Alabama Turf Times - Winter 2018

Winter 2018

Symptoms and Sampling Techniques for

MANAGING PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES Jerry Simons, ATA’s

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER Also, Highlights from the

2017 DEEP SOUTH TURF EXPO

Winter 2018

TOP FEATURES 8 10

12

12

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Upcoming Events —

ATA Sports Turf Field Day (March 14) and Poa annua Classic (March 29) ATA Member Spotlight —

Jerry Simons, ATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Cover Story —

Symptomology and Sampling Techniques for Managing PlantParasitic Nematodes Recent Event —

Deep South Turf Expo: Past and Future

DEPARTMENTS 6

From the President’s Pen

6

ATA Annual Sponsors

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Welcome, New ATA Members

20

News from ATA

22

Calendar of Events

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Advertiser Index

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Wint er 201 8

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www.AlTurfgrass.org 4

The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation.

The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2018 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

From the President’s Pen >>>

LOOKING FORWARD TO A

GREAT 2018!

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

As

I start the year as president of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, I would like to share with all the members the great work and planning that has occurred behind the scenes. In December, the ATA board of directors met in our state’s capitol to organize the association’s events and future goals. I am extremely proud of our board; the members are so dedicated to improving and continuing the great work of ATA and unselfishly gave hours of their time for the betterment of our organization.

The Road Show Seminars continue to be a huge membership benefit. Thank you to everyone who supported them this winter. Except for the snow forcing us to reschedule the Dothan meeting, all of the seminars were successful and well attended by turfgrass managers. Thank you to our members and friends in the Dothan area for their patience with our rescheduling.

We will once again hold our Sports Turf Field Day on March 14 at the beautiful campus of Samford University in Birmingham. This is a great opportunity for anyone who works on sports fields; there will be something for everyone.

We have some industry professionals coming to speak, including our host and board member, Joe Collins, CSFM; Ken Edwards, CSFM; Waldo Terrell; Michael Hill and special guest, coach Casey Dunn. We’ll discuss everything from personnel management, building relationships with coaches and athletic directors, budgets, best management practices and much more.

Another popular event is our Poa annua Classic set for March 29 at the Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery. Our newest board member, superintendent Ben Anderson, will host this ATRF fundraiser. Please make your plans to come out and support this great cause.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president. My door is always open, and I encourage you to contact me personally if I can be of assistance to you.

Tres’ Wilkinson 2018 ATA President

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Tres Wilkinson

2018 ATA ANNUAL SPONSORS GOLD • Bayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jacobsen • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

SILVER • BWI Companies • Ewing • Residex • SiteOne Landscape Supply • Syngenta

BRONZE • AGRI-AFC, LLC • Agromax • Aquatrols • BASF • Humphries Turf Supply • PBI-Gordon • Southern States Turf • Sur-Line Turf

Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Melanie Bonds Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf

Vice President Kim Byram University of Alabama

Treasurer Deven Peek City of Prattville

Past President Paul Patterson University of Alabama Huntsville

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Ben Anderson Arrowhead Country Club

Randy McQueen TruGreen

Daniel Strickland SiteOne Landscaping

Golf Glen Junkin True Point Yahch and C.C.

Industry Scott Wanzor PBI-Gordon

Institution Joe Collins Samford University

Lawn Care Darrel Arnold Hermitage Lawn & Tree Care

City of Decator

Sod Greg Jones New Market Sod Farm

EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. Alabama Coop. Extension System 7

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

Parks & Recreation Heath Puckett

Upcoming Events >>>

MARCH 14

MARCH 29

ATA SPORTS TURF FIELD DAY

POA ANNUA CLASSIC

Calling All Sports Field Managers

The

Alabama Turfgrass Association will host its Sports Turf Field Day on Thursday, March 14, at Samford University in Birmingham. The day will be filled with educational sessions exclusively for sports field managers. Come out, and learn some tips and pointers from some of the industry’s best.

The educational program will include Richard Wilt from Auburn University who will share his experience of working with the National Football League on a rugby field installation in London. Waldo Terrell from Harrell’s, Inc., will discuss building relationships with coaches and athletic directors. Ken Edwards (who is now retired from the City of Gulfport, MS) will discuss budgeting and employee operations. Coach Casey Dunn, the head baseball coach at Samford University, will share his expectations on field management from a coach’s perspective.

