Search For New Champions For Higher Yields Is Clarion Call
at 19th Annual Fluid Forum

Dr. Harold Reetz and economist/humorist Mark Pearson throw out some not-so-amusing chilling figures.

Where, wondered Dr. Harold Reetz, director of the Foundation For Agronomic Research (FAR) for the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)--standing in front of a packed session of researchers, dealers, agronomists, and growers--are the new champions for higher yields in a world whose population is growing geometrically? Mark Pearson, an economist/humorist, followed later by throwing up a not-so-amusing figure of 8.9 to 9 billion humans occupying this planet by 2030--compared to a world whose population numbered less than a half billion in 1650. Dr. Gyles Randall of the University of Minnesota gave some insightful answers that might prove helpful in a discussion on increasing yields via proper crop nutrient use, questioning whether current fertilizer recommendations are adequate to meet the needs of an ever-growing world population. Dr. Ronnie Heiniger of North Carolina State University further amplified on the subject in a discussion on the role of fertilizer additives in increasing root mass and yields of corn. The Monday-Tuesday sessions continued with a wide array of 20 presentations on fluid technology and the need for ever-increasing crop yields. As a wrap-up for the 2010 Fluid Forum, and continuing the theme of the necessity for future higher crop yields, Dr. Luc Maene, Director General of the International Fertilizer Association, discussed the role of the fertilizer industry in meeting future crop demands in feeding a hungry world.

Attendees enjoyed a multi-course luncheon at the Monday noon Annual Banquet meeting before getting down to Foundation business and honoring those industry members deserving recognition. Researcher of the Year Award went to Dr. Dan Walters of the University of Nebraska for his outstanding research contributions to the fluid fertilizer industry. The prestigious Werner Nelson Award was presented to Dr. Jerry Hatfield, director of the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, for his outstanding contributions in soil fertility practices and plant nutrient management. Fluid Fellow Awards, given in recognition of leadership in the fluid fertilizer industry, were awarded to Kim Coker of Ouachita Fertilizer/Texas Liquid, Spencer Douglass of Ponce Inlet, Florida, Rex Hopkins of Crop Production Services, Inc., and Dr. Terry Tindall of J.R. Simplot Company. The gavel was passed from Don Pottinger of International Raw Materials to Ron Wachter of Nu Chem as the FFF’s 2010 chair.

In 2011, the Fluid Forum will again be held at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dates are February 20 to 22, 2011.