The Iowa Certified Crop Advisers Board of Directors recognized 97 individuals for fifteen years and 58 individuals for twenty years of professionalism and years of service to agriculture as CCAs during the annual CCA Recognition Luncheon at the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference on Tuesday, February 11. EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey and Iowa DNR Director Chuck Gipp were the luncheon’s featured speakers.
CCAs utilize their skills in nutrient and pest management to assist growers with economical and efficient crop production. They also ensure that growers are aware of regulations and utilize best management practices to protect the environment.
“Your status as a certified professional demonstrates your dedication to your profession, your employer and your client. Being a CCA shows that you are willing to put in the extra work to get ahead in your field,” said Walter Armstrong, chair of the Iowa CCA board.
Joel Brinkmeyer, CEO of Agribusiness Association of Iowa stated, “I congratulate the CCAs who were recognized for their years of service. CCAs are a valuable resource for producers as they begin to implement new water quality best management practices outlined in Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. We are delighted the CCAs attended our event for continued training and education. As farmers continue to refine their business, their suppliers and crop advisers will be well trained and ready to share valuable information that will improve their farm operations efficiency, while maintaining an emphasis on environmental improvement.”
At the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference, approximately 200 CCAs received continuing education training to maintain their certification. AAI offered fourteen hours of continuing education units (CEUs) at the event and will offer six additional hours during a summer session in 2014. A CCA must accumulate a total of forty hours of CEUs every two years to maintain their certification.
