Bill Kessinger Named Certified Professional Agronomist by American Society of Agronomy
Stine Seed Company Regional Sales Agronomist Bill Kessinger, from Elwood, Ind., has been named a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). Kessinger is one of only 37 CPAgs registered in the state of Indiana.
To become a CPAg, an agronomist must meet ASA’s standards for knowledge, skills and conduct; pass a comprehensive written exam covering crop, integrated pest, nutrient, and soil and water management; obtain a bachelor’s degree in agronomy; complete at least five years of work-related experience; provide five professional references who can testify about the individual’s advanced knowledge of commercial crops — including corn, soybeans, tobacco and wheat — and sign a code of ethics.
By signing the ASA’s code of ethics, Kessinger has sworn to protect the public’s welfare and keep his clients’ best interest at heart.
“New customers are always a little skeptical about seed and treatment recommendations,” admits Kessinger. “I think the CPAg designation will give growers confidence that I can accurately diagnose the issues in their fields, offer viable solutions and provide reassurance that I genuinely want to help them improve their yields.”
Stine’s Agronomy Director Brian Hartman says Kessinger’s CPAg credentials prove that he has a solid understanding of the challenges growers are facing today, and that enables Kessinger to provide exceptional service to Stine’s customers.
“Bill works side-by-side with growers in their fields to accurately identify crop damage and deficiencies so he can help them eliminate current issues, create a custom production plan to prevent problems from reoccurring in the future, and improve their long-term profitability,” says Hartman. “Bill is a great agronomy resource for all of Stine’s customers.”
Kessinger joined Stine Seed Company in 2006. He received his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Purdue University, and he currently serves growers in Central and Northern Indiana.