At Lakeside Farms on the Delmarva Peninsula, farmer Bryant Lowe is a man deeply rooted in agriculture. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Bryant has spent his entire life farming, with the last 11 years dedicated to growing corn, soybeans, watermelon, and sweet corn. However, farming in Delaware comes with its own unique set of challenges.
“Hurricanes can be a challenge,” Bryant shared, “and the other thing that we face is sandy soil, trying to keep nutrients in the profile. We really have to work to grow a crop around here. We have to be trying something new every year just to keep growing.”
Bryant’s innovative approach to farming is supported by Allen Spray, a retailer who has worked alongside him for the past seven seasons. Allen appreciates Bryant’s willingness to embrace new technologies and methods.
“It’s been great to work with guys like Bryant who are willing to try new things. It’s just been a great relationship to see where we can do better all the way around,” Allen remarked.
A key element of their strategy is the implementation of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program—right source, right rate, right time, and right place. Bryant emphasized the importance of this approach in maximizing both crop yield and environmental sustainability.
“By doing all the 4Rs, we’re getting the best bang for our buck, and we’re growing the best crop that we can the healthiest way that we know,” Bryant explained. He highlighted the use of Y drops as part of their “right place” strategy. “With Y drops, you’re right on top of that root ball. It has to go through that root ball for it to go down versus in the middle of the row, and your roots might not be to the middle of that row.”
The “right source” involves using readily available nutrients, ensuring that the crops can immediately benefit without the need for conversion. For the “right rate,” Bryant and his team rely on spoon-feeding through fertigation, applying nutrients gradually through the pivot throughout the season to prevent excess and runoff. Timing is crucial as well, with decisions driven by regular tissue sampling.
If you put it where you need it—right place, right time, right source—everything works better, everything’s safer for the environment.
Allen Spray, Willard Agri-Services
“When you put all the 4Rs into place, it allows you to grow the best crop that you could possibly grow for that season, in my opinion,” Bryant said. “We’re also being better stewards of the land. It also keeps our plant as healthy as can be throughout the growing season, and that’s our end goal. Man, at the end of the day, it’s still just doing the right thing.”
Allen underscored the broader impact of these practices, noting that Bryant’s commitment to the 4R principles helps in growing not just a more sustainable crop, but also a more profitable one.
“They’re willing to use these new technologies to reduce their inputs, to grow a more sustainable crop, a more profitable crop,” Allen commented. “If you put it where you need it—right place, right time, right source—everything works better, everything’s safer for the environment.”
Bryant Lowe’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and stewardship is a model for farmers on the Delmarva and beyond, proving that with the right approach, challenges can become opportunities for growth and success.
