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ILSoyAdvisor Award Winners
By Olivia Key
The ILSoyAdvisor Awards, presented by ISA, stand as a testament to the association's appreciation and acknowledgment of the efforts demonstrated by Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) throughout the state of Illinois. The CCA Soybean Master Adviser and Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting awards not only honor the exceptional contributions of CCAs but also underscore their role in advancing agricultural excellence, promoting sustainable practices and fostering innovation within the Illinois soybean industry.
CCAs are at the forefront of Illinois agriculture, serving as trusted advisers and vital pillars supporting Illinois farmers. Their expertise, tailored recommendations and commitment to staying on top of the latest agricultural advancements significantly impact crop productivity, environmental stewardship and overall sustainability. CCAs play a multifaceted role, offering insights into soil health, crop management strategies, pest control and innovative technologies. Their dedication not only elevates individual farm operations but also contributes to the resilience and prosperity of the broader agricultural landscape in Illinois.
Stephanie Porter, ISA’s Outreach Agronomist, CCA, and a past recipient of the CCA Soybean Master Adviser award, said, “ISA is proud to recognize CCAs that strive to help farmers be their very best. We also realize that many of these individuals usually don’t get the recognition that they deserve, so this is our way of saying thank you for all that they do for soybean farmers and Illinois agriculture.”
2024 Soybean Master Adviser Award
JASON CARR
In 2016, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) established the CCA Soybean Master Adviser award in alignment with its mission to help Illinois soybean farmers be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world. This recognition highlights the pivotal contributions of CCAs in enhancing soybean production through their guidance and recommendations to improve yields and profitability. Any active Illinois CCA who is engaged in soybean management, actively collaborates with farmers and displays interest in the field is eligible for nomination.
The recipient of the 2024 CCA Soybean Master Adviser award is Jason Carr, who currently holds the position of soybean technical product manager at Bayer Crop Science. In his role, Carr evaluates new soybean germplasm and assists independent licensees with identifying varieties that meet the individual needs of their customers. Previously, he spearheaded agronomic research initiatives involving corn and soybeans, concentrating on devising customized solutions for growers while serving as a technology development representative. During this tenure, one of Carr's primary focuses was gathering data spanning multiple seasons to educate farmers about the advantages and risks associated with planting soybeans earlier than traditionally accepted.
“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition and to learn together with Illinois soybean farmers how to continue improving the management of this amazing crop,” said Carr.
For ten years, Carr dedicated himself to soybean breeding at Monsanto, where he led a team that developed a number of commercially successful varieties in RM groups 2 and 3. Carr's educational background includes a master's in molecular genetics and a bachelor's in natural resources and environmental sciences, both earned at the University of Illinois. Additionally, he is a graduate of the ISA Soy Envoy program and has published over 30 articles on ILSoyAdvisor.com. Carr and his wife, Jill, reside in El Paso, Ill., and have eight children.
Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award
TERRY WYCISKALLA
The Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting award celebrates an outstanding Illinois CCA for exceptional work in advising on soil matters within the state's soybean production systems. It pays tribute to Dave Rahe, a 2019 CCA Soy Envoy, who had a profound career focus on soil management. Despite his sudden passing in April 2020, his impactful contributions live on through blogs on ILSoyAdvisor.com.
The recipient of the 2024 Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting award is Terry Wyciskalla, the owner and operator of Wyciskalla Consulting, LLC. His expertise lies in soil sampling, nutrient management, precision ag management and soil management. Wyciskalla earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in soil fertility at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) under the guidance of Dr. Edward Varsa. His journey began in 1994 with his inaugural soil sampling program, which has since evolved and expanded. Following this, in 1995, he returned to SIUC and served as a soil fertility researcher for a decade before transitioning into a teaching role for the following six years. His teaching spanned subjects encompassing soils, crops and other various agriculturerelated courses. By the summer of 2011, he dedicated his efforts solely to crop consulting, marking a significant step as his small business continued to thrive and grow.
“David Rahe was a friend, mentor, colleague and sounding board to me. So was Kevin Nelson, another great individual that who we lost just a few weeks ago. I was truly shocked and honored to be selected for the Dave Rahe award. I know of many CCAs that are just as, if not more, deserving of this award than I am. Awards like this bring recognition to the many great CCAs out there who work countless, unrecognized hours to make their farm customers successful. Many days, crop advisers can be as grumpy and stressed as the farm producers during busy times of the year. However, awards like this can brighten your day,” said Wyciskalla.
In 2001, Wyciskalla earned certifications as a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg), and in 2015, he acquired the 4R Nutrient Stewardship certification (4R NMS). He was honored as the 2019 Illinois Farm Bureau CCA of the Year. Operating within a 15-county area, Wyciskalla Consulting, LLC now caters to about 150 clients and manages approximately 100,000 acres. Terry and his wife, Renee, reside in Nashville, Ill., where they raise their three children.
Wyciskalla and Carr were recognized at both the second annual Impact Awards Banquet and the ILSoyAdvisor Soybean Summit.
