More than 500 American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) from 37 states and Canada have completed an accredited continuing education (CEU) course offered free online at The Corn And Soybean Digest Web site (www.cornandsoybeandigest.com) and the Farm Press University Web site (www.farmpressuniversity.com).
The course on spray drift management developed by the magazine staff was launched six months ago and has drawn strong support nationwide, says publisher Greg Frey. “We’ve been gratified by the positive response received from Certified Crop Advisers from Maryland to Florida and from Georgia to New Mexico and California.”
Here are some of the comments of those who completed the free online course:
The course features a series of texts and 27 multiple-choice questions. The participant can proceed only if he or she answers the questions correctly. An incorrect answer takes the CCA back to the area of the text where the correct answer is found.
The course may be printed out before taking it online, but it must be completed online to earn credit. Middleton, WI, consultant/farm owner Robert Perry likes that feature. “I appreciate being able to print the course and study offline,” he says.
“This is a great way to earn CCA credits,” says Madera, CA, CCA Irving Gates. “I often struggle finding time to attend events offering CCA credits. Having the capability to do it online, late at night or early morning, is a great option.”
Benjamin Jahnke, Manchester, WI, farm owner and CCA says “Thank you for saving me time, money and gas.”
The ASA has accredited the course for one unit in integrated pest management until August, 2008.
When a CCA completes the course, he or she e-mails the course administrator, who then notifies ASA of the completion. There is a verification of completion the CCA can also print out for his or her records.