Farmers Recognized for Responsible Nutrient Management

13th class of Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners highlights cover crops as key to managing manure and fertilizer inputs

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:36am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a carefully arranged composition of polished farm tools, organic produce, and soil samples on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the sustainable farming practices of the recognized nutrient management practitioners.Sustainable farming tools and produce symbolize the innovative nutrient management practices of the recognized Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners.Elizabethtown Today

The 13th class of Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners, sponsored by AgroLiquid and No-Till Farmer, has been recognized for their innovative nutrient management practices. Jim Hershey, a 600-acre multi-generational farmer in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, is one of the farmers highlighted for his use of no-till farming and cover crops to meet most of his nutrient needs through hog manure.

Why it matters

Responsible nutrient management is crucial for sustainable agriculture, protecting water quality, and reducing environmental impact. The recognition of these farmers showcases innovative practices that can be adopted by others to improve nutrient stewardship.

The details

Hershey, who has been no-till farming for over 30 years, says the main reason he started was to save time, as he and his wife were running the farming operation by themselves. Today, the 600-acre operation grows corn, wheat, and soybeans, and also finishes 1.7 million organic broiler chickens and 6,500 head of hogs. Hershey is able to meet most of his nutrient needs through the hog manure, highlighting the importance of integrating livestock and crop production for effective nutrient cycling.

  • Hershey has been no-till farming for over 30 years.

The players

Jim Hershey

A 600-acre multi-generational farmer in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, who has been using no-till farming and cover crops to meet most of his nutrient needs through hog manure.

AgroLiquid

A sponsor of the Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners program, which recognizes farmers for their innovative nutrient management practices.

No-Till Farmer

A sponsor of the Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners program, which recognizes farmers for their innovative nutrient management practices.

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What they’re saying

“The main reason I started no-till farming was time. My wife and I were running the farming operation by ourselves and we also had a dairy operation. Time was very valuable.”

— Jim Hershey, Farmer

“We can meet most of our nutrient needs with the hog manure...”

— Jim Hershey, Farmer

The takeaway

This recognition of innovative nutrient management practices, such as using cover crops and integrating livestock and crop production, demonstrates how farmers can improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact through responsible stewardship of nutrients.