1. Qualified to Grow With You Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) Certification Program of the American Society of Agronomy

2. These are demanding times! The Demands of the Agricultural industry today require producers to make careful decisions in a number of areas! Things like…… Environmental protection Soil and water management Crop and rotational selections Nutrient management

3. Having access to a knowledgeable, professional, and experienced Crop Adviser can be critical for success!

4. But finding the right Adviser can be difficult!

5. You know your Crop Adviser must: Have a positive impact on your business and the environment surrounding your operation Always look out for your best interests first Be a knowledgeable, experienced and well- rounded person SO………..

6. The better question might be:

7. How can you find a Crop Adviser that fits these criteria? Look for the title - Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) A highly qualified Professional

8. CCA is part of the American Society of Agronomy! The American Society of Agronomy has over 90 years of history and plays an important role in the certification and tracking of continuing education for the Certified Crop Adviser Program.

10. The CCA program is controlled by local/regional boards List of your regional board members here

11. When partnering with a CCA you have an adviser that you can count on to be: Dedicated Credible And be someone who has met rigid standards set by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA)

12. ASA Standards These standards include…… Exams to demonstrate command of the science and principles involved in crop production Experience minimums to demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge they possess Continuing Education to insure continued excellence!

13. Exams A CCA must pass two comprehensive exams: International Exam – covering agronomic practices and principles And…….. Local Exam– covering specific agronomic practices and conditions for the state, province, or region the CCA works in

14. Gaining Certification is not easy! On the average, just 60% of those seeking CCA status and sitting for the exams actually achieve certification!

15. Exams cover: Nutrient management Soil and water management Integrated pest management Crop management

16. CCA’s must have Experience too! 2 years crop advising with a minimum of a BS Degree in Agronomy or…… 4 years post high school in-field experience and…. All this must be documented with transcripts and references

17. Continuing Education Every CCA must earn 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years once certified, in order to continue to maintain CCA certification!

18. Working with you in all areas! When you find a crop adviser with CCA certification, you have found someone who will assist you in saving time and money by guiding you through environmental regulations and applying the latest technology to your agricultural business.

19. As your planning partner Your CCA will focus on increasing your profitability while optimizing and protecting natural resources.

20. Your CCA will Help you develop a comprehensive program by providing sound environmental stewardship in the following areas:

21. Nutrient Management A complete fertility program that incorporates all available nutrients, including manure.

22. Water and Soil Management Maintaining the balance between water conservation and optimal production by understanding the relationship between soil and water properties.

23. Integrated Pest Management Innovative pest control and preemptive strategies that help maximize yields while protecting the environment.

24. Crop Management Production of healthy, cost-efficient and environmentally sound crops and livestock. Working to manage crops, soil, and water resources in harmony.

25. Certification is in your best interest Not only are CCAs qualified to help you, they are bound by a Code of Ethics to put your needs first. CCA Code of Ethics

26. Partnering with a CCA simply makes good business sense Exams Experience Education Code of Ethics 15,000 Certified CCAs in US/Canada!

27. So finding a qualified adviser you can count on is as simple as three letters! CCA

28. For information on CCAs American Society of Agronomy 608 – 273 – 8085 www.agronomy.org Or contact your local/state CCA board!