We were encouraged to recently learn that Southampton County extension agent Chris Drake has been honored by his peers for a consistent and enthusiastic promotion of recycling pesticide containers.

Under a program that Drake inherited, county farmers are regularly encouraged to thoroughly rinse the empties and collect them for the twice-annual service. This grinds the plastic cans into granules, which ultimately can be made into such items as new pesticide containers, hazardous waste drums, speed bumps or even lawn chairs.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services noted that last year the county had about 12,000 pounds of the nearly 89,000 pounds collected throughout the state.

The recognition by VDACS shows us that not only is Drake doing his job and then some, but also that farmers are responding to the need for recycling. They clearly understand that it’s good for the environment as well as getting rid of clutter. Those containers can add up.

By the way, the next pesticide recycling begins the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds.

We also should note that the extension agent attributes his honor with the participating farmers and VDACS.

Lest we forget, Drake was also on a team that won second place in private applicator recertification. The other members were Sean Malone and Ames Herbert, both of the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, and Robert Christian of VDACS.

We hope to report next year that Drake and company have been again honored for their work in promoting agriculture and the environment.