Kramer named CCA Conservationist of the Year

On Dec. 7, Adam Robert Kramer of Patch Grove, WI, was named this year’s recipient of the CCA Conservationist of the Year Award.

The 2021 award was announced by USDA-NRCS Associate Chief Louis Aspey to Kramer during a virtual ceremony. The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award annually recognizes a CCA 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 Kramer, co-founder of Black Sand Granary (BSG), for his 15 years of crop-advising experience. His work includes demonstrating to farmers practices and products to boost soil health, improve yield and profit, and create areas for native restoration. He actively uses demonstration farms to allow producers to see the strategies he advocates for in the field.

“Mr. Kramer’s dedication to enhancing conservation and establishing the best possible management practices on the land is an inspiration to us all,” said National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Michael Crowder while presenting the award. “Mr. Kramer and BSG’s influence continues to grow, making him a true leader of stewardship and soil health.”

“Mr. Kramer has demonstrated excellent leadership and a commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural resources in his work with Wisconsin farmers,” said NRCS Associate Chief Louis Aspey. “His achievements have resulted in critical partnerships and have made a lasting impact on the land. NRCS applauds Mr. Kramer’s ground-breaking CCA work with farmers throughout his career.”

“Adam’s conservation leadership is helping producers across the country improve their soil health while increasing productivity and profitability,” said American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Interim CEO Luther Smith. “He exemplifies everything this award represents—dedication to promoting sustainability through innovation and results-driven conservation efforts.”

“Mr. Kramer’s achievements in transforming the sustainability of his own land and helping others do the same has led to the revitalization of his agricultural community in Wisconsin,” said National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted McKinney. “NASDA congratulates Mr. Kramer on his stewardship and thanks him for his leadership and dedication to advancing agriculture.”

Kramer was recognized as the 2019 Iowa CCA of the Year and the 2020 International CCA of the Year (see https://doi.org/10.1002/crso.20014). He has presented at local, state, and national meetings and is always willing to donate time and content to organizations in the name of conservation.

The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award is supported by a conservation and agribusiness partnership among USDA-NRCS, Agricultural Retailers Association, ASA, CropLife America, Crop Science Society of America, NACD, NASDA, Soil Science Society of America, and The Fertilizer Institute. Learn more at www.agronomy.org/awards.