BLOOMINGTON, ILL – December 4, 2020 – Do you know a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) with exemplary soils consulting expertise? The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is now accepting nominations for a new award named in honor of former CCA Soy Envoy, Dave Rahe.
Rahe was an ISA CCA Soy Envoy in 2019 and was passionate about soil management, having spent the majority of his career specializing in the field. He passed away suddenly in April, but during his year as a CCA Soy Envoy, Dave authored blogs for ILSoyAdvisor covering topics such as soil compaction, micronutrient management, cover crops, and more. In addition to writing for ILSoyAdvisor, Dave wrote his own blog, Observations in Agriculture.
Dave attended the University of Illinois where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1977. His 40 plus-year career saw him work for organizations like the Soil Conservation Service/Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil scientist, Soil-Right Consulting Services, Inc., and most recently Dave had founded his own soil testing company, RPM LLC.
“Dave knew more about the soil than anyone else I know,” said Janette Porter, CCA, Dave’s business partner at RPM Soils, LCC. “I always told Dave I could never repay him for all that he has taught me about soils and agronomics. He said his repayment would be my success. He definitely built a great foundation for the success of our company.”
The Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award will be given to one Illinois CCA nominated for their excellence in soils consulting within Illinois soybean production systems.
“I think the winner of this award should be a great influence to the agricultural community, as Dave was,” said Porter. “He was willing to teach clients and friends about his knowledge of soils and agriculture. He would devote time to the FFA and other organizations to teach others about agriculture.”
Porter adds that the winner of the award should be knowledgeable about agriculture and a dedicated member of their community. Dave was a soil scientist and conservationist, but he was also a valuable mentor to his coworkers and partner to his clients.
“Dave was the definition of a ‘go-giver.’ He gave without concern of what he would receive in return,” said Porter. “Dave and I spent countless hours riding around in his truck discussing soils, agronomy and life in general. I’ve had the privilege of working with his clients after his passing. Many have shared stories of how Dave’s advice has helped them make improvements on their farms.”
The award winner will be recognized during ISA’s virtual Soybean Summit events in February and will receive a plaque and $500 monetary award. To nominate a CCA, please provide additional information about the nominee by filling out this form. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of ISA board members, Illinois CCA board members and university professionals. Nominations are open until December 18. Visit ILSoyAdvisor.com to learn more and download the nomination form.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
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For more information, contact:
Rachel Peabody
peabodyr@ilsoy.org
217-825-7654
Claire Weinzierl
weinzierlc@ilsoy.org
309-660-3444
