Today, Agribusiness Council of Indiana announced that one of its members has achieved a significant milestone through certification in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. This program looks at the commitment of each business to achieving a rigorous set of standards for nutrient management practices, which benefit the environment and their customers’ crop production and business goals. Ag Plus, Inc. has completed the program to become certified at the following Indiana locations:

• South Whitley Ag Center – South Whitley, Indiana
• Raber Ag Center – Columbia City, Indiana
• Woodburn Ag Center - Woodburn, Indiana
• Churubusco Ag Center - Churubusco, Indiana
• Maples Ag Center – Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Garrett Ag Center – Garrett, Indiana

“We are proud to celebrate Ag Plus for achieving certification in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program,” said ACI President and CEO Melissa Rekeweg. “This accomplishment reflects a strong commitment to science-based nutrient management practices that protect water quality, support sustainable crop production and deliver value to the farming communities they serve. By embracing the 4Rs, Ag Plus demonstrates leadership in environmental stewardship and reinforces the vital role agribusiness plays in helping farmers achieve both economic and sustainability goals.” 

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is a voluntary program for ACI members that encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. This approach provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production, while considering specific individual farms' needs. It is a proactive, responsible commitment aimed at the long-term improvement of water quality. 

“It is important to everyone at Ag Plus that we help our farmers to be better stewards of nutrients,” said Jeff Mize, Ag Plus CEO. “Nobody wants to waste time or money applying nutrients they don’t need. Adhering to the 4Rs is a responsible, science-based way to use nutrients, and it is a very important way for the agriculture industry to demonstrate what we always say - that we apply nutrients with consideration for the environment.”

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program requires that a retail location is audited annually on a set of standards developed by the Nutrient Stewardship Council. This set of standards outlines best practices to be implemented. Each requirement is evaluated each audit period by a private, third-party auditor via an in-person audit to earn or maintain certification.

“To compliment Indiana’s State Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the 4R Certification program was identified as a key program to champion by members of Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance, a membership that includes ACI, commodity organizations, Indiana Farm Bureau, Purdue University, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), USDA-NRCS, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and State Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, to encourage and highlight proactive efforts agribusiness partners utilize to optimize nutrient inputs,” said Mike Dunn, director of freshwater conservation programs for TNC and chair of the Indiana Nutrient Stewardship Council. “The program was launched in 2020, and with the addition of Ag Plus’s six certified locations, Indiana now has more than 930,000 4R Certified acres- I am excited to see the continued success and growth of the program, led by Indiana’s ag retailers, like Ag Plus, partnering with farmers across the state.”