplot Company; Joe McNeely, The Anderson, Inc.; Joc O’Rourke, The Mosaic Company; Jeff Minnis, Trammo, Inc.; Alexander Terletskiy, Uralkali; Mark Ripato, Wilbur-Ellis Company; Todd Minnihan, WinField United; Geraldo Mattioli, Yara North America, Inc.

TFI’s membership also elected the following new board members for three-year terms: Nick Adamchak, Pursell Agri-Tech; Matt Carstens, Landus Cooperative; Mary Hartney, Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association; Hugh Looman, Sylvite Sales; Russell Sides, Tessenderlo Kerley; Lyndon Smith, Bio Huma Netics.

TFI is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

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