Area ag professionals renew crop specialist credentials
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
GALESBURG - Three area agribusiness professionals recently reaffirmed their credentials as certified crop specialists.Joe Kane of Riverland FS in Stronghurst, Mike Welch of Riverland FS in Wataga and Chad Cyr of Riverland FS in Maquon all successfully completed their CCS requirements in the FS System of Member Cooperatives.
To earn their original titles as certified crop specialists, Kane, Welch and Cyr successfully completed a series of comprehensive written and verbal exams designed to establish base standards of knowledge for individuals who advise growers on crop management and production inputs. Topics included nutrient management practices, integrated pest management, soil erosion and water quality. Among the skill sets assessed were technical knowledge; the ability to discover, identify and analyze yield-limiting factors from a grower's field records; identify common pest problems and recommended economic treatment measures; discuss and analyze the economic aspects of crop production; and understand the need-identification process.
CCS credentials are maintained by accumulating annual continuing-education credits in crop production practices, including attending and successfully completing crop management and issue classes, pest identification seminars, as well as demonstrating professionalism by conducting informational meetings and maintaining sales performance levels.
In place since 1986, CCS accreditation is a focal training program for agribusiness consultants throughout the entire system of local FS Cooperative suppliers. Kane, Welch and Cyr are among 190 currently holding the designation in the FS Cooperative System's service area of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and the province of Ontario.
A farmer-owned supply cooperative, Riverland FS Inc. has offered complete crop services to growers in Knox, Warren, Henderson and Fulton counties for more than 78 years, and currently employs six certified crop specialists.
