Paul Hermans named 2024 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year

Ontario crop adviser Paul Hermans has been chosen as the 2024 International Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) of the Year by the American Society of Agronomy.

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Hermans, an area agronomist with Corteva Agriscience representing the Pioneer Seed brand in eastern Ontario, is receiving the award in recognition of his mentorship, innovation and other outstanding contributions to the field of agronomy, Corteva Agriscience said in a release.

Sandy Endicott, chair of the International Certified Crop Adviser Board, said in the release “Paul Hermans’ innovative spirit and dedication to mentoring have left an indelible mark on the agricultural community. His programs, like Corn Share and Soy Share, demonstrate his commitment to educating young farmers and forging a bright future for agriculture. We are proud to honour his contributions with the 2024 International CCA of the Year award.”

Hermans has devoted his career to advancing agronomy through hands-on research, education, and mentorship, said Corteva AgriScience. His journey began on his family’s rented farm, where he worked alongside local dairy farmers. This early exposure to agriculture ignited his passion for the field, leading him to pursue a degree in agricultural science from the University of Guelph.

After graduating, Hermans began his career as a soil and water conservation technician, progressing through roles at Pioneer as an area agronomist and territory sales manager. His pursuit of CCA certification and subsequent roles in digital effectiveness and management broadened his expertise and impact in the industry, the release said.

Hermans’ Corn Share and Soy Share programs provide young farmers with invaluable hands-on experience and insights into key growth stages and management practices. His colleague Liam Bracken said in the release “Paul has received great feedback from the participants and their parents. Often, participants will stay hours after the main presentation, with the students tapping into Paul’s knowledge… I haven’t met many young folks so interested in learning before!”

Beyond mentoring, Hermans is dedicated to advancing agronomy through research and information sharing. Corteva AgriScience said Hermans conducts winter research trials addressing farmers’ questions and exploring new products and practices. His trials aim to discover practical solutions to common challenges in topics such as biologicals, fungicides, and environmentally sustainable practices.

Hermans also reaches the next generation of agronomists online as an active participant on X (formerly known as Twitter) for the past decade, where he shares research findings and fosters discussions. Corteva AgriScience said his contributions also include offering his insights to growers as a guest on podcasts and bi-weekly blogs.

“Paul Hermans’ commitment to agronomy, combined with his desire to mentor the next generation, embodies the spirit of the Certified Crop Adviser Program,” said Jim Cudahy, CEO of the American Society of Agronomy. “His diligence, humility, and wisdom generate an extraordinary amount of trust with farmers—the true currency of an effective CCA.”

Fellow Ontario agronomist, Paul T. Sullivan, had a revealing anecdote about what makes Hermans effective.

“Paul has often told me when you get to the point where your conversations with growers are about their business and personal life 95 per cent of the time, and seed five per cent of the time, you know you’re making an impact with the grower,” he said in the release.

Hermans’ impact is also felt through his advocacy for the CCA program, according to Corteva AgriScience. Since achieving certification in 1998, he has supported the program through public speaking, seminars, and virtual courses. His involvement on the Ontario CCA CEU Committee highlights his dedication to furthering the agronomic industry and enhancing the effectiveness of crop advisors.

Learn more about Hermans by reading his profile in the latest issue of Crops & Soils magazine.