Crop adviser Paul Hermans has been chosen as the 2024 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year in recognition of his mentorship, innovation and other outstanding contributions to the field of agronomy.
Hermans is an area agronomist with Corteva Agriscience representing the Pioneer Seed brand in Eastern Ontario.
“Paul Hermans’ innovative spirit and dedication to mentoring have left an indelible mark on the agricultural community,” said Sandy Endicott, chair of the International Certified Crop Adviser Board. “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 honor 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. 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, near Toronto.
Upon graduating, Hermans embarked on a diverse career, starting as a soil and water conservation technician and progressing through roles at Pioneer as an area agronomist and territory sales manager. His pursuit of Certified Crop Adviser certification and subsequent roles in digital effectiveness and management broadened his expertise and impact in the industry.
Hermans’ commitment to mentorship is a testament to the influence of his own mentors and a cornerstone of his work. This philosophy is embodied in his Corn Share and Soy Share programs, which provide young farmers with invaluable hands-on experience and insights into key growth stages and management practices.
“Paul has received great feedback from the participants and their parents,” said colleague Liam Bracken. “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. He 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 reaches the next generation of agronomists online, as well. Active on Twitter (now X) for over a decade, he shares research findings and fosters discussions. His contributions also include guest appearances on podcasts and bi-weekly blogs, such as Seed Sense, which offer valuable insights to growers and industry partners.
“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, which administers the CCA program. “His diligence, humility, and wisdom generate an extraordinary amount of trust with farmers—the true currency of an effective CCA.”
A 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% of the time, and seed 5% of the time, you know you’re making an impact with the grower,” he said.
Hermans' impact is also felt through his advocacy for the CCA program. 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.
Hermans’ unwavering commitment to agronomy and mentorship exemplifies the spirit of the International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year Award.