May 31, 2011

FS crop specialists Dave VanCasteren and Brent Troyer earn CCS credentials













Brent Troyer, FS Crop Specialist with North Wellington Co-operative Services in Harriston (R) and Dave VanCasteren, FS Crop Specialist with FS PARTNERS in Alliston both successfully completed the requirements necessary to hold credentials as Certified Crop Specialists (CCS) in the FS System. This prestigious achievement is the next level up in their extensive agricultural training. Both gentlemen already hold the designation of a certified crop advisor in Ontario. 

The Certified Crop Specialist accreditation recognizes crop advisors for their production expertise, says Frank Campbell, GROWMARK Ontario marketing director. “These credentials prove a CCS’s ability to put his or her training to work in finding solutions that help producers optimize agronomic results, economic return and environmental stewardship.”

To earn the original title of Certified Crop Specialist, candidates are required to successfully complete a series of comprehensive written and verbal exams designed to establish base standards of knowledge on the topics of nutrient management practices, integrated pest management, soil erosion and water quality. Among the skill sets assessed are technical knowledge; the ability to discover, identify and analyze yield-limiting factors from a grower’s field records; identify common pest problems and recommend economic treatment measures; discuss and analyze the economic aspects of crop production; and understand the need-identification process.

The GROWMARK CCS program has been in existence for 25 years as a way to offer exemplary FS sales staff the opportunity to excel and receive recognition for achieving the highest level of excellence in sales ability, technical knowledge and outstanding customer service.