A Foundation Built On
Fertilizer Education, Research & Training
We are the best narrators of our own story. With the formation of the Fertilizer Education and Research and Training (FERT) Foundation, the entire industry will amplify its collective voice.
If you have questions or would like more information on the FERT Foundation’s work, please contact the following:
Education: Haley Siergiej at [email protected]
Research: Dr. Leanna Nigon at [email protected]
Training: David Townsend at [email protected]
Education
Nutrients for Life is a global organization dedicated to developing and distributing science-based materials to improve plant nutrient literacy, soil health knowledge and promote fertilizer’s role in sustaining a growing population.
Since the original ‘Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century’ middle and high school curricula were created in 2007, Nutrients for Life has continued to expand its library to include relevant K-12 resources. All information developed by our Foundation is science-based and supported by internationally accredited agronomists. Our supplemental educational materials are based on our curriculum, which has been reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution.
Nutrients for Life is here to help industry members tell the story of the importance of fertilizer. Students are our nation’s future employees, consumers, voters and leaders. Through the Foundation’s efforts and resources, fertilizers become part of classroom discussions, fostering a better understanding of their importance and impact.
Research
Science and research are core to the FERT Foundation and to the agricultural industry as a whole. Soils are highly complex in their nature, and as we learn more about the soil, the industry is constantly evolving with new practices and technologies to optimize fertilizer use. From enhanced efficiency fertilizers to implementation of the 4Rs, FERT supports research efforts with on-going projects in six states across the U.S. focused on improving 4R management across a variety of cropping systems.
The mission of the FERT Foundation’s research pillar is to support and advocate for proactive scientific research rooted in 4R nutrient stewardship focused on innovation and sustainability, and to communicate research outcomes with stakeholders in policy, public, and industry circles. The FERT Research team aims to bring research not just to ag industry members, but to the public, weaving research into the larger story of agriculture.
Research Resources
Nutri-Net: Advanced 4R practices provide environmental benefits with no production decline
Soil Phosphorus Trends in the Lake Erie Region
Determine Benefits of 4R Nutrient Management and Conservation Practices On Water Quality and Use Efficiency via the Arkansas Discovery Farm Program: A Collective Learning Experience
Integrating Enhanced-Efficiency Fertilizers in 4R Nutrient Fertilizers in 4R Nutrient Management
Sustainable Intensification to Protect Soil Resources
Sustainable Phosphorus Management: Defining 4R Practices
The Identification of Management Strategies that Target Multiple Nitrogen Loss Pathways (Part 3 of 3)
Keep Fertilizer on the Farm: Using the 4R Framework to Support Sustainable Nutrient Management in the Northern Great Plains
Impact of Soil Applied Potassium on Cotton Yield and Profitability in Texas
Training
First Class Results
More than 40 emerging leaders from across the fertilizer industry participated in the first annual Ford West Leadership Academy in Houston, Texas. In 2025, the Academy will be help in Tampa, Florida. The highly interactive industry-specific curriculum for this first cohort featured expert-led sessions on Advocacy, Sales and Business Development, Agronomy and Stewardship, The Essentials of Finance, Crisis Management, Safety and Security, Fertilizer 101 and the History and Future of the Fertilizer Industry.
Congratulations to the 2025 Graduates of the Ford West Leadership Academy:
Jordan Blake, Helm Fertilizer Corp.
Vinny Borrelli, Yara North America
Jeffrey Brees, The Andersons
Kaustav Chaudhuri, Atlas Agro North America Corp.
Andrew Davis, CF Industries
Katherine Davis, Nutrien
Mark Dietsch, GROWMARK
Clay Fellabaum, CHS, Inc.
Hannah Flint, CF Industries
Melissa Flowers, Eurochem North America
Anthony Garcia, Trammo, Inc.
Samuel Gray, J.R. Simplot Company
Corbin Harwood, United Services Association
Emily Heidt, MacroSource
Kate Koehler, Koch Industries
Allen Lange, Koch Industries
Brooke Laverentz, Koch Industries
Daniel Lewey, Applied Chemical Technology, Inc.
Jeremy Liebelt, Nutrien
Justin Manganaro, LSB Industries
Ryley McNaught, Yara North America
Boone Ott, LSB Industries
Matthew Parsons Cohrs, TradeMark Nitrogen
Jordyn Pate, J.R. Simplot Company
Matt Quinlan, MacroSource
Caleb Robinson, Yara North America
Carlee Sitzmann, N-7
David Stekla, Quad Chemical
Robert Stephens, Suregrow Ag Products
Jeremy Vanden Bosch, J.R. Simplot Company
Mikhail Vlasov, Uralkali Trading
Join Our Community
No matter where you are along the supply chain, there’s a place for you in TFI. When it comes to addressing tough challenges, we are acres ahead, and we’re proud to partner with fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and the businesses that serve them. By leveraging the power of a unified industry voice, we rise above the noise and ensure that you are heard.
