The 4R Advocate Program has recognized agricultural producers and retailers, 120 farmers and agricultural retailers who manage over 290,000 acres in 25 states. These forward-thinking individuals champion sound nutrient stewardship to their fellow growers, policymakers and the media.

An example of effective NUE implementation can be seen in Bryant Lowe’s sustainable farming practices at Lakeside Farms in southern Delaware. With guidance from Allen Spray of Willard Agri-Service, Lowe adopted 4R nutrient management strategies, increasing nitrogen use efficiency by over 20% since 2017. By utilizing no-till, cover crops, strip intercropping, and variable-rate fertilizer applications, Lowe reduced nitrogen use from 0.85 lbs N/bushel to 0.68 lbs N/bushel by 2023. Additionally, these practices led to a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, cutting CO2 equivalent emissions from 4.4 to 3.0 metric tons per acre between 2017 and 2022.