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TFI Recognizes Oregon Hops Grower and Ag Retailer Pair with Prestigious 2018 4R Advocate Award
DENVER – December 19, 2017 – On Thursday, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), known as the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry, named Woodburn, Oregon, Wilbur-Ellis Sales Manager John Peters and Salem, Oregon, Sodbuster Farms President and CEO Doug Weathers 2018 4R Advocate award recipients. Peters and Weathers are one of five farmer and fertilizer retailer pairs recognized for implementing innovative and sustainable 4R fertilizer management practices on the farm to increase production and reduce their environmental impact. The 4R Advocate award is given by TFI’s 4R Advocate program under the auspices of TFI’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. This is not only the first time TFI has recognized a hops grower for this prestigious award, but the first time it has recognized an Oregon-based retailer/grower pair as well.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by TFI and the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program and to be named alongside Doug Weathers, a Wilbur-Ellis partner for more than 10 years,” said Wilbur-Ellis Woodburn Sales Manager John Peters. “At Wilbur-Ellis, we are always looking for ways to partner with our growers to institute enhanced environmental protection methods and improve land sustainability practices.”
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, an affiliate of TFI, is an innovative and science-based approach that promotes enhanced environmental protection, increased production, increased farmer profitability and improved sustainability. The 4R program is widely recognized as a premier stewardship program with an impressive list of partners that includes companies, farm organizations and environmental groups, including The International Plant Nutrition Institute, the International Fertilizer Industry Association and the Environmental Defense Fund.
“Sodbuster Farms is a multi-generational operation that has grown into one of the largest hops farms in Oregon,” said Sodbuster Farms President and CEO Doug Weathers. “The success of our operation has been built on the quality of our product, the sustainability of our land and the dedication of our employees. We are responsible to the land that we farm, and programs like TFI’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program and partners like Wilbur-Ellis help us not only be good stewards, but enjoy increased yield, profit and sustainability into the fifth-generation of growers as well.”
Now in its seventh year, the 4R Advocate program, a program launched by TFI to recognize agricultural retailers and agricultural producers who are leading the way when it comes to implementing 4R nutrient stewardship on the farm, has recognized 35 agricultural producers and retailers, farming 163,675 acres in 19 states. These forward-thinking individuals serve as examples by consistently championing sound nutrient stewardship.
To learn more about Wilbur-Ellis Company, please visit ag.wilburellis.com or contact John Peters directly at jpeters@wilburellis.com. To learn more about Sodbuster Farms, please visit sodbusterfarms.com or contact Doug Weathers directly at doug@sodbusterfarms.com.
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About the Wilbur-Ellis Companies
Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers and distributors of agricultural products, animal feed and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales now over $3 billion. www.wilburellis.com
Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness generates more than $2 billion in sales revenue annually and has over 160 branch locations throughout the U.S.
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
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.