27 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER OCTOBER 2024 The CCA designation is voluntary, signalling to farmers that these agronomists are committed to providing recommendations grounded in the latest agronomic research and delivered with integrity. INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM Aaron is only the third Canadian and the second Ontarian to serve on the ICCA board. Reflecting on this achievement, he expressed how humbling it is for a “farm kid and agronomy nerd” to interact with some of the smartest and best agronomists across North America and around the world. He emphasizes his love for networking and acknowledges that many of the opportunities he’s had would not have been possible without the connections he’s made. He is also grateful to be able to give back to the industry that shaped his career. “On behalf of the Ontario CCA Board of Directors, I had the pleasure of nominating Aaron for the position of Vice Chair of the ICCA Board. I am very pleased he was elected. Aaron has been a passionate and valuable member of our Board, and we know he will take that same enthusiasm to the International CCA Board,” says Nicole Penney, the incoming Ontario CCA Board chair. Aaron is particularly excited to host the annual general meeting in Ontario in 2026 – a perk of being the ICCA chair – where CCAs from around the world will have the opportunity to see and experience Ontario’s agricultural landscape. He’s also looking forward to showcasing the successes of the Ontario CCA Board in building and maintaining the organization’s strength and brand. THE FUTURE OF CCA As Aaron prepares for his position on the ICCA board, his biggest piece of advice to CCAs and those entering agronomy is to approach the industry with a learner’s mindset and to know that “you will always be the student of agronomy.” He adds that this desire to learn is crucial to creating value for both farmers and employers. Aaron’s dedication to the field is clear, and as he looks forward to what lies ahead both in Ontario and on the international stage, we wish him all the best with his journey and look forward to following his progress.•
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQzODE4