During FY 2020-2023, MSRPC support has helped SMSU faculty create CCA educational programming so that our undergraduates can pursue CCA Accreditation. In the upcoming FY 2024 research funding cycle, we will continue to build upon earlier successful grant results while attempting to remedy past challenges. In doing so we hope to increase our CCA test-passing rate.

In the upcoming FY 2024 funding cycle, we aim to build upon earlier successful grant results while using past challenges to target further improvements in our educational outcomes.

Funding for this grant will be used to pursue the following objectives:
• Objective 1: Offer Specialized Training Modules
• Objective 2: Conduct Expert-led Workshops and Seminars
• Objective 3: Provide Study Materials and Resources
• Objective 4: Subsidize the cost of the International and Local CCA board tests
• Objective 5: Provide Mentorship and Guidance

In alignment with our CCA Educational Programs during the past four fiscal years, we aim to increase number/proportion of SMSU Students who can earn passing scores on the International and Minnesota CCA exams.

We will continue to support and motivate students who did not pass the CCA exams on the first try to stay with the program and take the exam again in the next semester.

Our curricula for SMSU’s Agronomy Program will continue to be updated to further integrate the knowledge and skills emphasized as part of CCA certification.

We will increase student, faculty, staff, alumni, and public recognition of the importance of CCA certification, and highlight the increasing number of SMSU students who both earn their academic degrees and simultaneously achieve CCA certification.

Updated August 20, 2024:
At the moment the school year has not started. Once it does, we will start weekly study sessions culmination with a group testing for the November CCA testing window. Residual funds will be used on future window testing periods.

Updated November 24, 2024:
Four weekly study sessions were held from mid-September to Mid-October. Study sessions were well attended. In the weeks immediately following the study sessions, five students attempted the MN Local and International CCA test. Test attempts were made by two seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore, all of which were Agronomy majors. Of the students, only one of the seniors passed the international CCA test, and she plans on taking the MN Local test within the next year at her full time job.

In follow up e-mails, the CCA testing organization indicated that all the senior and junior students were only a section or two (out of the four required) away from passing the tests. Follow up meetings with the students identified the sections and terminology that they need to study for the next time.

The next testing session is from February 5-19th. Having identified the weakness of the senior and juniors students, we will use the remaining grant dollars to fund test attempts for our upperclassmen and expect to increase our pass rate.

Updated February 26, 2025:
None of the remaining students have indicated any interest in continuing to study for or take the CCA tests. I still have around 3-4 test attempts to fund. To spend this money and introduce more undergraduates to the CCA certification I have been working with Randy Nelson, a newly hired agronomy professor at UMN Crookston to institute his own CCA program at Crookston. At the time of this updates writing I have requested a no-cost extension and reallocation of funds request to fund Randy's along with 2 of this best students CCA test attempts. I am waiting to hear the results of this request. I will continue to work with Randy to develop a CCA program at Crookston.

Updated May 19, 2025:
At the time of this updates writing I have received a no-cost extension and reallocation of funds request. The funds are going to fund the CCA test attempts of Randy Nelsons (Crookston) along with 2 of this best students. I have already spoken with Randy and since the CCA tests are offered on a quarterly schedule, we are going to target the next available testing date of Aug 6th-20th. I have already sent Randy study materials for himself and his students.

The primary manner in which this project will positively impact MN soybean farmers is via education and credentialing. Agriculture students who pass the CCA test before graduation have demonstrated their commitment to the agronomic field and show that they have put in the extra work. Agriculture students at SMSU are the future crop scouts, consultants, and product sales service that our MN soybean farmers rely on, and as such, training investments made in today’s agriculture students, will pay major dividends once these students hit the job market. The CCA designation is generally recognized as the standard for expertise in agronomy. A student who is able to pass the CCA test, before graduation, signifies a high level of knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession and definitely increases their credibility and desirability among employers.
Next up, any student who has passed the CCA exams while at SMSU has always gone on to pursue full CCA licensing. Yet another benefit of having more CCAs in the workforce is that the certification process covers numerous disciplines within agronomy (soil fertility, crop management, pest control, etc.), and ensures your crop scouts possess a comprehensive understanding of agricultural principles. As a CCA’s, individuals must also maintain their certification through continuing education, staying updated on the latest advancements, technologies, and best practices in agronomy. These Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) ensure that CCA professionals remain at the top of their field. Finally, the CCA credential not only validates an individual's expertise but also signifies a commitment to professionalism and ongoing learning.