Agronomist and regional manager at Timac Agro, Bobby Sandeman, has been awarded the esteemed Barrie Orme shield, sponsored by ADAMA, for outstanding performance in the BASIS certificate in crop protection exam.
Bobby has a farming background in Zimbabwe and completed an agricultural degree at newcastle university before securing a role in a management position for a salad grower.
He has since moved into more agronomic roles, completing his certificate in crop protection whilst with Agrii before taking on his current role at Timac Agro.
Bobby said:
“The BASIS qualification is fundamental to my job and achieving this qualification has really helped me to understand the challenges that farmers face and how we can overcome them.”
The award was presented by William Burgess, BASIS chairman, who was joined by Jodie Littleford, 2020 Barrie Orme shield winner. Jodie said ‘Being awarded the shield gave me the confidence that I had the knowledge and expertise to progress in my career.
“Sitting on the BASIS education and training committee for the last 12 months has been a fantastic opportunity and I have enjoyed offering another perspective to the discussions. I hope that Bobby gets as much out of the experience as I have.”
Bobby said he was honoured to have received the award:
“I am over the moon to have won the award, I was thrilled to see the letter in the post.
“James Christian-Ilett was a fantastic trainer, he provided lots of crop walking days, was always available to answer questions and encouraged us all to take a more holistic view which I will take forward with me in my career’.
BASIS approved trainer James Christian-Ilett said:
“I congratulate Bobby on the outstanding achievement of winning the Barrie Orme Shield.
“To be judged the best BASIS certificate in crop protection candidate of the year is a truly impressive accolade.”
