"We feel that we must do everything possible to preserve the environment we live in so that we can continue to grow food and fiber to sustain the world," says Brian Herr, manager of Daylight Farm Supply in Evansville, Ind. The employees there see environmental stewardship as a way to sustain the environment, the population, and their livelihood.

"Because so much is depending upon their work and the work of the growers they serve, it is important that emplolyees view the environment as important and essential to life," says Herr. "They are hugely concerned with the preservation of the land and the chemicals that are used on it." This is why all employees at Daylight Farm Supply go through rigorous training, both on and off site, to become familiar with the chemicals they are dealing with.

The company also tries to use the natural surroundings to the fullest. For example, it collects large amounts of rainwater and uses it in the application of chemicals and fertilizers. This helps save energy and keeps the resources truly natural.

Daylight Farm Supply reaches out to the community by working with local 4-H programs, high school agriculture classes, and the FFA (Future Farmers of America). As they become young adults, these students will continue to spread the message of environmental stewardship and the importance of agriculture. Herr sums it up best: "By investing in the environment we are, at the same time, investing in our future."