The Feed

All the news that's fit to plant!

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.

Why Does the Fertilizer Industry Need a Lobbyist?

October 18, 2011 Advocacy, Advocacy Updates, The Feed

My guest at a recent dinner party asked me "why does the fertilizer industry need a lobbyist?" As a lobbyist with 30 years of experience proudly representing a business that is responsible for between 40 and 60 percent of world food production, I have more than a few answers to that question.

A Boost for 4R Nutrient Stewardship

October 7, 2011 Stewardship, Events, The Feed

I was pleased to hear from John Oster of The Morrall Companies today. Morrall held its first retail personnel training session yesterday for about 24 employees, including all of our custom operators. The group included virtually all of Morrall’s people who interact directly with the company’s grower customers.

Perspective on Regulations Impacting U.S. Fertilizer Retailers

September 21, 2011 Economy, Advocacy, Events, The Feed

Much policy discussion today centers on regulatory overreach and the economic impact of such action and we have even seen the current Administration roll back implementation of some major environmental rules – presumably due to their impact on the economic well-being of the regulated entity.

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