Advancing 4R Nutrient Stewardship Across Delaware & Maryland
The Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance unites agribusinesses, farmers, government agencies, conservation groups, and scientists. Together, we’re making sure every nutrient application across Delmarva farms follows the 4Rs — the Right Source, Rate, Time, and Place — to improve profitability, protect waterways, and strengthen communities.
A Collaborative Approach to Farming & Conservation in Delaware and Maryland
Founded in 2015 by The Nature Conservancy and the Delaware-Maryland Agribusiness Association, the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance (formerly the Chesapeake 4R Alliance) works to increase the adoption of nutrient stewardship practices across Delaware and Maryland farms.
Our Mission:
Help farmers apply nutrients efficiently and responsibly while supporting long-term farm productivity and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Recognizing the People Who Make DEMD4R Work
This Alliance succeeds because of a committed network of leaders across agriculture and conservation.
Kristin Fisher
Non-Government Organization (Secretary)
Lindsay Thompson
Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association
Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Assocation (Current Chair)
Tim Hushon
Agribusiness
Logan Field
Agribusiness
Jamie Kimbles
Agribusiness
Sapana Pokhrel
Research
Brooke Walls
Delaware Department of Agriculture
Government
Nick Miller
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Government
Practical Solutions for Delaware & Maryland Farmers
The Alliance focuses on:
- Increasing productivity and profitability for Delaware and Maryland farms.
- Hosting 4R workshops and field days to connect farmers and advisors.
- Supporting on-farm demonstrations for variable-rate nitrogen management and nutrient modeling.
- Building partnerships through conservation programs like RCPP, CSP, EQIP, and WRE.
Turning 4R Principles Into Regional Results
Since 2015, the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance has:
- Helped farmers manage thousands of acres with conservation practices.
- Launched on-farm demos showing the benefits of precision nutrient management.
- Connected agribusinesses, conservation partners, and farmers through hands-on training events.
Every acre managed with the 4Rs benefits farmers, waterways, and the entire Chesapeake Bay region.
Join the 4R Movement in Delaware & Maryland
Farmers, agribusinesses, and conservation partners are all part of this effort. You can:
Download our handouts on 4R Practices
Learn more about the benefits of membership
Press and News
Plant Map 3D: A New Technology Helping Farmers Get More Benefit from Cover Crops
June 10, 2026
Plant Map 3D is an innovative tool that helps farmers better understand how cover crops influence nitrogen availability and crop nutrient needs. Available through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Plant Map 3D uses advanced imaging technology to create field-specific recommendations that support more precise nitrogen management decisions. How […] Read More
4R Voucher & Implementation Program Now Available for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Farmers
June 10, 2026
Funding is available for Chesapeake Bay Watershed farmers and trusted advisors implementing advanced nutrient management practices. Eligible participants may receive planning vouchers, per-acre cost-share payments, and technical assistance support for qualifying 4R stewardship projects.
2026 4R Science Symposium Showcases Innovation in Nutrient Stewardship Across the Mid-Atlantic
February 19, 2026
The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association held a successful 2026 4R Science Symposium on Monday, February 9, 2026. Over 70 trusted advisors and like-minded organizations joined Mid-Atlantic 4R in Lancaster Pennsylvania to learn more about practical science-based applications of 4R Nutrient Stewardship and hear directly from experts through research insights and real-world case studies highlighting how 4R farming practices are implemented on farms.
Mid-Atlantic 4R Science Symposium
January 18, 2026
Join us Monday, January 26, 2026 in Lancaster, PA Chester, Maryland (January 16, 2026) – The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association is inviting you to our annual 4R Science Symposium scheduled for Monday, January 26th. The event will take place at The Ware Center of the Arts in Lancaster, PA. Doors will open at 8:30 AM […] Read More
Contact Info
📞 Lindsay Thompson | 443-262-8491
📧 lindsay.mdag@gmail.com
📱 Facebook: @DEMD4RAlliance