Lunch will be provided, and the afternoon will consist of a field tour of Samford’s football, baseball and softball fields, with discussions on field maintenance from Joe Collins, CSFM, of Samford University and Mike Hill of Specialty Turf Supply.

This opportunity only comes around every other year… put it on your calendar, and bring your crew to this event specifically for sports field managers. We will meet in the field house adjacent to the Samford’s football field’s south end. We look forward to seeing you there! v

Join Us on the Greens to Support Research

ATA

will host its annual Poa annua Classic golf tournament at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery this spring to raise funds for turfgrass research. This tournament will raise money for the only 501(c)(3) organization in Alabama dedicated strictly to turfgrass research, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF). Every cent (100%) of the proceeds from this tournament is donated to ATRF to continue its work in producing quality research for turfgrass managers in Alabama.

As always, we will offer an educational program before the tournament.

Then, we’ll have a networking lunch before heading out to the golf course for a great afternoon on the greens.

Thank you to Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation and Greenville Turf & Tractor for sponsoring our meals at the event.

Tee signs are available for any company wishing to support this fundraising effort. We encourage everyone to attend, and bring a friend, colleague or customer! The more the merrier, and the more money we’ll raise for ATRF. v

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

The Poa annua Classic is scheduled for Thursday, March 29, at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, AL.

Register today at

www.alaturfgrass.org

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ATA Member Spotlight >>>

ATA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON

JERRY SIMONS Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Wint er 201 8

By Tricia Roberts, Former ATA Executive Director

10

J

erry Simons was a dedicated salesman for Tieco until the company disbanded its dealership with Jacobsen in 2004.

He then accepted the position of park superintendent for the City of Alabaster and continued to work there until his retirement last year. In that position, Jerry was responsible for all the green spaces, buildings and sports fields, which included 12 baseball and softball fields, 9 acres of soccer fields, youth football fields, 4 tennis courts and 2 basketball courts.

Jerry joked that he took this position only because he had sold the City of Alabaster all the equipment he needed to get the job done effectively. And that he did.

One of the highest compliments is when your boss can state, “He was my go-to man,” which is exactly what Tim Hamm, Director of Parks and Recs, City of Alabaster had to say about Jerry. We can attest to that statement, as Jerry has always been a supporter of the Alabama Turfgrass Association and served on the board back in 2007 and 2008.

During his service to the ATA, Jerry has been extremely dedicated and always willing to help. He enjoyed the team spirit among the board members. Jerry has served our industry and association without pause, giving us all goals and expectations to work toward. At the Deep South Turf Expo this past year, we were honored to present him with our highest honor — the ATA Lifetime Achievement Award. v

<<< Welcome, New ATA Members!

Welcome, NEW ATA MEMBERS! Jacob Autrey Clean Cut Property Management, LCC Deatsville, AL Jeff Barre Groundscare Fairhope, AL Leigh Blake Concept Marketing Daphne, AL Aubry Bryan Bryan’s Ground Maintenance Saraland, AL

Zack Gebhart City of Foley Foley, AL Laura Gonzalez CreatEscape Outdoors Pelham, AL Pete Gonzalez ProScapes Turf Mgmt.

Montgomery, AL Brad Hackett ProScapes Turf Mgmt.

Montgomery, AL Brandon Haley Red Diamond, Inc. Moody, AL

Michael Bunch Xtreme Turf Loxley, AL

Jake Jacobssen Magnolia Grove Mobile, AL

Stephen Allen Bush Bush Landscaping Auburn, AL

Jarrod Jordan Lower Alabama, LCC Elberta, AL

Glenn DiNella Barefoot Green Ecoscaping Birmingham, AL

Andy Kelley Gulf State Park Gulf Shores, AL

Phil Gantt Gantt Lawn Care Prattville, AL

L.D. Linden Century South Ornamentals Elberta, AL

Ralph McCall Property Management Source Montgomery, AL Paul Merchant City of Fairhope Fairhope, AL Daniel Nicholson City of Fairhope Fairhope, AL John Nichols ALMI Prattville, AL Austin Phillips AWP Horticulture Trussville, AL Josh Powell JH Property Svcs.

