Winter has finally arrived.  It always does right before the IFCA Convention!  But as we look at frozen soil and snow covered ground, remember that spreading fertilizer in these conditions is not a recommended 4R practice.  There is extreme awareness among the public, regulatory officials and water supplies about spreading fertilizer in the winter, in conditions where tillage is not possible and where snow cover is susceptible to rapid melt and runoff if a rain system moves in suddenly.  This type of runoff scenario happened in 2014 and 2015 and water supplies felt the impact.  So please, uphold the 4R Code of Practice to the best of your ability and educate your farmer customers.  Keep in mind that all it takes is one visible incident and we could end up with legislation in Springfield; and chances are that this legislation will be far-reaching and not just limited to banning winter spreading.  The 4Rs are good for our industry, good for farmers, good for agriculture as a whole and good for the environment so let's continue to show we can reduce nutrient losses voluntarily.  To take the 4R Pledge, go to www.Keepit4Rcrop.org.