The Indiana Certified Crop Adviser program honored six top individuals at its conference in December. The awards presented were for CCA of the Year and for the Indiana CCA Legacy Award.

Erich Eller was recognized as the 2024 Indiana CCA of the Year. Eller is the founder and president of ForeFront Ag Solutions in Huntington, Ind. Each year, he also volunteers to judge the agronomy competition at the National FFA Convention.

Additionally, the following individuals received the Indiana CCA Legacy Awards: Tom Bechman, Midwest Crops editor for Farm Progress and previous Indiana Prairie Farmer editor; James Camberato, retired Purdue Extension soil fertility specialist; Bob Nielsen, retired Purdue Extension corn specialist; Marty Park, owner of M W Park Limited consulting; and Darrell Shemwell, retired branch agronomy manager of Poseyville Plant Foods.

Akridge wins Hovde Award

The Purdue University College of Agriculture recently presented Jay Akridge, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue, with the 2024 Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana. Akridge received the recognition at the Indiana Farm Bureau state convention in French Lick, Ind., in December.

His variety of roles at Purdue, including dean of the College of Agriculture, and commitment to rural Indiana stood out when selecting Akridge for this award. Bernie Engel, current dean of the Purdue College of Agriculture, outlines that dedication.

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“Jay is the ideal recipient of the Hovde Award because of his significant and enduring impact on the College of Agriculture, Purdue University and rural stakeholders throughout Indiana,” Engel says. “His leadership and dedication to educational excellence have positively influenced many students and communities, embodying the essence of our land-grant mission.” 

Hay quality winners announced

The Indiana Forage Council collected 71 samples from 26 producers across the state for the Hoosier Hay Contest. Results of the contest were shared in November. Here are the winners, organized by category:

Grass hay 

Legume hay 

Mixed hay 

Grass baleage 

Legume baleage 

Related:Know a Master Farmer in your life? Nominate them!

Mixed hay baleage