Over the past 15-20 years, the agriculture industry has evolved and become increasing complicated. These complications can result in very high rewards while also creating significant environmental impacts and financial risk. There are currently 13,000 Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), including 1,200 from Illinois. If you don’t currently consult with a CCA on your soybean management practices, you should consider it because individuals who hold this certification have demonstrated the commitment, education, expertise and experience to make a difference in a client’s business.

As a CCA, I take great pride in being one of the select few who carry this title. Passing the CCA exams is not an easy task, with only 40 percent of those taking the exam passing and becoming certified. This certification is self-elected and I aggressively attend as many CEU offered meetings or events as I can throughout the year to stay current on the latest research and information. I take the responsibility seriously when I sign the CCA code of ethics and strive to live and advise by these high standards, as do so many fellow CCAs.

CCAs are required to obtain 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in a two-year cycle in nutrient management, soil & water management, integrated pest management, crop management and professional development. These CEUs are opportunities for active CCAs to stay engaged with modern practices and potential issues in order to properly advise farmers, clients and landowners on good agronomy practices. At the end of the day, a CCA doesn’t know all of the answers, however it does give them a license to learn to help producers make sound agronomic decisions that will reduce risk.