Maylene, AL John Richter Richter Landscape Co. Birmingham, AL Guy Roemen Landmark Landscape Group Hoover, AL

Pete Sheppard Birmingham, AL Andy Slaughter Grounds Cure, Inc. Mobile, AL Walter Smelley Walt’s Land Care, LLC Chelsea, AL Dennis Stumpfol Gulf State Park Gulf Shores, AL John Thompson Mobile, AL Phillip Trawick Alabama Lawns Prattville, AL Ryan Varnum Ryan Turf Management Anniston, AL Gabe Williams Greatfully Green Landscapes Auburn, AL Timothy Wilson Coosa Pines G.C. Childersburg, AL

SOME OF THE BENEFITS of ATA Membership Scholarships for turfgrass students at Auburn University and a Legacy Scholarship for our members’ children and grandchildren.

Free subscription to ATA’s quarterly magazine, Alabama Turf Times, and to ATA’s monthly enewsletters, as well as a free listing in ATA’s annual membership directory.

Discounts on everything from registration fees for various events to ATA clothing and merchandise.

Lobbying efforts for industry concerns.

Turfgrass research support through two major fundraisers: the Poa annua Golf Tournament and the Mole Cricket Classic Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament

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Educational opportunities through six RoadShow seminars conducted across the state each year, plus field days that are industry specific and provide all ATA members the opportunity to earn Pesticide Recertification points and other industry CEUs.

Cover Story >>>

SYMPTOMOLOGY AND

SAMPLING

TECHNIQUES FOR

MANAGING

PLANT-PARASITIC

NEMATODES Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

By Will Groover, M.S., Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University

P

lant-parasitic nematodes are devastating pathogens of turf and can lead to substantial damage if not properly diagnosed and managed. Nematodes are defined as microscopic, unsegmented roundworms that inhabit the soil. Plant-parasitic nematodes are those nematodes that can parasitize and attack a wide range of crops, including turfgrass.

In Alabama and a majority of the southeastern United States, there are several commonly found plant-parasitic 12

nematodes. These include sting (Belonolaimus, Photo 1), stubby-root (Trichodorus), spiral (Helicotylenchus, Photo 2), ring (Mesocriconema) and root-knot (Meloidogyne, Photo 3) nematodes. While the feeding habits of these nematodes are somewhat different, symptoms and damage are similar. All these nematodes damage turf by feeding on the root of the plant, thus inhibiting the growth, development and overall health of the plant. This feeding also has a direct impact on water and nutrient uptake and can lead to an increased

PHOTO

PHOTO

1

2

Spiral nematode.

PHOTO

3

Sting nematode.

Root-knot nematode.

Symptoms and signs Unfortunately, common symptoms of nematode damage in turf are very similar to other pest problems, environmental stresses and nutrient deficiencies, so nematode problems can

easily be misdiagnosed. However, there are several characteristics to look for when in a location with potential nematode pressure. These symptoms can include foliar discoloration, wilting or thinning, and eventual death of the grass (Photo 4).

Typically, nematode populations will emerge in clumps as the population increases, forming irregular shaped patterns of poor growth, so symptoms may slowly appear and enlarge over time. Any spot on a green or fairway with discoloration, 13

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

susceptibility of other soil-borne diseases on the root system. Thus, knowing how to identify potential nematode symptoms and when to sample is extremely important.

Cover Story >>> Continued

wilting or thin turf in a very irregularly shaped pattern could have a high potential for nematode presence. Another suspicious symptom is a lack of response to continued use of irrigation and fertilizer applications.

Since nematodes are microscopic, they cannot be seen with the naked eye and require a microscope to be viewed.

Thus, actual signs of nematodes can be hard to come by. This makes diagnosing a nematode infestation challenging. However, in some instances, gall formation may be evident on the roots of an infected plant. These are typical of the rootknot nematode only. These reasons are why the only way to confirm nematode presence is through taking soil samples of the infected area and sending it to a lab for analysis.

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

Sampling and shipping When sampling for nematodes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure proper technique. First, when taking soil cores with a soil probe, a depth of 3" to 4" per core is recommended (Photo 5). When sampling an area with no visible symptoms, be sure to walk in a zigzag pattern, taking samples intermittently, ensuring that an even distribution of soil cores is taken over the entire area. Since there are no visible symptoms, there is no way to tell where the high nematode populations may be, so an even distribution of the sampling area ensures an accurate representation.

