CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – For 26 years, Tim Harrison, of Campbellsville, consulted and scouted crops on thousands of acres in the Bluegrass State. He crisscrossed the state daily, analyzing soil, planting samples and recommending sustainable farming practices to help others increase their productivity while preserving their natural resources. Perhaps no other crop adviser was more well-known and respected in and around Taylor County and across the state.

After 48 years of dedication to agriculture, Harrison decided it was time to retire. Harrison’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed, however, as he was recently named 2025 Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) of the Year.

“I always wanted to help people and I didn’t realize I made such an impact after all these years until many farmers approached me, telling me how much I helped them over the years. That’s when I knew I made an impact,” he said.

From an early age, Harrison knew he wanted to work and be a part of agriculture. After high school he began farming crops and backgrounding Holstein heifers. But several years later he picked up an off-farm job as a spray applicator.

“It was the 1980s when farming was tough and I needed another income coming in. That’s when I went to work for Miles Farm Supply,” Harrison said. Two years later, as an Opti Crop Consultant for Miles, he obtained his CCA certification which he said was like a college diploma to him.

“I never attended college and started farming at a very young age. I just learned all I could,” Harrison said.

Harrison has worked in the industry for Miles Farm Supply, Southern States Cooperative, Security Seed and most recently with Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Alex Seaton, branch manager of Nutrien Ag Solutions in Elizabethtown, nominated Harris for this award.

“Tim always looks to the best interests of the grower in his advice and recommendations, treating their operation as if it was his own,” Seaton said.

Harrison said he has seen a lot of changes in agriculture over the years, adding that the CCA program has helped him keep up with those changes.

“The industry has changed so much over the years, with new technology, high-performing seeds and auto-steer equipment,” Harrison said. “The latest, perhaps, is the emphasis on soil health. It’s really starting to pick up. We’re all going to be learning to do more and more on less acreage. By becoming a CCA you can help connect cutting-edge science and research to the fields where farming gets done, as well as support ongoing research with valuable feedback and results.”

The CCA of the Year Award program is designed to recognize an individual who is highly motivated, delivers exceptional customer service for farmer clients in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production, and has contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the agricultural industry in Kentucky.

There are four required steps to becoming CCA-certified, the first is passing two comprehensive exams covering nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management, and crop management.

Second, one must have at least two years of documented crop advising experience with grower references for holders of a Bachelor of Science degree or four years of documented post-high school advising experience including grower references.

Third, the candidate must sign and adhere to the CCA code of ethics, meaning they always focus on grower profitability while optimizing and protecting natural sources.

Finally, participants must earn 40 hours of continuing education every two years, as CCAs always must have the latest information on new technology and industry developments.

Once certified, a crop adviser’s job included providing knowledge, advice and assistance in the management of crop growth. Advisers maintain a close relationship with their clients and scout their fields for problems that may arise during the growing season. Crop advisers make recommendations on various aspects of crop management, including seed selection, fertilizer use, pest management and disease treatment. They also keep agronomic and financial records of customer accounts and may work part-time or full-time, often as self-employed individuals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a crop adviser is $62,800.

“My advice to anyone wanting to become a crop adviser is to learn all you can, and don’t think you know it all because you don’t and you can’t,” Harrison said. “CCAs are partners with farmers on the front lines of critical decisions in agriculture, so it’s highly important to stay up on the latest technology and learn every single day.”