The environment is a big issue these days. The public is demanding farmers become more conscious environmentally. We have to be aware of the future and working with the environment may be one of our greatest challenges.   The environment has never been an issue in the past, but it is now. We can complain about it, but we have already been dealing with this in Europe for about 20 to 25 years.  One of the main reasons Rick left Europe was because there are a lot of people in a small area and they have a lot of environmental challenges. For example, in 1976 when his father built a house, he had to build his house a size that would be acceptable to his neighbors.    Also, five years ago in Europe, the pea companies forbid the farmer to seed their own peas because of quality problems. They couldn’t grow them all the same size and getting them to mature at the right time was difficult. With the Lemken seeder that is no longer an issue.   Sometimes, Rick feels that he is ahead of his time. Five years ago in Europe, the farmers were not happy to have to abide by the environmental rules that were being imposed.  Now they see the benefits.   At R&D, they travel a lot and learn from doing so. They see a need for new technology. It is safer, and easier on the environment. They feel a need to educate people about the new technology that is now available. A big part of their success is they continuously introduce new concepts.