Star of the West Milling Company announced the launch of 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, supported by a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant, targets the Great Lakes Grain Initiative and offers farmers 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 enables Star of the West to provide downstream food companies with credible data on supply chain impacts, helping them meet increasing sustainability reporting requirements. By integrating Ostara's CG P2X fertilizer, which releases nutrients in response to crop demand, farmers can improve phosphate efficiency and reduce environmental runoff. This aligns with growing demand from food companies for transparency in agricultural supply chains.
Star of the West, a 156-year-old company based in Frankenmuth, Michigan, operates 32 locations across six states, including flour mills, agronomy centers, and elevators. The company's organic division, Everbest Organics, also participates in the program. Ostara, the producer of CG P2X, is a leading phosphate fertilizer manufacturer with a focus on nutrient efficiency. More information about Ostara can be found at Ostara.com.
The program represents a significant step in connecting farm-level sustainability with corporate supply chain goals, potentially influencing how agricultural incentives are structured in the future. By providing financial rewards for practices like reduced fertilizer use and improved soil health, Star of the West aims to create a model that benefits both farmers and food companies seeking to verify their environmental impact.
