The Mill Is Proud to Recognize David Shriver as a 2026 4R Advocate
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has named The Mill's own David Shriver of Hampstead, Maryland as one of two 2026 4R Advocates, recognizing his outstanding commitment to nutrient management practices grounded in the 4R framework: applying the Right fertilizer source, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place.
David was selected alongside his grower partner Tom Linthicum of Seneca Ayr Farm in Laytonsville, Maryland. The announcement was made at TFI's Agronomy Conference and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A Recognition Built on Partnership
The 4R Advocate program, now in its 15th year, highlights the field-level results that grower-retailer partnerships can achieve when both parties are committed to responsible, science-based nutrient stewardship. As TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch noted at the conference, these partnerships are built on trust, local knowledge, and a shared stake in the outcome.
That description fits David and Tom's working relationship well. Their collaboration represents the kind of agronomic partnership The Mill has always worked to build with growers across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, one grounded in sound science, practical field experience, and a long-term view of both farm productivity and environmental outcomes.
The full profile of David and Tom's partnership and their 4R practices can be read on the TFI website.
Earlier Recognition From the Mid-Atlantic Region
This national recognition follows an earlier honor closer to home. Earlier in 2026, Tom Linthicum and David Shriver were recognized by the Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association as the inaugural Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocates, making their selection as national 4R Advocates a recognition that has been building across multiple levels of the industry.
What the 4R Framework Means in Practice
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework gives farmers and their retail partners research-based, practical tools for improving crop productivity while strengthening environmental outcomes. The practices David and Tom have implemented represent the full depth of what 4R stewardship looks like at the field level, including crediting organic nutrient sources, variable rate technology, split fertilizer applications, cover crops, and weather-informed application timing.
TFI announced last year that 65 million acres of U.S. cropland are now under 4R Nutrient Stewardship, ahead of pace toward the industry's goal of 70 million acres by 2030. The 2026 4R Advocates together represent more than 7,000 of those acres.
Congratulations, David
The Mill is proud of David Shriver and the work he has done alongside Tom Linthicum to advance responsible nutrient stewardship in Maryland. This recognition reflects not only their individual commitment but the values that drive The Mill's agronomy program as a whole.
To learn more about 4R Nutrient Stewardship and the 2026 4R Advocate program, visit the TFI website.
