Star of the West Milling Company has launched its 2026 Sustainable Tracking of Agronomic Resources (STAR) program, a farmer-focused initiative that incorporates Ostara’s CG P2X™ fertilizer to help growers deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. The program, which targets the Great Lakes Grain Initiative, is supported by a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program. By participating, farmers can receive up to $50 per acre in incentives for adopting or expanding sustainability practices when supplying wheat, dry beans, or food-grade soybeans.
The STAR program addresses growing demand from downstream food companies for credible data on supply chain impacts. As sustainability reporting requirements increase, food manufacturers are seeking verifiable information about the environmental footprint of their raw materials. Star of the West’s initiative enables participating farmers to document their practices and outcomes, providing the transparency that buyers require. This creates a value chain where sustainable agriculture is economically rewarded.
Central to the program is Ostara’s CG P2X™ fertilizer, which is designed to release nutrients in response to crop demand, reducing nutrient runoff and improving efficiency. This aligns with the program’s goal of delivering measurable sustainability outcomes. Farmers who enroll will have access to this technology and support in tracking their agronomic practices.
The STAR program is part of a broader trend in agriculture where companies are linking financial incentives to environmental performance. By leveraging the USDA AMP grant, Star of the West is able to offer meaningful payments to farmers who adopt practices like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and precision nutrient management. These practices not only improve soil health and water quality but also help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
Star of the West, a 156-year-old company headquartered in Frankenmuth, Michigan, operates 32 locations across six states, including four flour mills, five agronomy locations, and eighteen elevators. Its organic division, Everbest Organics, operates in Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Ostara, based in St. Louis, is a leading producer of phosphate fertilizers, with its CG P2X™ product representing the next evolution of Crystal Green®. For more information on Ostara’s products, visit PhosphatePerfected.com.
The implications of this announcement are significant for the agricultural sector. By tying financial incentives directly to sustainability outcomes, Star of the West is creating a model that could be replicated by other grain companies. This not only helps farmers improve their bottom line but also positions the Great Lakes region as a leader in sustainable commodity production. For food companies, the program offers a reliable way to source ingredients with verified environmental attributes, which is increasingly important for meeting corporate sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
As the program rolls out, it will be important to track participation rates and the actual environmental benefits achieved. If successful, the STAR program could demonstrate that market-based incentives, combined with innovative fertilizer technology, can accelerate the adoption of sustainable agriculture at scale.
