IFCA has been engaged along with other nutrient stakeholders in the development of the soon to be released Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.  We expect the strategy could be released for public comment during the last week of November.  As suppliers and advisers on nutrient use, IFCA members will likely be asked about the document and its impact on Illinois agriculture.  The strategy document calls upon Illinois agriculture to reduce both nitrogen and phosphorus losses to help improve water quality in Illinois, and strongly encourages innovation among our industry to accomplish this in a voluntary manner.  But we must make progress in reducing nutrient losses, and be accountable for the nutrient stewardship practices that IFCA members promote with your farmer customers.  

 

The 4Rs of nutrient stewardship (right source, right rate, right time, right place) are instrumental in our efforts to reduce nutrient losses and this past month, IFCA announced a 4R Code of Practice for our members to consider and embrace for the future.  The Illinois CCA program is also developing a new 4R Specialty Certification curriculum.  Details on these new programs will be featured at the IL CCA convention on December 11 and at the IFCA Convention on January 20-22, 2015.  To view the IFCA 4R Code of Practice, click here  Please don't hesitate to take any opportunity to share with your customers, with media and with your neighbors the dedication that our industry has toward the 4Rs and helping our customers "Keep it for the Crop."