Category: Uncategorized

FERT Foundation’s Ford West Leadership Academy Delivers First Class Results

More than 40 emerging leaders from across the fertilizer industry participated in the first annual Ford West Leadership Academy this week in Houston, Texas. 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. After conclusion of the classroom portion, participants also had an opportunity to tour American Plant Food’s Houston facilities.

“Eighty two percent of all respondents to TFI’s recent Industry Trends Survey cited recruitment and retention of skilled staff as a top tier concern,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The Ford West Leadership Academy tackles that issue head-on by exposing high-potential industry employees to all facets of the fertilizer supply chain and growing their technical and soft skills. By engaging established industry professionals as session facilitators, we’re ensuring the transfer of industry knowledge from current leaders to future leaders and equip participants with essential tools for professional success.”

This prestigious program which is open to individuals who have been nominated by their company’s leadership is named in honor of Ford West, former CEO & President of TFI, whose unwavering dedication and profound commitment to our industry set a shining example of servant leadership.

“Ford’s passion for the fertilizer industry and commitment to opening doors for future generations was legendary,” said Harriet Wegmeyer, Executive Director of the FERT Foundation. “There is no better professional legacy for him than this Academy.”

The FERT Foundation would like to thank members of the Ford West Leadership Academy Steering Committee who expertly directed development of the content and curriculum of the Academy. The steering committee is comprised of a cross-section of companies and individuals with varying skills and experience in the fertilizer supply chain. Inaugural steering committee members are as follows: 

Roger Baker, CHS 
Paul Barr, Winfield United 
Marcie Booth, Koch 
Matt Brown, Landus 
Kim Colvin, Quad Chemical 
Mindy Dale, The Mosaic Company 
John Fowler, Nutrien 
Bert Frost, CF Industries 
Premjit Halarnkar, CH Biotech 
Mary Hartney, FFAA 
Kala Killworth, Simplot 
Josh Long, American Plant Food Corporation 
Tim Mahoney, IRM 
Sean McCarty, Helena Agribusiness 
Lisa Nguyen, TKI 
Jacob Schreve, Helm 
Sarah Terrell, Trammo 
Jacob Winans, Brandt 
Courtney Yuskis, Yara 

We would also like to thank our session facilitators and panelists who shared their expertise and perspectives with our participants:  

Session:                                                                    Facilitator:

Discover Your Strengths                                       Kala Killworth, Simplot

Fertilizer 101                                                          Taylor Pursell, Pursell Agri-tech

Major Events in the Fertilizer Industry                Karl Barnhart, Brandt

Advocacy                                                                Cameron Bishop, Simplot

Finance                                                                   Rowdy Smith, United Services

Crisis Management & Safety                               Todd Stuart, Koch

Agronomy                                                               Trey Cutts, Yara

Management & Coaching                                    Lisa Nguyen, TKI

 

Sales and Business Development Panel 

Moderator Sarah Terrell, Trammo, Panelists: Mike Hamilton, AdvanSix; Scott Lee, Sabic; and Kelly Davey, Nutrien

 

Future of the Fertilizer Industry Panel

 Moderator Bert Frost, CF Industries

Panelists: Toby Hlavinka, American Plant Food; Russell Sides, TKI; and Greg Griffin, Wilbur Ellis.

 

Plant Tour Josh Long, American Plant Food

The Ford West Leadership Academy will bring back this year’s cohort for completion of the program and begin with a new cohort in 2025 at a date and location to be announced shortly.

Shark Week in St. Louis – A Successful Growing Season Starts at InfoAg

Retailers and crop advisors will find answers to some of the hottest questions about precision agriculture, crop input product innovation, and sustainability at the 2023 InfoAg Conference, scheduled for June 27-28, in St. Louis, MO. The conference’s opening keynote is Troy Bolt, Vice President and General Manager for Simplot Grower Solutions, who will be speaking on Simplot’s Perspective of the Future of Agriculture and Ag Retail.

Wednesday’s luncheon keynote is not your average Illinois grain farmer. Rob Sharkey, better known as the SharkFarmer, is a risk taker and out-of-the box thinker who believes everyone has a story to tell. Sharkey’s authenticity and ability to tackle controversial issues and share the triumphs and struggles of the modern farmer has catapulted him onto Sirius XM, PBS, Acres TV, and 6 Seasons (and counting) of SharkFarmer TV.

