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.