I submit that this is a more than fair inquiry - - what value is an accreditation / certification like CAC to an Agricultural Consultant’s clientele?  I would argue that a significant portion of the value is derived from the organization issuing the certification - in much the same way that a degree from a prestigious university carries greater clout than that from a lesser-known institution.  Likewise, the path traveled to earn the certification is important.  I explain to clients that my path to certification required attending a battery of courses specific to the Ag Consulting industry, passing an exam as well as having a certain amount of prior consulting experience.  I am quick to point out that holding a CAC beholds me to operating according to ASAC’s Code of Ethics – a code of business ethics that protects the consulting client.  
 

While holding a certification like the CAC does not ensure my abilities as an Agricultural Consultant, it certainly exhibits the fact that I desired and worked for a solid foundation from which to offer consulting services. Additionally, it clearly affirms that I am bound to conduct my consulting business in an ethical manner.
 

With this personal prelude, are certifications valuable? To Ag Consultants?  To ag consulting clients?  The short answer is yes – and I am not alone in holding this position.  Multiple sources promote professional certifications as valuable to consultants (e.g. Predictive Index and MBO Partners).  In a similar vein, engaging an agricultural consultant carrying professional credentials provides a layer of comfort – especially if the client is unfamiliar with the consultant – versus someone without such credentials.
 

Compare with those operating in other professional fields.  If one is searching for diagnosis / advice for a personal medical matter, is the search merely for someone that has worked in the industry for a number of years or a professional holding an MD?  If the business requires a financial audit (e.g. selling the business and is requested by the buyer), is the search merely for someone with a history of bookkeeping / accounting experience or for an accounting professional holding a CPA?  Why? (Outside the legal requirements – which are in force for the very same reason YOU should require it anyway.)  Because these professional designations show the holder has undergone the training that SHOULD make them competent in the area(s) you are requesting/requiring service(s).  No, it does not GUARANTEE competency; however, it DOES provide insight that the professional in question has taken significant steps toward competency. 
 

In summary – earning professional accreditations / certifications is a valuable and worthy effort for agricultural consultants.  They differentiate the ag consultant from the competition; grow knowledge and skills; establish professional credibility; and via maintenance, keep one up to date with tools and technical strategies.  By promoting and marketing these earned credentials, the ag consultant should be able to leverage for enhanced earning potential.

As an addendum, ‘What does it take to become a CAC via ASAC?’  The requirements are listed below:

1. Membership

a. Minimum of 2 years
 

2. Operational requirements – current Bylaws

a. Compensation is not subsidized or supplemented with revenue from sale of any product recommended by the consultant without full disclosure to the client.

b. The consultant has been a member of the Society a minimum of two (2) complete years and meets the requirements of certification as outlined by the Membership Review Committee and as approved by the Board of Director including: references, achieving required Continuing Education, and completing the Society Ethics Course.

c. The consultant does not have a conflict of interest in making recommendations.

d. The Consultant must be re-certified every five (5) years, according to the procedure outlined by the Membership Review Committee and as approved by the Board of Directors.  During each five-year period, this procedure includes attending Society meetings, achieving required Continued Education, and completing the Society Ethics Course.
 

3. Education

a. Total Education – 25 hours instruction time (24 ASAC-approved education CEUS, 1-hour ASAC Ethics) plus 1 ASAC Annual Conference.

i. Allowance for substituting courses (except Ethics) from other organizations.

1. Subject to review by Accreditation Committee / Continuing Education Committee.
 

4. Continuing Education Requirements for CAC cyclical recertification 

a. Five-year Cycle

i. Total Continuing Education Hours – 60 (Including 2 hours Ethics in each cycle)

ii. Attend 2 Annual Conferences (14 education hours + 2 hours Ethics will be earned)

iii. Complete 2 hours ASAC Ethics (fulfilled by attending 2 Annual Conferences; fulfils 2 of the total 60 education hours listed above

 

For more information about the upcoming ASAC Annual Conference in Fresno, CA, and a unique opportunity to earn a significant number of CEU’s toward professional certification, go to:

For more information about ASAC go to: https://www.agconsultants.org/
 

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Russell D Morgan CAC
ASAC Board Member

Morgan Agricultural Consulting Svcs (MACS)

(615) 422-6490

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Posted by: Don Tyler; Tyler & Associates

ASAC Board Member