Do you know an experienced Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) who has 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 their contribution to soybean production in Illinois. This is the third year the award has been given and CCA Kris Ehlers with Ehler Bros. was the first recipient.

Any Illinois CCA whose certification is active and who is interested and involved in soybean management and works with growers can be nominated. The award will be presented to the winning CCA at the ILSoyAdvisor Soybean Summit in Springfield, February 5.

“CCAs are leaders in improving Illinois soybean production, and trusted partners with our 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 soybean management practices across the state will directly impact farming operations, and we want to recognize this partnership.”

ISA partners with the Illinois CCA program to recruit CCAs to serve as CCA Soy Envoys. Envoys contribute local and timely content focused on soybean management to ILSoyAdvisor.com, ISA’s agronomic website. ISA is also leading efforts to expand opportunities for CCAs to improve their soybean management knowledge and skills. ISA wants the Illinois CCAs to be the most knowledge soybean advisers 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 includes questions about the nominee’s CCA number, address, employer and a few examples of their work and why they deserve the award. Nominees will be reviewed by a panel of ISA board members, Illinois CCA board members and university professionals. Nominations are open until January 10.

CLICK HERE to download the nomination form and please contact Dan Davidson, davidsond@ilsoy.org if you have any questions.