Rob Mikkelsen, the Director of Agronomic Services for Yara in North America, has dedicated his career to the fertilizer industry, working passionately to advance plant nutrition and soil health. “I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in the fertilizer industry and plant nutrition for many decades over my entire career,” Mikkelsen says. His enthusiasm for his work is clear as he reflects on the ways the industry has provided “real value to the human family with an abundance of healthy food.”
Over the years, Mikkelsen has witnessed significant developments in the fertilizer industry, particularly in sustainable practices. He notes, “We’ve taken a fresh look at protecting our natural resources of soil and air. And it’s really exciting to be part of that industry that’s really trying to be good stewards of the Earth.”
One of the most influential concepts Mikkelsen has helped promote is the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework: applying the right source, at the right time, in the right place, and at the right rate. “When you get all of those things right, that’s when the magic happens,” he explains. The 4Rs bridge the gap between nutrient management, environmental science, and the economic viability of farming. This approach has been globally impactful, allowing farmers to produce healthy, abundant crops while preserving natural resources.
Right Source
Right Rate
Right Time
Right Place
Mikkelsen played a key role in developing and distributing the 4R framework globally as the Vice President of Communications for the International Plant Nutrition Institute. “We formalized all of this science into something that could be easily explained to the public and to other agronomists, which was the 4Rs,” he recalls. Collaborating with organizations like The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the International Fertilizer Association, he helped make the 4R principles accessible to farmers worldwide, promoting sustainable practices that boost productivity while preserving the environment. The framework has been translated into multiple languages and continues to expand its reach, including active programs in Africa. “There’s an active program in Africa right now disseminating the 4R message,” Mikkelsen notes, emphasizing the initiative’s lasting global impact.
Reflecting on his career journey, Mikkelsen encourages students and young professionals to consider the many opportunities available in agriculture, particularly in plant nutrition and fertilizer. “As my career has developed, I’ve realized that there are so many really smart and successful and motivated professionals that work in the fertilizer industry,” he says. Mikkelsen believes that the industry offers exciting and fulfilling careers that should be “highly sought after” for their engaging nature and positive impact.
Mikkelsen is particularly enthusiastic about his current role with Yara, where he continues to drive sustainable agricultural practices. “Joining Yara has been an incredible opportunity for me to work with a global leader in plant nutrition, and I’m excited to be part of a company that’s truly committed to both feeding the world and protecting the planet,” he shares. His passion for sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with Yara’s mission to develop innovative approaches that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Looking forward, Mikkelsen sees a bright future for the fertilizer industry, driven by new technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. “We have so many new tools in the laboratory. We have the insights of artificial intelligence, which is allowing us to look at huge data sets and to draw conclusions from data that we were not able to do before.”
Mikkelsen also emphasizes the life-changing impact that fertilizer can have, especially in regions where small-scale farmers struggle to survive. “I’ve seen how a bucket full of fertilizer and some enhanced genetics in the seed can completely transform the trajectory of a family,” he explains. Fertilizer not only improves crop yields but also empowers families to send their children to school, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.
It’s easy to overlook how this miracle product really changes lives. When there is a humble family struggling for survival in Africa and then to see how fertilizer changes their farm to growing a surplus of food, and then they have extra money for their family’s future. That is just so satisfying thing to see and to know that perhaps I had a small part in making this happen.
Rob Mikkelsen
As Mikkelsen reflects on his career, it’s clear that his passion for plant nutrition and sustainable agriculture continues to drive him. “I’ve really enjoyed my career. I have worked with wonderful people and it’s something I look forward to every day,” he says. His legacy in the fertilizer industry will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of agronomists and environmental stewards.
