Savannah, Georgia, USA
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015 – One of the more unique and challenging career paths in the agriculture industry is aerial application. Today, BASF and the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) supported two promising individuals along this path through scholarships to assist them as they pursue their agricultural aviation dreams.
Colin Lowry of Ephrata, Washington, and John Nienhuis of Lawton, North Dakota, received Agricultural Aviation Scholarships from NAAA and BASF of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. The two winners were honored during the 49th Annual NAAA Convention & Exposition kickoff breakfast in Savannah, Georgia.
Lowry and Nienhuis represent the latest of what is quickly becoming a long line of bright, dedicated individuals who help growers succeed in the field. With this rising crop of agricultural pilots, organizations like BASF and NAAA have formed long-standing relationships with the goal of maintaining safety and success within the industry.
“Aerial application is crucial to the agricultural industry,” said Gary Fellows, Ph.D., Technical Market Manager, BASF. “With today’s chemical and technical advancements in agriculture, we have to constantly work to make sure our aerial applicators are safe and effective in the skies.”
Lowry is currently enrolled at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington, where he is pursuing his Commercial Pilot certificate. After receiving his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, Lowy will continue following the path to become an aerial applicator.
Nienhuis is currently attending North Dakota State University, studying general agriculture. Using the scholarship to help finish his general agriculture degree, Nienhuis will begin flight training while finishing his degree, as opposed to later in his career.
“BASF has been a major supporter of NAAA over the years, and we appreciate their steadfast commitment to our scholarship program,” said Andrew Moore, Executive Director, NAAA. “Since 2010, NAAA has awarded $46,000 in scholarship funds to 13 individuals through the NAAA and BASF Agricultural Aviation Scholarship program. By investing in the next generation, BASF is helping to ensure that this important industry to agriculture, forestry, biofuel production and public health protection is sustained. This is especially important with retirement approaching for a generation of baby boomer agricultural pilots.”
To most in the industry, aerial application is more than a career, it’s a lifestyle taught through generations of passionate people. This is best represented by those who sponsored Lowry and Nienhuis for consideration for the NAAA and BASF Agricultural Aviation Scholarship. Lowry was sponsored by Mark Brown, Owner of Quincy Flying Service in Quincy, Washington. Nienhuis was sponsored by Jess Brekke, President of Brekke Aviation, Inc., in Edmore, North Dakota.
Pilot Safety and Efficacy
It’s not just about encouraging and educating new pilots in the field, but also keeping current pilots up to date on product stewardship, best application practices and the latest safety techniques. With a mission to keep pilot safety and effectiveness at the forefront, BASF, NAAA and the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF) continue their aerial application efforts year-round.
In 2015, BASF continued sponsoring the Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency) NAAA Membership Incentive Program, which encourages aerial applicators to join NAAA and participate in its stewardship programs, including an Operation S.A.F.E. pattern-testing clinic. Operation S.A.F.E. application analysis clinics are offered around the country. In 2015 alone, 357 aircraft were calibrated at more than 72 fly-in clinics. These clinics took place in 22 states, ranging from North Carolina to California and from South Dakota to Texas. At the fly-ins, applicators work with trained analysts to test equipment, boost performance, increase applicator knowledge and stay up to date with legal requirements and certifications.
“Aerial application is crucial to our industry,” Fellows said. “Ultimately, it helps growers succeed, and we’re proud to help organizations like NAAA ensure a successful future.”
The 49th Annual NAAA Convention & Exposition is Dec. 7–10 in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Scott Bretthauer, Extension Specialist in Application Technology at the University of Illinois, will be at the BASF booth (number 407) throughout the tradeshow. Dr. Bretthauer is an On Target Application Academy trainer and an expert in application techniques and strategies.
For more information on BASF Crop Protection products, visit http://agproducts.basf.us, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For more information on NAAA, visit www.agaviation.org.
About NAAA
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), founded in 1966, represents more than 1,800 members in 46 states. NAAA supports the interests of small business owners and pilots licensed as professional commercial aerial applicators who use aircraft to enhance food, fiber and biofuel production, protect forestry and control health-threatening pests.
NAAA provides networking, educational, government relations, public relations, recruiting and informational services to its members and the aerial application industry as a whole.
NAAA works with its partner organization, the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF), to provide research and educational programs focused on enhancing the efficacy, security and safety of aerial application.
Additionally, NAAA performs public outreach on the industry's behalf, communicating the importance of aerial application to agriculture, forestry and the public welfare to the public.
About BASF’s Crop Protection division
With sales of more than €5.4 billion in 2014, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, seed treatment and biological control as well as innovations to manage nutrients and plant stress. Its portfolio also includes products for turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. BASF Crop Protection is a leading innovator that partners with growers to protect and enhance crop yields, enabling them to produce high quality food more efficiently. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports growers to make a better life for themselves, their families and communities. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or on our social media channels.
About BASF
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20.6 billion in 2014. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.
At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.