SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello has appointed Dr. Jake Vossenkemper to serve on the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) board. Dr. Vossenkemper joined NREC for its Investment Insight LIVE event on Feb. 16 in Champaign, Ill.
Dr. Vossenkemper will represent fertilizer retailers on the NREC board and replaces Dr. Robert Mullen whose terms limits had been met. “Robert has been a great asset to the organization, bringing a retailer’s perspective to the table. We thank him for his service to NREC,” Kirwan said.
Vossenkemper of Davenport, Iowa, heads agronomy research and product development for the wholesale and retail divisions for Liqui-Grow fertilizers. He was raised on a farm near St. Charles, Mo., and received his PhD in crop sciences from the University of Illinois. “Jake has a real passion for growing more food, while advancing sustainable production tactics,” NREC Chairman Jeff Kirwan said.
The Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) was created by state statute in 2012. Funded by a 75-cent per ton assessment on bulk fertilizer sold in Illinois, NREC provides financial support for nutrient research and education programs to ensure the discovery and adoption of practices that address environmental concerns, optimize nutrient use efficiency, and ensure soil fertility. A 13-member NREC Council annually solicits, reviews and funds projects that fulfill the organization’s mission.
— Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council