Bayer's Hill wins 2015 Barrie Orme Shield

Jack Hill, the Norfolk, Virginia-based commercial technical manager for Bayer CropScience, has been awarded the 2015 Barrie Orme Shield by BASIS.

Hill won because he was the best candidate in the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection program, where he worked on a project seeking alternative treatments to neonicotinoids for insect control in oilseed rape.

Hill started his work in agriculture while working on a mixed farm in Australia for two harvest seasons as well as working in product safety at Syngenta’s research and development center.

“Farming is now my passion, so I’m very grateful and honored to have received the Barrie Orme Shield for 2015," Hill said. "The BASIS qualification is fundamental to my job. It has allowed me to build a solid understanding of crop protection, and given me the foundation to attain further knowledge. It was important that my project focused on a very topical area that would help my day-to-day role and also the company. Preparing for the BASIS exam allowed me to get out crop-walking with experienced agronomists and I would recommend that those taking the course do the same. The hands-on experience opens your eyes and helps further your understanding of crop protection.”

Stephen Jacob, BASIS’ acting CEO, said the standard of candidates for the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection continues to be very high.

"The winner and runners-up for this year’s Barrie Orme Shield is a reflection of these standards," Jacob said. "BASIS qualifications such as the Certificate in Crop Protection remain crucial for ensuring best practice within the agricultural industry.”