2011 Fluid Forum – The Need For Intensified Cropping

The Fluid Fertilizer Foundation held their annual Fluid Forum on February 21-22, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. As in previous years, it was apparent why the annual Fluid Forum is recognized as the premiere winter educational meeting of the fertilizer industry. The first portion of the program focused on the overall theme of the meeting - “Cropping Intensification On The Farm” while the second portion of the program was dedicated to research updates from cooperating researchers.
A common thread of the presentations in the opening session was that intensified cropping within our modern agricultural production systems may require a different approach than we have used in the past. Dr. Paul Fixen visited with the attendees about the importance of preparing for intensified cropping systems. One aspect of continued intensification that needs to be addressed is the overall fertility of our soils and the fact that fertility has declined in many areas of the country. In a somewhat related topic, Dr. Ismail Cakmak, Sabanci University, Turkey provided a very thought provoking presentation on the critical need for zinc for both high yield global crop production and for proper human nutrition.
From the University of Illinois, Dr. Laura Overstreet presented information on the absolute need for intensified cropping systems in order to achieve production sustainability with increasing global demand for food – while Dr. Fred Below provided examples of specific crop production factors that need to be addressed while reaching for 300+ bushel per acre corn. Also in this session, Dr. Tim Maloney, an agricultural consultant and researcher, relayed his experiences of developing high yielding, intensified cropping systems with his farmer clientele. Additionally, D.D. Lewis, of Dallas Cowboy fame, presented both a humorous and intense program that he takes to many student audiences across the country. The former National Football League linebacker who has appeared in five Super Bowl finals, and has won two, now educates students on the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse through PotashCorp's Community Outreach program.
The remainder of the program consisted of 14 presentations updating the attendees on the various research projects supported by the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation. These research projects cover crops ranging from corn to soybeans to vegetable crops and wheat. Geographically, the research project presentations included Australia (1), Argentina (1), and many states in the United States. Appreciation to the FFF was expressed by the various researchers for providing needed funding for applied research and to the many commercial laboratory members of the Foundation for providing analytical services for the research projects.
Additionally, several awards were presented at this annual event. Dr. Mark Alley formerley with Virginia Tech University was awarded the FFF Werner Nelson Award. This award recognizes individuals who has been closely associated with the fertilizer industry in promoting sound fertility programs and has made other substantial contributions via research, development of recommendations and/or written materials. Dr. Tony Vyn, Purdue University, was presented the FFF Researcher of the Year Award. This award recognizes long-term excellence for crop nutrition related research contributions that improve crop production profitability and sustainability utilizing fluid fertilizers. The FFF truly appreciates all of the efforts put forth by both of these gentlemen over the years in support of the Foundations’ research and educational goals.
Finally, several long time FFF supporters were recognized by being named FFF Fellows. The Fluid Fertilizer Fellows Award was established in 2002 in order to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fluid fertilizer industry. Honored with 2010 FFF Fellow Awards were Dean Fairchild of Mosaic Company, Mike Stewart of IPNI and Virgil Harbach of HarBrand. Congratulations to each of the Award winners for their efforts and time devoted to the Foundation!
At the close of the annual meeting announcements of the 2011-2012 leadership team of the Foundation was announced by Ron Wachter, outgoing Chairman. Steve Weiner with Cartersville Elevator was named Chairman, Dean Fairchild with Mosaic Company was named Vice-chair and John Guglielmi with The Andersons was announced as the Secretary/Treasurer. Additionally, Tom Fairweather with Tessenderlo Kerley was named Chairman of the Research & Education Committee while Missy Bauer with The Andersons was named Vice-chairman of the Research & Education Committee.
The Foundation offers sincere gratitude to Ron Wachter with NuChem for all his efforts and leadership over the past year.

Dates for the 2012 Fluid Forum are February 19-21, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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