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 Seeds Canada brand in Eastern Ontario. He has devoted his career to advancing agronomy through hands-on research, education, and mentorship.
Hermans’ career started as a soil and water conservation technician and eventually brought him to serve in several roles at Pioneer Seeds Canada, first as an area agronomist and then as 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.
His commitment to mentorship is a testament to the influence of his own mentors and a cornerstone of his work, says Sandy Endicott, chair of the International Certified Crop Adviser Board. 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,” says 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, The Agronomists here on RealAgriculture, and newsletters, such as Seed Sense.
“Paul has often told me when you get to the point where your conversations with growers are about their business and personal life 95 per cent of the time, and seed 5 per cent of the time, you know you’re making an impact with the grower,” shares fellow eastern Ontario agronomist, Paul Sullivan, when commenting on Hermans’ impact.
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.
