Dow AgroSciences to donate up to $10,000 at Commodity Classic 2018

Given current low commodity prices, it’s more important than ever for farmers to implement The Fertilizer Institute’s 4R’s of nutrient management practices to ensure they’re getting the most out of their inputs. As an exhibitor at this year’s Commodity Classic (Feb. 27 to March 1 in Anaheim, California), Dow AgroSciences is encouraging farmers to commit to using 4R’s practices and will donate up to $10,000 to the show’s official charity partner, Feeding America, based on the number of farmer commitments.
 

The 4R’s of nutrient stewardship is a concept to apply the right source of nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. These are simple, best-management practices for fertilizer application and maintenance with the goal of maximizing environmental sustainability and output. Environmental and site-specific factors impact what the right choices are in each case, but the principle acts as a guiding framework for farmers.
 

“When commodity prices are low, farmers aren’t getting the best ROI even if they have a good season,” says Kenny Johnson, CCA, U.S. product manager, Nitrogen Stabilizers at Dow AgroSciences. “They can’t control the market, but they can control how they manage their inputs by implementing 4R’s practices and by using the right nitrogen stabilizer, which helps protect their nitrogen inputs from leaching and denitrification.”
 

In fact, according to the 2018 Purdue Crop Cost & Return Guide, fertilizer is one of farmers’ largest input investments, which makes preserving it with the right nitrogen maximizer a critical step for maximum ROI.
 

Johnson adds that Dow AgroSciences believes these factors will help farmers make the most of a down market, and when coupled with the opportunity to support an organization like Feeding America, the incentive is a win-win.
 

Commodity Classic Booth Events
 

To participate in the pledge, farmers at Commodity Classic should visit the nitrogen maximizers area within the Dow AgroSciences booth (3021). While inside the area, they will be asked to pin the location of their farm on an oversized map of the United States to express their 4R’s commitment. For each pin on the map, Dow AgroSciences will donate $100 to Feeding America, up to $10,000 in total.
 

The donation on behalf of Dow AgroSciences will go toward Feeding America’s mission of solving hunger issues across the nation via food banks, disaster food assistance and senior-, school- and children-specific programs. Currently, a $10,000 donation would provide 100,000 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of member food banks.
 

While at the booth, visitors can attend presentations from Chris Berry, U.S. nitrogen stabilizer market developer, Dow AgroSciences, as he explains how farmers can determine the effectiveness of their 4R’s implementation and to uncover additional practices they should use to maximize the efficiency of their nutrient management, like using a nitrogen maximizer to extend nitrogen availability in the soil.
 

Berry and other nitrogen maximizer experts also plan to discuss how using the right nitrogen stabilizer, like Instinct® and N-Serve®, in conjunction with 4R’s practices can provide better protection against uncertain environmental conditions. Precipitation and temperature changes can widely impact how a crop takes up applied nitrogen, and including a nitrogen maximizer helps ensure nitrogen is available for longer during critical crop growth stages.
 

Dow AgroSciences nitrogen maximizer experts are prepared to help farmers select the right nitrogen stabilizer as part of their 4R’s practices and showcase how Instinct and N-Serve could benefit their current nutrient management plan.