Don’t settle for an imitation – InfoAg is the only conference of its kind that is programmed by retailers and crop advisors for their peers. InfoAg attendees can be assured that the topics they care most about are on the agenda.

Sessions and speakers include:

  • How to Make Use of On-Farm Data to Make Meaningful Management Decisions Dan Schaefer, IFCA; Eric Miller, 4R Grower
  • Blending Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers Into 4R Fertility Programs Dr. Greg Schwab, Koch
  • Measuring a Field: 60% of the Time It Works Every Time… Nathan Faleide, Earth Observations
  • Understanding the Basics of Soil Testing John Breker, AgVise Labs
  • Panel: Tech Booms of the Past: Why Some Technology Has Failed and Some Has Thrived Dan Burdett – Moderator; Dr. Randy Taylor, Oklahoma State; Dr. Scott Shearer, Ohio State University; Aman Anand, Nutrien Ag Solutions
  • Understanding the Regulatory Environment and Necessary Considerations for Biostimulants Dr. Mark LeBlanc, OISC Purdue
  • Panel: The Future of Carbon Markets Keith Byerly, Mosaic – Moderator; Clay Edwards, Cargill; Jamie Ridgely, Truterra
  • What Is Soil Health? And How to Improve It On-Farm Dr. Jordan Wade, University of Missouri
  • How to Incorporate Fluid Fertilizer Into Your Fertility Programs Chris Underwood, Alchemy Experts

InfoAg also features a robust trade show which allows participants to learn about the latest products and services and opportunities to benefit their farmer customers.

Please use the following links to find more information on registering  to attend or exhibit at InfoAg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Primary Importance of Secondary Macronutrients

When discussing plant nutrition, most people are familiar with NPK. We see this content prominently displayed on bags of fertilizer at retail locations. But macronutrients for plants goes beyond NPK. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) make up secondary macronutrients for plants. These nutrients are as important as NPK, but are needed in slightly lower quantities.

Calcium helps to support a plant’s structural integrity, regulate metabolic processes, and take part in various signaling pathways that are critical for successful growth. Ca plays a vital role in root development and cell wall integrity, helping to reduce soil erosion and aid plants in harsh conditions. Ca also helps to regulate the uptake of other essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Ca works within the plant to produce enzymes, hormones, and other metabolic elements, which are necessary for sustained growth.

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. It plays a key role in photosynthesis by helping with the formation of chlorophyll. Mg also works to regulate the uptake and movement of other important nutrients within the plant. By helping plants resist stress from drought, high temperatures, and diseases, Mg ensures plants will be able to reach their best potential growth and yield.

Sulfur assist plants in creating three essential amino acids necessary for building proteins: methionine, cysteine, and cystine. S is also involved in the formation of chlorophyll, which is used in photosynthesis. Low sulfur levels can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor fruit production. On the other hand, too much sulfur can damage the roots and leaves, and can even cause the death of the plant.

So how do you know if any of your plants need Ca, Mg, or S supplements?

Calcium and magnesium deficiency, for example, are common soil issues often caused by conditions like poor drainage, soil acidity, or low levels of organic matter. Adding the right type of fertilizer can combat these issues.

Soil testing is key. Taking a sample of the soil and having the chemical components analyzed will tell you what nutrients may be too high or low for the plants you are trying to grow. By consulting an agronomist at your local fertilizer retailer, you will be able to select the best soil nutrient to meet your planting needs.

TFI Announces New Head Lobbyist, Other Staff Changes

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced that Mr. Tom Lynch will serve as the organization’s new head of government affairs, effective October 3rd.

“Tom brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that is especially well-suited for representing the fertilizer industry,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Fertilizer plays a critical role in feeding our growing world, and more and more our issues are becoming front and center. Tom’s expertise spans many issues that are of strategic importance to the industry and span everything from environment to rail.”

Prior to coming to TFI, Tom was the Vice President of Congressional Affairs for the American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association and General Counsel for the National Tank Truck Carriers. Before working in the private sector, Tom served in Senator Max Baucus’s office before serving as staff director for the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee.

In addition to announcing the addition of Tom Lynch to the TFI team, TFI also announced the retirement of long-time economist Dr. Harry Vroomen.