For an area with visible symptoms, it is important to stay away from the worst looking or dead turf. Since the turf is dead or heavily damaged, the nematode numbers will have dropped from when the turf was healthy; so, taking a sample here will increase the risk of an inaccurate result. Always sample near or around the dead or unhealthy spots. This is where the nematodes are actively feeding on healthy turf and will give a more realistic representation of the nematode numbers. When taking a soil sample, anywhere from 15 to 20 cores per sample is adequate for lab analysis.

When preparing the sample for shipping, always place the cores in a plastic bag. Do not use paper bags like those used for nutrient soil tests. Paper bags work fine for nutrient analysis, but using a paper bag for nematode analysis will dry out the soil and kill the nematodes, leading to inaccurate nematode counts. As long as the plastic bag is sealed and able to retain the moisture present at the time of the sample, it does not matter what type of plastic is used.

Finally, it is very important to keep the bag in a cool place until ready for shipping. This can be a cooler or simply an air-conditioned room. Leaving the sample in the sun or on the front dash of a vehicle for long periods will kill the nematodes in the sample. The sample should be sent to a lab for analysis as soon as possible. Typically, the day of or next day after sampling is recommended.

PHOTO

4

Turf damage symptomatic of nematode pressure.

PHOTO

5

Sampling for nematodes.

Note to the reader As a Ph.D. student at Auburn University, I am conducting a wide variety of nematode research in turf for my Plant Pathology degree. A lot of this will pertain to nematicide efficacy trials in combination with fertilizer and biological products. To conduct this research, I am currently looking for 14

locations on various types of turf (golf courses, sod farms, etc.) that may have nematode problems. If you believe you may have a nematode problem or know of someone who does and would be willing to collaborate with me, or would simply like to hear more about my research, please email me at wlg0011@auburn.edu. Thank you! v

DIGITAL Marketplace

Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

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Recent Event >>>

DEEP SOUTH TURF EXPO:

PAST AND FUTURE

By Melanie Bonds, ATA Executive Director

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

A

gain in 2017, our members across the Deep South invested in education and career advancement by supporting the Expo in Biloxi on November 7–9, 2017. Thanks so much to the turf professionals who made it a success again. The Expo has provided value and “bang for the buck” since its inception in 2015.

Highlights of our education program included keynote speakers such as Bruce Williams, CGCS (of Bruce Williams Golf Consulting) who gave a presentation on “Leading Your Way to Success” with teamwork. Dr. Shawn Askew (Virginia Tech) presented on the challenges faced by turf managers and how to learn coping skills that will have you thinking about outside-thebox solutions. The core educational programs were solid and beneficial, covering four breakouts for golf, sports turf, lawn care and sod. Thank you to Dr. Bryan Unruh of Florida State for heading up our Education Committee.

We were happy to welcome many new companies as exhibitors. Thanks so much to all those who exhibited.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve the traffic for our vendors, and some exciting ideas have been broached to gain engagement for next year’s Expo, including contests at putting greens spread around the tradeshow floor.

The schedule was rearranged to provide for our Annual Business meetings following the tradeshow reception. This garnered better attendance

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than the early morning times scheduled previously.

The DSTE excels at combining business with pleasure. Tuesday, November 7, was dedicated to our “extracurricular” activities. The Golf Tournament at The Preserve experienced the largest attendance yet, with more than 120 players.

Congratulations to our winners: First place team — Lee Fillingem (Anniston C.C.), Michael Mays (Cider Ridge G.C.), Wesley Pate (Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation) and Bryan Scroggins (Residex); Second place team — Derrick Bright, Travis Boyd, Jeff Harrison (Blackberry Trail G.C.) and Mike Williamson (Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation); Third place team — David Brown, Zak Holloway, Mike Kent and Michael Rosamond (Ladd’s). Thank you to Mark Langner with AQUA-AID, who supported the tournament with an equipment demo.

Also, special thanks to our hosts: superintendents Stephen Miles, CGCS, and Jeremy Stevens, and PGA professional, Chris Champagne.

Winners of the Skeet and Trap Contest were Tommy Shook (Sports Contractors Unlimited) and Randy Mangum (Corbin Turf). We would like to thank Keair Edwards for his tour of the area’s sports fields, including the Gulfport Sports Complex, Goldin Sports Complex and the Biloxi Shucker’s Stadium.

