This seminar provided techniques for improving the effectiveness of pesticides by better understanding how they work on the pest and by minimizing the effects on the environment. Additionally, strategies for slowing the development of resistance in certain pests were also discussed.
While I have an extensive knowledge of the many products used on the course for the improvement of turf health, I am always ready to learn what the newest research has to say about those products. By reviewing the newest data and available research, I was able to understand the synergistic and antagonistic relationships between products to better understand which combinations will best compliment our agronomic programs at HFCC.
 |
| Dr. Frank Rossi from Cornell University |
Seminar - Low Maintenance Roughs and Natural Areas for Golf Courses
With the natural environment being one of the major draws of the golf course at HFCC, I felt that there was some merit in attending this seminar and I was right. This turned out to be my favorite class during the conference. I experienced the science behind selecting and establishing the best plants for low maintenance areas on the course and the costs associated with them. Additionally I came away with ideas on how to improve aesthetics, pace of play and overall course quality by properly incorporating these areas.
Seminar - Plant Growth Regulators for Fine Turf: Cool Season
Plant growth regulators are the single most common pesticide we apply to the golf course. They help to improve root and shoot density in the turf while also "slowing" growth which ultimately reduces grass clippings. This seminar paid specific attention to multi-year research results on how to use growing degree days (GDDs) to schedule applications for consistent shoot suppression on creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
While walking the trade show floor, I met with the representatives from the major sprayer manufacturers to view their latest and greatest. Since we will be in the market for new turf sprayers in the next year, this was a good opportunity to see which company could best suit our specific needs. Additionally, I met with an unnamed mower company to voice some issues we have had with their product. It turned out to be an opportune meeting as I got to discuss my issues with the president of the company. Long story short, said company will be taking our mowers back and upgrading them to the latest standard. Seeing what the "latest standard" looks like, I do believe that this will solve our issues. It was gratifying to see a company stand behind their product and proved the value of meeting and talking with people.
 |
| Last day of the trade show is the best time to meet with people, less crowded. |
Finally the best part of the show was the interaction with my peers. The amount of knowledge that I gather from simply “talking turf” with the guys is immeasurable. I would like to thank everyone at HFCC for providing me the opportunity to participate in the GIS and for understanding the value in it. By attending the trade show and participating in the educational seminars, I have consistently been able to bring back useful information that has benefited the Club both in savings and efficiencies, not to mention the agronomic information that improves the course.
