South Dakota Agri-Business Association

South Dakota Certified Crop Advisor Honored at Annual Agronomy Conference

Sioux Falls, S.D. — The South Dakota Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) Program has selected Paul Luetjen of Sioux Falls as the 2025 Certified Crop Advisor of the Year during the South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA) 24th Annual Agronomy Conference December 17, in Sioux Falls.

The award honors a Certified Crop Advisor who demonstrates exceptional agronomic knowledge, professionalism and commitment to strengthening the state’s agricultural industry.
Luetjen, a Seed Care Specialist with Syngenta Crop Protection, has spent more than 25 years serving the industry with integrity, deep technical expertise and an unwavering focus on strengthening agronomic decision-making across South Dakota. His ability to translate complex data into clear, practical insights has made him a trusted resource to ag retailers and advisers throughout the region.

"Paul represents everything this award is meant to honor," said Brenda Forman, Chair of the South Dakota Certified Crop Advisor Board. “His commitment to lifelong learning, steady presence in the field and his dedication to helping advisers and producers make confident, informed decisions make him an outstanding representative of the program."

In addition to providing retail partners with guidance on seed treatment technologies and early-season agronomic considerations, Luetjen is widely recognized for his leadership within the Certified Crop Advisors community. He has mentored new advisers, championed continuing education and played an instrumental role in advancing professional development within the network.

He has served on the South Dakota CCA Board for decades and represented the state nationally on the International CCA Board, where he has contributed to elevating standards and advocating for excellence in crop advising across the country.

Luetjen was recently recognized at the SDABA AgronomyConference, a premier event that advances agronomic knowledge in South Dakota and provides two days of research updates, expert-led sessions and valuable networking.

For more information about the South Dakota Certified Crop Advisor Program or the South Dakota Agri-Business Association Agronomy Conference, visit www.sdaba.org.