What does it take to be considered improved environmental steward at the farm gate?  Is it a focus on water quality, an environmental footprint, production of sustainable food, soil health or planting cover crops? We all have a different point of view on this question. What it isn't exactly: It is not just about improving water quality through nutrient reduction (i.e., reducing nutrient loss in Illinois). It is not just about a farmer’s environmental footprint and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is not just about soil health and soil biology or the widespread use of cover crops.  It is about [...]