White River Coop’s Mitchell, Indiana, Location Completes Indiana’s 4R Certification Program

MITCHELL, IND. - The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program has announced that White River Coop’s facility in Mitchell, Indiana, is among the first four retailers in the state to achieve 4R certified status. The facility was a participant in the Indiana 4R Certification Pilot Audit Program, which help shaped the standards and audit process for Indiana’s 4R Certification Program.

4R is a voluntary certification program that provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production, while considering individual farms' needs.

“It is important to be prepared to help our farmers to be better stewards of nutrients,” said David Brim, director of agronomy operations at White River Coop. “I don’t know anyone that wants to waste money by applying nutrients they don’t need. Adhering to the 4Rs is a responsible, science-based way to use nutrients, and it is very important for the agriculture industry to demonstrate that we apply nutrients with consideration for the environment.” 

The program certifies that nutrient service providers and agricultural retailers in Indiana - who apply or make recommendations on how nutrients should be applied to crops - are doing so in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles: using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. Program participants must go through an annual, independent, third-party audit and demonstrate that they not only understand 4R principles, but also follow them.

“The 4R Certification program is an ongoing effort for the agricultural industry to support clean water, healthy crops and to and we are proud of the continued commitment shown by Indiana’s agribusiness and conservation community,” said Carrie-Vollmer Sanders, Nutrient Stewardship Council chairwoman.

“Congratulations to White River Coop’s Mitchell, Indiana, location for exemplifying the principles 4R nutrient management and becoming one of Indiana’s first 4R Certified location,” said Ben Wicker, chair of the Indiana Nutrient Stewardship Council. “The Indiana Nutrient Stewardship Council applauds your commitment to the success of your business, your farmers and your community.” 

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is governed and guided by the Nutrient Stewardship Council, a diverse set of stakeholders from business, government, university and non-governmental sectors with a common goal of maintaining agricultural productivity while also improving soil health and water quality. The program is administered by the Agribusiness Council of Indiana. For more information, visit https://www.inagribiz.org/indiana4rcertification.