Parties formalize collaborative partnership to further sound agronomic and conservation practices

Nashville, Tenn. (AgPR) January 31, 2018 -- Citing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability while working with farmers to enhance profitability through sound agronomic practices, GROWMARK and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials today signed a national Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum formalizes a collaborative partnership in which GROWMARK and NRCS will identify collaborative training opportunities to equip GROWMARK System employees with consistent information and technology thats science-based and highlights conservation practices and programs available through NRCS.

"We know agronomic practices and conservation practices go hand-in-hand, and were extremely excited to partner with NRCS and sign this national memorandum of understanding," said Mark Orr, GROWMARK vice president, Agronomy. "NRCS is an outstanding resource for practices that will help us add value to farmers we serve. We will continue to advocate effective approaches, many that are already offered by NRCS."

Kevin Herink, a farmer from Clutier, Iowa, who is also a member of the GROWMARK Board of Directors, and serves on the Board of Directors of New Century FS, Grinnell, Iowa, said he fully appreciates the team approach to environmental stewardship and sustainability. "Every farm is uniquely positioned to contribute to water quality, soil health, and productivity for this country. As farmers, we have a commitment to doing whats right for our farms and communities, and in the soils and watersheds in which we live. Adding the value FS crop specialists already provide to farmers like me, with what the NRCS has to offer in practices, approaches, and training is a win for all of us," Herink said.

"Given the enormous challenges farmers face today, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to support American agriculture. This partnership with GROWMARK will go a long way towards helping producers increase productivity, build resiliency and protect the natural resources we all depend on," NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan said.

Under the national agreement, GROWMARK and its FS companies in Iowa will initially work with the Iowa NRCS on these activities through a state contribution agreement that will provide an opportunity to pilot the effort before replicating in other states. "Today is the start of a long-term relationship that will evolve over the coming years to benefit the environment and farmers who work tirelessly to help feed and fuel a growing world," Orr said.

About GROWMARK:
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative with annual sales of $7.3 billion (FY 2017 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. More information is available at www.growmark.com.