Ohio
In March 2014, the agriculture community launched a proactive, responsible commitment aimed at the long-term improvement of Lake Erie’s water quality.
This voluntary, third-party auditor verified program provides a consistent, recognized standard for agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers in the Western Lake Erie Basin (Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) where waters drain into Lake Erie.
On January 1, 2017, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program was launched to the full state of Ohio, offering all Ohio-based agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers the opportunity to participate in efforts to improve the quality of Ohio’s waterways.
The Fifth R – Right People
The 4R Program relies on the Right People – the employees of 4R Certified facilities and independent crop consultants who drive the program forward every day. As the trusted advisers of farmer customers, all employees play a part in advocating for the 4R Program, from CEOs and office staff to custom applicators and agronomists.
To highlight the “boots on the ground” employees who drive the program, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is undertaking a company-driven video series called “Right People.” This selfie-style video series will feature the faces of 4R Certified nutrient service providers that implement the 4R Principles each and every day. These “Right People” will share their story on why the 4R Certification Program is important to them, their company and their farmer customers.
Click here to view the Luckey Farmers Selfie Videos.
Any 4R Certified participant is welcome to participate in the video series – please contact Lauren Prettyman at lprettyman@oaba.net for details on how to get started.
Ohio 4R Certification Program Introduction
Get to know Ohio’s program in the video below:
Ohio Nutrient Stewardship Council:
| Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Aaron Heilers, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program |
| Nick Franks - CHAIR | Tyler Grain & Fertilizer Co. |
| Jessica D’Ambrosio - VICE CHAIR | The Nature Conservancy |
| Kip Studer - SECRETARY | Ohio Dept. of Agriculture |
| Catherine Perry | The Fertilizer Institute |
| Jordan Hoewischer | Ohio Farm Bureau Federation |
| Amanda Douridas | The Ohio State University Extension |
| Janelle Mead | Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts |
| Kevin Otte | Otte Ag, LLC |
| Eric Schwab, CCA | Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Mike Stover | Schumacher Farms |
For more information or to sign up, please contact Aaron Heilers, Ohio AgriBusiness Association and Nutrient Stewardship Council.