Got Questions? He's Got Answers.

A Southern States GrowMaster Professional can be a member of your farm management team.

Sam Correll says he depends on Kevin Fisher to help him solve problems that arise on his dairy and crop farm.

Kevin Fisher, an agronomy field sales associate and certified Southern States GrowMaster Professional, does more than sell chemicals.

"He also scouts our fields and lets us know if we have problems. Thanks to him, we make better use of our inputs."

Fisher has formed strong relationships with many of his customers over the years in his different roles: first as county Extension agent, then as a Southern States store manager and now as a Certified Crop Adviser.

"I am familiar with many of the farmers, their soils and their field problems," he says. "I've scouted their fields for weeds and insects." Fisher says there are times he may spot a problem in the field before the farmer does.

"I spend 90% of my time on farms," he continues. "We begin talking at the end of the previous season when the farmer is evaluating whether he is satisfied with what he has accomplished or whether he wants to make some changes in his program."

Fisher adds that the complexity of modern agriculture requires a holistic approach to crop management decisions.

"You have to consider environmental issues, government regulations, cost of inputs and markets," he explains. "My goal is not just to help develop a single crop production plan, but a master farm plan that takes into consideration the farmer's conservation plan, his soils, equipment and labor to maximize his return."

Marks Of a GrowMaster Pro

Gaining the title of Southern States GrowMaster Professional is no small achievement. It involves a rigorous testing program and continuing education.

The GrowMaster Professional program is tied to the Certified Crop Adviser program offered by the American Society of Agronomy.

To become certified, an individual must pass an international and a local test proving his competency in four areas of management: soil and water, nutrient, integrated pest and crop. Qualified candidates must also sign and follow a code of ethics.

Once certified, the individual must maintain his certification. This requires at least 40 credit hours of education every two years, with a minimum of five hours in each of the four agronomic management categories. This is done through Extension meetings and university field days as well as an annual Southern States training program led by university professionals.

"We have to stay on the cutting edge of what's new in all aspects of crop, soil, water and pest management, as well as environment regulations and government farm programs," Kevin Fisher says. "That's how we can best serve our customers."