“TFI was lucky to have Harry over the past 29 years,” continued Rosenbusch. “There aren’t many, if any, people out there that understand the economic dynamics of the fertilizer industry as well as Harry. The good news is that will stay with TFI as an economic consultant.”

TFI Director of Market Intelligence Jason Troendle will be promoted to the role of economist effective immediately.

“Jason was a big part of our outreach effort to commodity groups and policymakers when fertilizer markets began to show volatility in 2020,” Rosenbusch said. “He has a knack for taking numbers and trends and translating that data to easily understood and digestible information.”

The final staff announcement from TFI is that of Dr. Leanna Nigon as Director of Agronomy.

“Leanna comes to us from Wisconsin and has agriculture in her blood from growing up on a no-till farm,” Rosenbusch concluded. “She earned her undergraduate degree in Agronomy and Life Sciences from the University of Wisconsin, and both her M.S. in Applied Plant Sciences and Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Minnesota. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in nutrient management and we are excited to have her on the TFI team.”

 

###

TFI Applauds Additional Investment in Domestic Fertilizer Grants; Urges Improvements to Nutrient Management Programs

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today welcomed the announcement from President Joe Biden that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be doubling its initial $250 million investment in domestic fertilizer production to $500 million.

“The importance of fertilizer in food production and national security is taking center stage. Fertilizer increases crop yields that can be attributed to feeding 50% of the global population,” Rosenbusch said. “TFI supports efforts to bolster fertilizer supply through domestic production and technology; and we also urge policy makers to remove the regulatory burdens that inhibit growth of existing fertilizer production.”

Rosenbusch added that the United States has one of the most robust and competitive fertilizer industries in the world and is one of only three countries to have at least twenty unique fertilizer producers.

“We look forward to working with the USDA on how to most efficiently leverage those funds in a way that positively impacts farmers who rely on fertilizers to feed the crops that feed the world.”

President Biden, speaking to local growers at a farm in Kankakee, IL, also addressed the need to increase access to existing nutrient management tools, an issue that TFI has been supporting through its industry-wide 4R Nutrient Stewardship program and by seeking streamlining of USDA technical assistance programs.

“There are barriers to adoption that must be addressed,” Rosenbusch stressed. “The biggest thing the administration can do is to allow Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) to be recognized as Technical Service Providers (TSP) which would allow them to write nutrient management plans known as 590 plans.”

Additional improvements include expanded eligibility for the 590 grant program, allowing agricultural retailers to be eligible for all Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grants and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds, building a dedicated Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) initiative to support and encourage sustainable, climate smart nutrient stewardship practice adoption, and to increase the cost-share rate within NRCS programs to 75%.

“Food security is national security,” concluded Rosenbusch. “We thank President Biden for his focus on these critical issues and we will continue working with the Administration to ensure U.S. farmers receive this necessary input and have the tools they need to promote the efficient and sustainable use of fertilizer.”

TFI recently released a number of actions that policymakers can take to strengthening domestic fertilizer production and address supply chain vulnerabilities. That document can be found here.

 

###

 

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Celebrates Ag Day on National Mall

ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is taking part in the National Ag Day Celebration of Modern Agriculture. The celebration, March 21 and 22, is being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and showcases innovations that are enabling modern agriculture to sustainably provide for a growing world. Joining TFI at the event are over 30 agricultural trade associations, equipment manufacturers and grower groups.  

“The fertilizer industry is proud of our achievements in worker safety, energy use and environmental stewardship and we welcome the opportunity to educate the community about the critical role we play in sustainably feeding the world,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch.” Each step of the fertilizer supply chain is focused on doing more with fewer resources and with environmental and community impacts in mind.”

Attendees of the public event will learn about the advances that drive American agriculture’s ability to produce more while reducing its climate impact, water runoff and improving farm safety. Earlier this month, TFI released its annual sustainability report, highlighting industry improvement in the key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use and industry innovation. That report can be found here.

 

###

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Seeks Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the leading voice of the fertilizer industry, is seeking a Senior Vice President of Government Affairs to lead a collaborative and well-rounded team, while managing his or her own portfolio of advocacy issues, which include climate change, energy, trade, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. In addition, the new SVP must not only be able to build relationships across branches of government, agencies, and political parties, but also within the department and throughout TFI.  

The ideal candidate will have existing relationships in all areas of government and be willing to lend his or her expertise to the team — whether the lead on the issue or not. Preferred candidates will have knowledge or experience related to agriculture and the farm economy.

Click here for the full position description.

 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV and cover letter expressing interest and summarizing relevant experience to Jennifer Proctor, [email protected].

TFI Insights – March

March Insights

 

Fertilizer Markets, Supply and Demand

A summary of highlights from a recent presentation delivered by TFI market intelligence experts

Download presentation summary here

Trade, Markets, and Competitiveness: Federal Agencies and Import Injury Investigations

The global market for manufactured goods is interconnected and heavily relies on fair trade including compliance with laws and agreements by both exporters and importers. Laws and agreements exist to protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition within the United States, resulting from unfair pricing by foreign companies and unfair subsidies to foreign companies by their governments … more

Download paper here

 

TFI Member Spotlight

Taylor Pursell, Chairman at Pursell Agri-Tech, LLC

“First as Pursell Industries and today as Pursell Agri-Tech, our relationship with TFI goes back more than 50 years. In that time, as the industry has grown and evolved so has TFI. Our industry has benefited by having a unified voice under the TFI umbrella. Speaking from a strict operations standpoint, TFI’s industry roundtable has made it easy for Pursell’s technical staff to interact with their peers to discuss new technologies and processes. This meeting, along with all TFI events and programs, has been a great value to Pursell.”

TFI Elects 2022 Board of Directors

ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the election of its 2022 Board of Directors. The election took place during a vote of the membership during TFI’s Annual Business Conference last week in Orlando, FL. Koch Fertilizer Executive Vice President Scott McGinn now serves as TFI’s Chairman and GROWMARK CEO-elect Mark Orr will serve as Vice Chairman.

TFI’s membership also elected the following board members for three-year terms: Ward Bloodworth, Helena Agri-Enterprises; Chris DeMoss, MFA Incorporated; Dale Edgington, Advanced Micronutrient Products; Josh Long, American Plant Food Corporation; Amy Yoder, Anuvia Plant Nutrients.

“The leadership of TFI’s Board of Directors is integral to the continued success of our organization,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The fertilizer industry faces challenges on many fronts, but as both an organization and an industry we have been able to innovate with new technologies, advance sound public policy objectives and educate a wide audience about the critical need for fertilizer through strategic engagement. Our Board of Directors plays an active role in ensuring we have a clear vision on where we are heading as an industry and remain focused on achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. I am excited to work with this talented set of industry leaders.”

TFI is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs.

Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org.

Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

 

###

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Elects 2021 Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the election of its 2021 Board of Directors. The election took place during a vote of the membership during TFI’s Annual Meeting this week in Dallas, Texas. CF Industries, Inc.’s CEO Tony Will serves as TFI’s Chairman and Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC will serve as Vice Chairman.

“TFI’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in the health of our organization, providing valuable insight and vision to our team as we execute our strategic,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “I look forward to working with this excellent group of leaders as we work together to advance and grow the fertilizer industry.”

Members elected to a one-year term include: Josh Long, American Plant Food Corporation; Tony Will, CF Industries, Inc.; Gary Halvorson, CHS Inc.; Mark Pytosh, CVR Partners, LP; Don Lambert, EuroChem North America; Brian Harlander, Gavilon Fertilizer LLC; Mark Orr, Growmark, Inc.; Michael Peyton, Helm Fertilizer Corporation; Melih Keyman, Keytrade AG; Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC; Mark Behrman, LSB Industries, Inc.; David Schramm, N-7, LLC; Michael Webb, Nutrien; Kerry McNamara, OCP; Doug Stone, J.R. Simplot Company; Joe McNeely, The Anderson, Inc.; Joc O’Rourke, The Mosaic Company; Jeff Minnis, Trammo, Inc.; Alexander Terletskiy, Uralkali; Mark Ripato, Wilbur-Ellis Company; Todd Minnihan, WinField United; Geraldo Mattioli, Yara North America, Inc.

TFI’s membership also elected the following new board members for three-year terms: Nick Adamchak, Pursell Agri-Tech; Matt Carstens, Landus Cooperative; Mary Hartney, Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association; Hugh Looman, Sylvite Sales; Russell Sides, Tessenderlo Kerley; Lyndon Smith, Bio Huma Netics.

TFI is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

#