This is a strange position to be in right now, or at least it feels strange to me. We write about agriculture, but we publish here in the “big city,” where the struggling economy is taking its toll. Yet we’re doing OK, relatively speaking, because the market we’re serving has generally managed to stay above the fray.

Though it feels strange, it also feels a bit energizing at the same time. Almost like there’s a responsibility to turn this good fortune into something even more special.

When I was at the recent National Farm Machinery Show in Louis­ville, KY, it seemed as though others in agriculture have the same feeling. There is still plenty of innovation rolling out — I was particularly impressed with new engine and transmission developments in tractors from AGCO. The new technology on display will help the company as it works toward compliance under the federal government’s Tier IV emissions standards. No one’s resting on their laurels, so to speak.

In any event, it got me to thinking about innovation and excellence in the distribution channel, and about our annual celebration of stewardship and security excellence, the Environmental Respect Awards. For 19 years now, this program has highlighted the people and the facilities that have set the standard for exceptional environmental stewardship and security in the United States.

If this isn’t something in which you’ve participated in the past, I’d like to invite you to join us this year. In a world where everything seems to be turning upside-down, let’s show the country that we’re responsible and progressive as an industry. That we’re committed to doing the right thing for our communities and the environment.

If you’re new to the program, you can pick up a lot of information on the dedicated Environmental Respect Award Web site at www.environmentalrespect.com. You can also fill out a Self-Audit package on line.

The Self-Audit package is not difficult to fill out, but as a past judge I can tell you it’s really only part of putting together a winning entry. Judges are asked to look for evidence of a “culture of respect” in essays and pictures submitted as part of the package. To that end, here are some suggestions on putting together your entry:

- Send photos, and lots of them. Good photos help the selection panel visualize your business and they also help to back up the claims you make in your Self-Audit.

- Support your entry with documentation. Include newspaper clippings, letters of recommendation, community education materials, news releases, and company literature.

- Write comments. There are several areas of the Self-Audit package that ask for personal comments. Use these areas to help explain your efforts and help show the selection panel what you have been doing.

- Finally, I recommend assigning one person to compile the package. The final package is more complete and cohesive when one person coordinates the information.

The deadline is April 30, so you have plenty of time — but get started now! And perhaps we’ll be honoring your environmental respect and security excellence this summer.