Harvey’s Going Green

Harvey’s Agricultural Solutions and our customers use certain practices to lessen the burden on the environment.  These include:

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) –

GMO’s are any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.  In agriculture, many crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to pests, herbicide, or harsh environmental conditions.  Some crops have also been engineered to have a longer shelf life and more nutritional value.  By introducing insect resistant crops into the environment, less pesticide is used across the world.

Much of the seed Harvey’s Agriculture Solutions sells are GMO products.  Harvey’s is proud to help in the effort to use less pesticide worldwide.

Manure Management –

Farms are faced with more challenges dealing with input costs, regulations, and the pressure of public perception, the importance of accurate manure recordkeeping has become more and more prevalent.  Today’s livestock producer deals with the continued protection of the environment from nutrient build-up due to manure applications. Proper record keeping is essential for monitoring soil nutrient levels and maximizing the value of manure as a resource.

With farmer input, Harvey’s Farm Cycle® tracks field by field and whole farm balances of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.  Harvey’s Farm Cycle® keeps farm nutrient records up to date and up to standard with the requirements outlined in the MEAEP, GAAMPs, and the NPDES Permit Reporting.

Improved water use efficiency –

The Mid America CropLife Association grants the Water Guardian Award which recognizes agribusinesses that “project a positive image by promoting environmental stewardship of the crop protection industry, concerns about water quality of U.S. water supply, and overall protection of the environment.”

In 2005 Harvey’s Agricultural Solutions won the Water Guardian Award.  Owner of Harvey Milling Co., Mike McCracken, had this to say about the award, “We are environmental stewards, we believe in the groundwater requirements to make sure that we have good, clean water, and there’s a variety of environmental efforts we pride ourselves on.  We try to be a leader in that area.”