AWARDS
Master Adviser Award
ISA created the CCA Soybean Master Adviser award in 2016 as part of its mission to help Illinois soybean farmers be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world. The award acknowledges the significant role Illinois Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) play in improving soybean production by offering insight and advice on practices to improve yield and profitability. Any Illinois CCA whose certification is active, is interested and involved in soybean management, and works with farmers can be nominated for the Soybean Master Adviser award.
Nominations for the 2023 CCA Soybean Master Adviser award are being accepted now through October 17. The winner will be recognized both at ISA’s Annual Awards night this November and at the 2023 Soybean Summit in February.
2022 Winner
Jennifer Jones, Effingham, IL. Jones was recently hired as an Agronomy Manager for ISA where she works on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers in the development and implementation of conservation agricultural research and outreach programs. In her former role as Watershed Outreach Associate for the University of Illinois Extension, Jones developed working relationships with local partners within the watershed, such as farmers, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Illinois Farm Bureau to motivate and educate farmers and landowners to voluntarily adopt conservation practices to improve water quality and soil health. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Science in Agronomy degree from Purdue University.

Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award
The Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting award is an accolade given to one Illinois CCA nominated for their excellence in soils consulting within Illinois soybean production systems, named in honor of former CCA Soy Envoy, Dave Rahe.
Rahe was an ISA CCA Soy Envoy in 2019 and was passionate about soil management, having spent the majority of his career specializing in the field. He passed away suddenly in April 2020, but during his year as a CCA Soy Envoy, Dave authored blogs for ILSoyAdvisor covering topics such as soil compaction, micronutrient management, cover crops, and more.
Nominations for the 2023 Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting award are being accepted now through October 17. The winner will be recognized both at ISA’s Annual Awards night this November and at the 2023 Soybean Summit in February.
2022 Winner
Dan Schaefer, Tolono, IL. Schaefer is currently the Director of Nutrient Stewardship for the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association. He spent 30 years in the ag retail business as an agronomist and plant manager for Illini FS. Schaefer worked directly with growers on improving their yields through agronomic practices and recommendations, and assisting the University of Illinois with on-farm research to improve nutrient efficiency. He holds a Master of Science degree in Agronomy from the University of Illinois and is a Certified Professional Agronomist, a CCA, and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. Dan was named CCA of the Year in 2010 by the Illinois Farm Bureau and Farm Leader of the Year in 2018 by The News-Gazette.
