NEWS BRIEFS

As a service to our members we plan to provide summaries of current news articles/events we feel are
worthy of your attention. Send comments to Mike Watkins, Executive Director, SCFAA.
scfaa@bellsouth.net 864-656-2520

News Briefs

David Wallace Receives the 2007 Certified Crop Advisor of the Year Award

David Wallace, New Zion, SC received the 2007 Certified Crop Advisor of the Year Award from the SC Fertilizer and AgriChemicals Association at the Association's summer convention in Myrtle Beach on July 27. The award was presented by Dan Pitts, President of SCFAA.

The annual award recognizes a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) who delivers exceptional customer service, is highly innovative and proactive, has demonstrated leadership, and has contributed to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the agriculture industry. To qualify a nominee must hold a current CCA certification and be nominated by a customer, employer, peer, or other associate who has first hand experience and knowledge of the quality of their work.

After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1981, David farmed and managed retail farm supply operations in Vance and Loris. From 1996-1998 David served as manager of Gold Kist, Vance , SC. David currently serves as the manager of the Southern States at Manning, SC.

David has received Southern States' President's Excellence Award for successful operations, and Gold Kist's Pace Setter Award for successful operations. He is a Past President of South Carolina Fertilizer and AgriChemicals Association and currently serves on the Clemson University Pesticide Advisory Committee and as a board member of the South Carolina CCA Organization, SC Seedmens Association, and the SC Fertilizer and AgriChemicals Association.

He and his wife, Cindi have two daughters Meghan and Raina. They reside in New Zion and attend Turbeville Southern Methodist Church where he has serves as Sunday School Superintendent and is a member of the church choir.

The CCA Program is one of the professional certification programs offered by the American Society of Agronomy. It is a voluntary program providing a base level of standard through testing and raising that standard through continuing education. The program is administered locally by 37 state/regional/provincial boards called "Local Boards" throughout the United States and Canada . The South Carolina CCA demonstrates a commitment to professionalism as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to help growers produce economical and environmentally sound crops.

The CCA Program came into existence to insure that growers receive sound advice and recommendations. The CCA Program is built on the concept that there are certain things one must know in order to provide sound advice to producers. Each CCA had to pass two exams (international and local) and submit credentials detailing their education, crop advising experience plus two references. They must sign and adhere to a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, the CCA must earn 40 hours of continuing education every two years.