Key Takeaways:
- 76 farms received the GROWMARK Enduring Farms designation, while 96 farms earned the Enduring Farms Plus recognition, marking a 17% increase from the previous year.
- The Enduring Farms program acknowledges farms that implement best management practices to enhance soil and water quality.
- The Endure Report details GROWMARK’s sustainability initiatives, including conservation efforts, carbon reduction strategies, and community engagement.
- GROWMARK Executive Vice President and COO, Brad Drake, emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability and conservation in modern farming.
GROWMARK Recognizes 2024 Enduring Farm Winners
GROWMARK and its FS-affiliated companies have announced the 2024 Enduring Farm winners, highlighting farms that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The annual program recognizes farms that integrate best management practices aimed at preserving natural resources for future generations.
To qualify for the Enduring Farms designation, FS companies nominate farms that employ sustainable practices such as nutrient optimization, conservation tillage, cover crops, and precision agriculture. Farms that go above and beyond in their sustainability efforts receive the Enduring Farms Plus designation.
One of this year’s winners, the Grigsby family farm in Illinois, has consistently implemented soil conservation techniques, including:
- Water sediment control structures
- Field buffer strips
- Strategic CRP acreage placement
- Cover crops for topsoil regeneration
“Our legacy is one of conservation. We use practices that help preserve our soil, manage and protect our water, and ensure this farmland remains viable and healthy for future generations,” said Robby Grigsby, a member of the Grigsby family.
For the 2024 award cycle, a total of 172 farms received recognition:
- 76 farms earned the Enduring Farms designation
- 96 farms earned the Enduring Farms Plus designation
This represents an increase of nearly 17% in total awardees compared to the previous year. The complete list of winners is available on the GROWMARK website.
Annual Endure Report Highlights Sustainability Efforts
Alongside the Enduring Farms designations, GROWMARK has released its annual Endure Report, which outlines the cooperative’s ongoing sustainability, environmental, and community initiatives. The report focuses on several key areas:
1. Smart Stewardship and Safety Practices
GROWMARK continues to promote nutrient management strategies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining farm productivity. The cooperative has also implemented new safety protocols across its operations.
2. Carbon Reduction and Decarbonization Technology
GROWMARK is investing in low-carbon solutions to help farmers participate in carbon markets and reduce their overall footprint. This includes the introduction of innovative products and precision farming technologies.
3. Community Engagement and Farmer Support
The cooperative supports young farmers and youth education programs through scholarships, grants, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Our mission to help feed and fuel the world drives our initiatives and motivates us to build on our successes each year,” said Brad Drake, Executive Vice President and COO of GROWMARK.
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