The Past Presidents Reception remained a big hit with our past presidents of five different groups. It is nice to take time to say a big thank-you to those who have served selflessly,

often for several terms and on multiple boards.

Our Conference dinner was held at the Biloxi Shuckers MGM Park again, with entertainment from our own members competing in a softball game.

Congratulations to the Regal “Blue” team, coached by William Dunnivant and Doug Webb, for winning the 2017 softball competition. The AQUA-AID “Red” team, coached by Mark Langner, put up a good fight but succumbed in the end. Many thanks to Tim Bennett with Overtime Sports for his help making our evening a memorable one.

With an eye on the future, the DSTE board of directors has made changes to reflect our attendee and exhibitor input. It was felt that the dates previously scheduled for 2018 would be impacted by Halloween and the early buying program of our vendors. Because of that, we have changed this year’s date to November 27–29.

Thanks so much to all who have made our Expo a success the past three years. A survey was sent to our attendees and exhibitors at the conclusion of the 2017 show. We value your input and ask that everyone take a few minutes to give us your feedback so we can incorporate beneficial changes into the coming years’ Expos. You can send an email to info@deepsouthturfexpo.org.

Looking forward to seeing you all at this year’s Expo! Remember to mark the date on your calendar — November 27–29, 2018! v

Dinner and softball game at the Shuckers’ stadium.

Keynote speaker Bruce Williams, CGCS.

Keynote speaker Shawn Askew, Ph.D.

The educational program was excellent!

Tres’ Wilkinson (left) with outgoing ATA president Paul Patterson.

ATA Executive Director Melanie Bonds and Former ATA Executive Director Tricia Roberts.

2018 ATA Leadership. Front (L to R): Paul Patterson (Past President), Tres Wilkinson (President), Kim Bryam (VP), Deven Peek (Treasurer) Back (L to R): Scott Wanzor, Daniel Strickland, Heath Puckett, Glen Junkin, Joe Collins, CSFM, Randy McQueen, Dave Han, PhD, Ben Anderson

Thanks to OUR 2017 DSTE SPONSORS DINNER

PAST PRESIDENTS RECEPTION

SPORTS TURF TOUR

OTHER SPONSORS

FMC

Bayer

Beard Equipment Co.

Agri-AFC

AmpAgronomy

Harrell’s

Harrell’s

Greenville Turf & Tractor

PBI-Gordon Corp.

AQUA-AID, Inc.

Syngenta

LUNCH Ladd’s Ventrac

EXPO RECEPTION Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

GOLF TOURNAMENT Ameri-Turf Aquatrols, Inc. Redox

Regal Chemical

TRAP & SKEET TOURNAMENT Dow AgroSciences

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Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

BREAKFASTS

Recent Event >>> Continued

Thanks to OUR EXPO EXHIBITORS Advanced Equipment Sales

Dow AgroSciences

Magnum

Agri-AFC, LLC

East Mississippi Community College

Master Craft Meg-Mo Systems

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

Agromax, LLC Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Assn.

EzLocator

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc.

FIS Outdoor

Mississippi State University

Alabama Turfgrass Assn.

FMC

Mississippi Turfgrass Assn.

All Things Print

Forestry Suppliers, Inc.

AmeriTurf

GCSA

Nature Safe Natural & Organic Fertilizers

AQUA-AID

Geoponics Corp.

Net Connection, LLC

Aquatrols, Inc.

GNC Industries, Inc.

Nufarm America, Inc.

Athletic Fields, Inc.

Graham Spray Equipment

Par Aide Products Co.

BASF

Grasshopper Company

PBI-Gordon Corp.

Bayer Environmental Science

Greenleaf Technologies

Pennington Seed, Inc.

Beard Equipment Co./ John Deere Golf/ Greenville Turf & Tractor

GreensGroomer WorldWide, Inc.

Better Billy Bunker, Inc.

Southern States Turf Division Sports Turf Company Standard Golf Co. STEC Equipment Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Sur-Line Turf, Inc. Syngenta Tamanet USA Textron Golf/Jacobsen The Andersons The Lake Doctors, Inc. The Turfgrass Group

Professional Turf Equipment

TriEst Ag Group, Inc.

Profile Products

BWI Companies, Inc.

