Farm Suppliers in 23 States Honored With Environmental Respect Awards

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Bob Wanzel, left, sits with Rex Runyan and Mike Wilson as they look over ERA entries for the program's 20th year.

Twenty-three top farm supply retail businesses have been selected as Environmental Respect Award state winners in the United States for 2010. Winners were selected May 6 in Willoughby.

For 20 years, the Environmental Respect Awards have been the agricultural industry’s highest recognition for environmental stewardship among U.S. agricultural retailers, those who serve farmers and ranchers with the nutrients, pest control and agronomic information critical to effective crop production.

A panel of industry experts gather each year to recognize achievement in environmental stewardship, professional excellence, and community involvement. The winners above won the award based on evidence of excellence in site design, in-plant storage and handling procedures, emergency preparedness and response, proper application and leadership in safety and stewardship among customers and employees.

Members of the 20th Anniversary selection committee were, Dr. Raymond Forney, DuPont Crop Protection, Wilmington, Del.; Kristin Morris, DuPont Crop Protection, Wilmington, Del.; Rex Runyon, CropLife America, Washington, D.C.; Michelle Hummel, Agricultural Retailers Association, Washington, D.C.; Pam Guffain, The Fertilizer Institute, Washington, D.C.; Mike Wilson, 2009 National winner, Wabash Valley Service, Browns, Ill.; Allan Fetters, Simplot Grower Solutions, 1991 National Winner; Pat McConnell, The McGregor Co., 1992 National Winner; Ron Stutsman, Eldon C. Stutsman Farm Service, 1992 Regional Winner; Paul Schrimpf, CropLife magazine, Willoughby, Ohio; and Al Strohmaier, CropLife magazine, Willoughby, Ohio.

Each state winner will receive the distinctive Environmental Respect Award personalized crystal sculpture, a statewide press campaign geared toward select print and broadcast media, and a public relations kit.

The winning agribusinesses also compete for regional Environmental Respect Awards. The regional winners will be announced in mid-May and will receive their trophies in Washington, D.C. during a special ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.