Research, Cost Sharing Among Topics To Be Discussed At 4R Workshop For Farmers, Retailers
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program will hold its first ever “4R Certification 4U” workshop Friday, December 12 at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg, OH. The workshop will feature sessions relevant to both farmers and agricultural retailers in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
“When the agenda for this workshop was being built, we wanted it to be inclusive of everyone who has a hand in improving the water quality of the region,” said Chris Henney, president and CEO of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association, which serves as the administrator of the program. “While the certification program itself is geared toward nutrient service providers, it’s
important to work alongside our farmer partners and share the benefits and importance of implementing the 4Rs at their farm.”
Concurrent sessions “How and Why are the 4Rs Important to Ag Retailers” and “How and Why are the 4Rs Important to Farmers” are tailored to both audiences. Other relevant topics in agriculture and water quality will be discussed.
Research focused sessions include “Update on Lake Erie Water Quality,” presented by Jeff Reutter with the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, and “What are the Edge Field Studies Telling Us,” presented by Kevin King with the USDAARS Soil Drainage Unit. Jason Roehrig, of the Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District, will present on “4R Conservation Program Cost Share Opportunities.”
A complete agenda can be found www.oaba.net/events. CCA continuing education credits are available.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program was launched in March 2014 by the Nutrient Stewardship Council and encourages agricultural retailers, service providers and other certified professionals to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs. Outlining 43 criteria to be implemented, the voluntary program is staggered over a three-year period. To date, more than 50 retailers have signed up for the program and three have achieved certified status.
To register for the 4R Certification 4U workshop, visit www.oaba.net/events or call 614-326-7520 (option 1). Use the comp code “4RCertified.”