Clay Abbott lives with wife Alyssa and their two children in rural Momence, Illinois, where he farms with his uncles Mike and Junior Hartman. They grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. The farm was started in 1958 by Forrest Hartman, Clay’s grandfather. “In order to take care of our natural resources and to ensure the viability of our family farm for future generations, we need to strive to maximize profitability by treating the land as our own and mastering the delicate balance between bushels produced and input efficiency.” Clay participates in the farmer education “4R4U” initiative, which conducts nitrogen management trials and enhances partnership opportunities between Kankakee County Farm Bureau and Heritage FS. The 4R approach involves using the Right source of nutrient, at the Right time, at the Right rate, and in the Right place. Results from Clay’s nitrogen management plots are studied and shared as a part of a statewide educational effort for farmers. Clay Abbott | Momence, IL FARMER SPOTLIGHT 20