News Release

WASHINGTON DC, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 -- America leads the world in the production of food and fiber in part due to the widespread use of fertilizers and manure containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Farmers’ adoption of Nutrient Management Plans ensures a future of clean water without compromising America’s agricultural heritage. Join us for an educational Chick-fil-A luncheon briefing on Nutrient Management on Wednesday, September 26.

WHAT: “Nutrient Management: A Best Management Practice for Clean Water” Briefing

WHEN: Wednesday, September 26th from 12:00 to 1:15 PM

WHERE: 340 Cannon House Office Building (CHOB), Washington DC

WHO: A farmer, agricultural economist, agricultural researcher, and certified crop adviser will discuss the role Nutrient Management Plans have in maximizing crop yield while reducing nutrient runoff into streams and waterways.

• Dr. Frank Coale, Chair, Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland will provide an overview on nutrients and Nutrient Management Planning.
• American Society of Agronomy Certified Crop Adviser Steve Cromley, MFA Inc., Missouri, will describe how advisers assist farmers in developing Nutrient Management Plans.
• Steve Oetting, a farmer from Oetting Hog Farms, Inc. who has participated in Nutrient Management Planning and received assistance through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program, will offer his perspective on nutrient management.
• Dr. Raymond Massey, Extension Professor, University of Missouri and Department of Agricultural Economics/Commercial Agriculture programs, will analyze the economic costs of Nutrient Management Plans.

RSVP: Members of the media are invited and may RSVP to Karl Glasener, Director of Science Policy, Soil Science Society of America, 202-408-5382, kglasener@soils.org. Interviews with the presenters can be arranged.

The briefing is sponsored by the Congressional Soils Caucus in conjunction with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and The Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (C-FARE).

Established in June 2006, the Congressional Soils Caucus is dedicated to educating policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of soils and soil science. Membership of the bi-partisan Caucus includes 46 representatives, including co-chairs Jim Costa (R-20th CA), Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-At Large SD), Tom Latham (R-4th IA), and Marilyn Musgrave (R-4th CO).

The Congressional Soils Caucus is supported by the Soil Science Society of America, a prominent international educational society headquartered in Madison, WI. Learn more: www.soils.org/sciencepolicy/caucus/.