South Dakota Wheat Growers Wins 2012 U.S. National Award

South Dakota Wheat Growers of Chamberlain, SD was named the National Environmental Respect Award winner for 2012 Thursday, July 26 at a special ceremony on Capitol Hill. Winners were selected March 28 in Willoughby, Ohio.

The Environmental Respect Awards, sponsored by DuPont Crop Protection and CropLife® magazine, are 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 and services critical to effective crop production.  Each year a panel of industry experts gathers to recognize achievement in environmental stewardship, professional excellence, and community involvement.

South Dakota Wheat Growers won the award based on excellence in site design, in-plant storage and handling procedures, proper application and leadership in safety and stewardship among customers and employees. Due to its proximity to the Missouri River the location takes extra care to keep inputs properly stored, protected and applied so they do not enter the watershed.

“Protecting the environment is not just an investment for our company’s future,” says Jim Banken, location manager. “It is an investment in the future of agriculture as a whole. The agriculture industry needs to take the lead in protecting our environment by showing that we are true caretakers of the land.”

The company was awarded the Environmental Respect Award crystal trophy and participated in a stewardship forum, hearing speakers from CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute, and the Ag Retailers Association. Representatives from South Dakota Wheat Growers will also have the opportunity to visit an Environmental Respect Award winning business in another country on an ag tour next year.

“DuPont is pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2012 Environmental Respect Awards and applauds their accomplishment in environmental stewardship,” said Rik Miller, president, DuPont Crop Protection.  “These leaders are helping to advance environmental safety as well as the safe use of agricultural products, and we hope they will inspire others who share our passion and commitment to elevate environmental stewardship around the world.” 

“It’s through the conscientious efforts of these ag business and the crop producers they serve that this nation is assured of a safe and bountiful food supply,” said Paul Schrimpf, group editor of CropLife magazine. “We’re delighted to be able to gain them some recognition for their environmentalism.”