Dale Cowan, of
AGRIS Co-operative and Wanstead Farmers Co-operative has been named 2016 International Certified Crop Adviser’s (ICCA)
Adviser of the Year.
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| Dale Cowan, ICCA's 2016 Adviser of the Year |
This prestigious award recognizes a certified crop advisor
who delivers exceptional customer service, is highly innovative, has shown great leadership in their field, and has contributed substantially to the
exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the
agriculture industry.
Cowan has been the
senior agronomist and sales manager with AGRIS Co-op and Wanstead Farmers Co-op
for the past six years and has established a 25-year business relationship as
an agronomic service provider with the Ontario agriculture co-operative network.
In addition to advising large growers, Cowan mentors 14 CCAs. Combined, Cowan
reviews recommendations across 275,000 acres comprised of over 300 key
accounts. Over more than 35 years, he has advised growers on corn, soybeans,
and wheat as well as cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes.
“This award was
unexpected and I feel very honoured to have received it,” said Cowan. “I think
it reflects well on the Ontario CCA program and I must acknowledge the group
effort because no one builds a career in isolation,” he added.
"Dale is a great example of the
knowledge, experience, innovation, and ethical conduct that the CCA program has
come to be recognized for,” said AGRIS general manager Jim Campbell. “Through
his professional and volunteer activities, Dale has been instrumental in the
development and promotion of sustainable agronomy and precision farming practices
throughout Ontario," he added.
Cowan’s involvement includes participation
in the Ontario Agri-Business Association (OABA) as representative, board member
and president; chair of the Ontario CCA Board; vice chair of Provincial
Nutrient Management Advisory Committee; work with Ontario Drinking Water
Stewardship Advisory Committee on Funding; and activity on the Crops Input
Committee/Agriculture Research and Education Committee. He is also the CCA
representative to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Soil Health Working Group and is a member of the Ontario CCA Exam Committee and
a regular contributor to several farm publications.
To learn more about this award, visit: https://www.agronomy.org/awards/view/131
