Simplot Marked Global Fertilizer Day by Bringing Soil Science to Schools

From pumpkins to potatoes to putting greens and everything in between, fertilizer helps grow our world. Fertilizers are essential because healthy soil means healthy plants, and healthy plants mean a healthy future with food to feed our world.

In celebration of Global Fertilizer Day, Simplot AgriBusiness led a grassroots initiative to bring soil science directly into Idaho classrooms, connecting students with the science behind the food on their plates.

Simplot partnered with The Fertilizer Institute and the Fertilizer Education and Research and Training (FERT) Foundation's Nutrients for Life team to assemble "Fertilizer Fun Boxes" for distribution across the United States. The boxes, packed with hands-on educational materials, were designed to help teachers introduce students to the critical role fertilizers play in agriculture and global food production.

Each box contained a curated selection of tools and resources, including soil probes, kits to examine how porous soil is, nutrient testing materials, and soil samples from across the country. A ready-to-use lesson plan will help educators seamlessly integrate the materials into their curriculum, sparking curiosity and conversation around soil health and sustainable farming.

Students from American Falls High School traveled to Pocatello to assist in assembling the boxes. Their involvement added a layer of community connection to the project, reinforcing Simplot's commitment to education and local community engagement. Pocatello is home to Simplot's Don Plant, the company's flagship fertilizer production site and one of the longest continuously operating plants of its kind in the United States.

This year, the students built 200 Fertilizer Fun Boxes which were distributed to schools and teachers across the country. Locally, Simplot employees hand delivered a few of the boxes to various east Idaho schools and teachers.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to receive a Fertilizer Fun Box through Nutrients for Life as they are one of the best educational resources we have regarding soil science," said American Falls High School agricultural science teacher Tyrel Barnett on The Fertilizer Institute website. "It's amazing to see the students connect the dots between soil science and having healthy and nutritious food to eat. Having a chance to review the lessons and materials, I'm confident that my students will better understand the importance of soil health within our food system."

Global Fertilizer Day is recognized annually by the fertilizer industry to raise awareness about the essential role fertilizers play in global food security and economic development. The day also encourages students to explore careers in agriculture, science, and sustainability-fields that are increasingly vital to the future of our planet.

For Simplot, the celebration reflects the Company's long-standing mission: Bringing Earth's Resources to Life. Through education, innovation, and community partnerships, Simplot continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders and stewards of the land