Western New York Crop Management Association (WNYCMA) is excited to announce that the Warsaw location has completed its first year of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification process.

“This new 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers, service providers and other certified professionals to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate, Right Time in the Right Place” (4R NY | nysaba).The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program is a voluntary program in New York and WNYCMA is one of four companies that enrolled during the state’s inaugural year. As an organization we thought participation was important to show our commitment, and the commitment of our members, to protect the environment and keep it sustainable for generations to come. The program is an initiative that encourages the right source, right rate, right timing and the right placement of the nutrients that can have the most negative impact on our water resources, nitrogen and phosphorus. Although it has a new name, this focus is not novel to our company. Not only do these practices protect the environment, but they enhance our producers’ profitability margins. An audit in August confirmed WNYCMA’s adherence to the 4R guidelines, paving the way for certification. An annual audit of the organization’s recommendations will be required to maintain certification.To date, many of our growers have been asked to participate in the program, but we need 75 percent of our active client acres enrolled to be compliant with the 4R program. If you would like to be involved and have not been approached by your consultant, please be sure to ask what is required for participation. This year we will need signatures from all those willing to participate. By working together, we can showcase all this land has to offer and concurrently protect the natural resources.