News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 31, 2023 - Barry Fisher of Greencastle, Indiana, was named this year’s recipient of the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conservationist of the Year Award.      

The 2022 Award was announced by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Associate Chief Louis Aspey to Fisher during a ceremony hosted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award annually recognizes a certified crop adviser who exhibits dedication to exceptional conservation delivery and customer service and has shown to be a leader in their industry.

This year’s award recognizes Fisher, founder of Fisher Soil Health and former Central Region Leader for the NRCS National Soil Health Division, for his 40+ years of crop advising experience. In his career, Fisher has worked tirelessly to help farmers adopt conservation practices in Indiana and beyond. He has shared his strategies with farmers and specialists across the globe and used innovative and creative methods to break down barriers to conservation adoption.  

“Mr. Fisher has demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural resources in his work with Indiana farmers,” said NRCS Associate Chief Louis Aspey. “NRCS is proud to have one of its own recognized for his lasting impact in the soil conservation field. NRCS applauds Mr. Fisher’s innovative and impactful CCA work throughout his career.”

“Barry’s leadership as a conservationist, crop adviser, and mentor has left a lasting legacy for soil health and conservation,” said American Society of Agronomy CEO Jim Cudahy. “We are honored to recognize Barry through this award for his dedication to the promotion of sustainability through innovation and results driven conservation efforts.”

“Fisher’s whole career has been one of taking initiative and leading efforts to improve soil conservation on as much land as possible,” said Joseph Rorick and Lisa Holscher, two of Fisher’s nominators for the award. “For over 30 years, Fisher has been a leader in a local no-till learning circle in his county, brining what he learned about conservation in his travels and experiences nationwide home.”

Barry’s career has long been focused on working with farmers to increase conservation adoption,” said Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance Executive Director Ben Wicker in his letter of recommendation for Fisher. “His work truly encompasses the spirit of this award.”

For media inquiries please contact: Terrence Curtiss, NACD Director of Communications, 202-595-9148, terrence-curtiss@nacdnet.org.

The award is supported by a conservation and Agri-business partnership between the following organizations:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; Agricultural Retailers Association; American Society of Agronomy; CropLife America; Crop Science Society of America; National Association of Conservation Districts; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Soil Science Society of America; The Fertilizer Institute.

The American Society of Agronomy administers the award. Learn more at https://www.agronomy.org/awards.