BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Nov. 18, 2019 — Know an experienced Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) with a passion for soybean management? Nominate them for the annual Soybean Master Adviser award, presented by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program. The award is part of ISA’s effort to recognize CCAs for contributions to Illinois soybean production.

Any Illinois CCA whose certification is active and who is interested and involved in soybean management and works with farmers can be nominated. The award will be presented to the winning CCA at ISA’s ILSoyAdvisor Soybean Summit at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield – March 10, 2020.

“CCAs are leaders in improving Illinois soybean production and trusted partners with farmers,” said Linda Kull, ISA director of ag innovations and tech transfer. “Our focus is to optimize technology adoption and farmer profitability. Working with CCAs to improve management practices across the state directly impacts farming so we want to recognize this partnership.”

Each year ISA works with the Illinois CCA program to recruit CCAs to serve the soybean producers of Illinois as CCA Soy Envoys. These experts contribute local, timely soybean management advice and expert insights to ILSoyAdvisor.com, ISA’s agronomic website. ISA also leads efforts to expand opportunities for CCAs to improve their soybean management skills to help them be the most knowledgeable CCAs in the U.S.

“This effort helps keep farmers engaged and focused on soybeans as more than a rotational crop,” said 2018 Soybean Master Adviser and past CCA Soy Envoy Stephanie Porter from Taylorville, Ill. “The CCA Soy Envoy program and Soybean Master Adviser award are great ways for CCAs to get involved, earn recognition and further develop their careers.”

The nomination form is now available, and includes questions about the nominee’s CCA number, address and employer. It requests examples of nominee work and why the nominee deserves the award. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of ISA board members, Illinois CCA board members and university professionals. Nominations are open until January 10. Visit www.ILSoyAdvisor.com to learn more and download the nomination form.