The Fluid Fertilizer Foundation held their annual Fluid Forum on February 20-21, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s Forum was special since it marked the 30th anniversary of the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation. In recognition of  the 30th anniversary, the overall theme of 2012 meeting was ‘Back To The Future With Fluids’. Opening the program were Ed Krysl, Larry Murphy, Raun Lohry, Ned van Buren, and Julian Smith who reflected on the early vision of the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation, the opportunities envisioned the founders, the early obstacles that had to be overcome and the many significant contributions of the Foundation to the industry and production agriculture research as a whole.

Much of the Forum program consisted of presentations by all of the noteworthy research project leaders of current FFF supported projects. These research projects cover crops ranging from corn to soybeans to vegetable crops and wheat – in addition to soil-fertilizer chemistry related projects applicable to all crops. Geographically, the research project presentations ranged coast to coast across the U.S. and Australia. While all of the presentations were excellent, packed with useful information greatly appreciated by the participants - it is noteworthy that appreciation was also expressed by the various researchers to the FFF for providing needed funding for their applied research programs and to the many commercial laboratory members of the Foundation for providing analytical services for the research projects.

Several distinguished speakers also helped mark the 30th anniversary of the Foundation by addressing topics of great importance to American agriculture. Dr. Ken Cassman of the University of Nebraska shared his thoughts on why high crop yield, large net energy yield, and low global intensity warming are sustainable and not incompatible. Dr. Cliff Snyder with the International Plant Nutrition Institute provided an update on potential additional governmental regulatory involvement with our industry and agriculture - and why we should all be involved in these regional and national discussions. Our final invited speaker was David Hula, a progressive farmer (Renwood Farms) near Charles City, Virginia. He discussed his approach to identifying and adopting new management practices for obtaining high yields as well as his thoughts on the need for continuing to push potential yields higher and higher. The attendees were also treated to a humorous, but stimulating interactive session with Steve Siemens who energized the crowd by outlining steps for stimulating even further success in both our personal and business lives.  His energy and charm was greatly appreciated by everyone in the room.

At the business meeting, several awards were presented. Dr. Patrick Brown with the University of California-Davis 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. Derrick Oosterhuis, University of Arkansas, 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 2012 FFF Fellow Awards were Julian Smith, Brandt Consolidated, Troy Erny, PotashCorp and Ned van Buren, long-time editor of the Fluid Journal. 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 2012-2013 leadership team of the Foundation was announced by Steve Weiner, outgoing Chairman. Dean Fairchild with Mosaic Company was named Chairman, John Guglielmi with The Andersons was named Vice-chair and Steve Keller with Morral Companies, LLC 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 Steve Weiner for all his efforts and leadership over the past year.
Dates for the 2013 Fluid Forum are February 18-20, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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