Jeff Breuer, CCA Director and Arlington ARS Assistant Superintendent.
The Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisers Board of Directors sponsored a Crop Scout Internship this summer. Ben Ehlert from Pardeeville, was the first recipient of this pilot program. Ben is a college student enrolled in agriculture and general courses who is pursuing a degree in horticulture.
Ben received crop scout training at the UW Arlington Ag Research Station focusing on crop pest scouting, crop development stages, weed identification, ag safety and equipment operation. Ben also was introduced to agronomic crop research while assisting with the WI Intergrated Crop Rotation Systems Trial and Drs. Cullen and Murrell’s entomology studies. Professional career experiences were provided through job shadowing with CCA Carl Nachreiner, Landmark Co-op Agronomist, as well as George Koepp, UWEX Columbia County Ag Agent and Kurt Calkins, Columbia County Land & Water Conservation Department Director. He assisted with various research station activities including preparations for and attending several field day events.
Special thanks to the Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisers Board of Directors for sponsoring this internship. Future plans will be discussed as the CCA Program supports the educational development and professional experiences of new crop consultants entering the industry.