Farm Management Accreditations

Hertz Farm Management supports and encourages professional accreditations for all of its farm managers, rural appraisers and real estate professionals.

Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)

Our Farmland Professionals are continually striving to educate themselves to ensure they are providing the best quality service to our clients as possible. One of the ways they stay at the forefront is through Professional Accreditations. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) offers professional accreditations in both farm management and rural appraising.

To qualify for Accredited Farm Manager designation, a farmland professional needs to meet the following qualifications:

  1. 4 years of experience in farmland management
  2. 4-year college degree
  3. ASFMRA membership
  4. Completion of ASFMRA course work
  5. Submission of a successful farm management plan
  6. Pass the ASFMRA accreditation exam

Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)

The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program of the American Society of Agronomy is the benchmark of professionalism. The CCA certification was established in 1992 to provide a benchmark for practicing agronomy professionals in the United States and Canada.

Steps to Certification

  1. Pass two comprehensive exams (International and Local Board)
  2. Meet the experience requirements
    • Have at least two years of experience with at least a Bachelor of Science Degree in an agronomy related field
    • Have at least 3 years of experience with an Associates Degree in an agronomy related field
    • Have at least four years of experience with no degree
  3. Apply for CCA Credential
    • Document education and crop advising experience (Including transcripts and supporting references)
    • Sign and agree to uphold the CCA Code of Ethics (Included in application)

Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC)

Accredited Agricultural Consultants (AAC) members of the Society provide the highest quality management consulting service to rural America. The agricultural consultant advises clients on business decisions about the current operation of and future opportunities for the client’s enterprise. The Consultant values honesty and fair dealing in a manner which promotes the interest of his/her clients, employees and shareholders. The AAC designation ensures that service is delivered with the highest standards, integrity and quality.

Designation Requirements

  1. Complete Required coursework
  2. Four years of agricultural consulting experience or equivalent (as approved by the ASFMRA).
  3. A four-year college degree or equivalent (as approved by the ASFMRA). Any equivalent education should be submitted for review very early in the accreditation process so the ASFMRA can determine if the education qualifies.
  4. ASFMRA membership prior to submitting an application for accreditation.
  5. Submission of one consulting report as prescribed by the ASFMRA.
  6. Comprehensive AAC Accreditation Exam.