My generation of agriculture producers is more aware than ever of environmental challenges and concerns. We use techniques as elaborate as new land management practices, buffer strips, fertilizer protocols and as simple as putting up a fence to keep livestock away from streams.
Public policy is driven by public opinion.
In the shaping of public opinion, perception is everything. If people perceive farmers and ranchers to be polluters who could care less about clean water and air, it is because the environmental community has succeeded in promoting that perception. I would hope Kansans know agricultural producers only hurt themselves if they ignore the environment. So whether it is enlightened self-interest or an innate sense of responsibility, when given the opportunity to do something to improve the environment, the farmer will do just that. We're the original environmentalists, stewards of the land, and all that.