Howard Fertilizer & Chemical

Pure Seed

Truckers Supply/ Hotsy of MS

Capillary Concrete

Humphries Turf Supply

Quali Pro

Turf Labor

Chattahoochee Turf Products

Huntsville Tractor & Equipment

Redox

Turf Specialties, Inc.

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Regal Chemical Co.

Turf-Tec International

Color-Flex Distance Markers

Residex, LLC

UPI

Corbin Turf & Ornamental Supply

Ladd’s

SePRO Corp.

VGM Club

Louisiana/Mississippi Golf Course Superintendents Assn.

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Weed Man

Sod Solutions

Woerner Farms

Southeast Turf Maintenance

Woerner Turf

Davison Fuels & Oils Donkey Forklifts

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Pro Rain Irrigation Services, Inc.

Southern Athletic Fields, Inc.

Harrell’s, LLC

Tru Turf, Inc.

Yara North America

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

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News from ATA >>>

Meet Your New ATA 2018

Officers and Board of Directors

On

November 8, the membership of the Alabama Turfgrass Association voted in a new executive committee and several new board members (Ben Anderson, Darrel Arnold, Greg Jones, Heath Puckett and Scott Wanzor). Outgoing former president Jason Cooper and directors Andrew Bice, Paul Salzmann and Buddy Williams were recognized and thanked for their service. At right are your association’s new leaders. v

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Tres’ Wilkinson (1 year) South Dallas Turf Vice President Kim Byram (1 year) University of Alabama Treasurer Deven Peek (1 year) City of Prattville Past President Paul Patterson (1 year) Univ. of Alabama Huntsville

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Golf Glen Junkin (1 year) True Point Yacht & Country Club Industry Scott Wanzor (2 years) PBI-Gordon Institution Joe Collins (1 year) Samford University Lawn Care Darrel Arnold (2 years) Hermitage Turf Park & Recreation Heath Puckett (1 year) City of Decatur Sod Greg Jones (2 years) New Market Sod Farm

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

At Large Ben Anderson (2 years) Arrowhead Country Club Randy McQueen (1 year) TruGreen Daniel Strickland (1 year) SiteOne Landscaping

EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. AL Cooperative Extension System (205) 879-6964, ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu 20

Auburn University Turf Students

Bring Home the Gold

The

Auburn University Turf Bowl Team just won the highest collegiate honor given by the Golf Course Superintendents Association on February 8 in San Antonio, Texas, the 2018 Turf Bowl Champions.

The GCSAA Turf Bowl is an academic tournament where collegiate teams from all over the country compete for bragging rights of being the best of the best at the annual Golf Industry Show.

Under the leadership of Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University has been sending teams to compete in this collegiate competition for years. This year, we were fortunate to have three teams compete. They come close last year by

placing third overall, which was the highest a team from Auburn University has ever placed. That must have given these competitors the motivation to go for the gold this year… and that they did! Congratulations to Austin Brown, Allen Carroll, Brock Pittman and Kyle Kinney for your great win!

This win proves without a doubt that Auburn University has an exceptional turfgrass program. We are proud of our turf professors for educating these students and preparing them for their careers as turfgrass professionals.

We are so proud of the entire Auburn University Turfgrass Team.

Bill Maynard, left, GCSAA immediate past president, congratulates Auburn’s Team No. 37 on its first-place finish in the 2018 Collegiate Turf Bowl. With Maynard are, from left, team coach and Auburn associate professor David Han and team members Brock Pittman, Allen Carroll, Austin Brown and Kyle Kinney. (Photo by Montana Pritchard Photography)

Congratulations, and War Eagle! v

Auburn University Turf Bowl Competitors: Front row (l–r): Kyle Kinney, Wilson Morgan, Allen Carroll, Austin Brown, Josh Milam and Michael Johnson. Back row (l–r): Coach Dave Han, Ph.D., Joey Akins, Brock Pittman, Pearson Lowery, Ben Haskins, Adam Hughes and Assistant Coach Adam Boyd.

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

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Calendar of Events >>>

Index of Advertisers >>>

Save These Dates!

Agri-AFC,LLC .................................... 23 www.agri-afc.com BWI Companies................................. 7 www.bwicompanies.com

March 14

September 25–27

ATA Sports Turf Field Day

NRPA Congress and Expo

Samford University Birmingham, AL

(Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

Indiana Conv. Center Indianapolis, IN

March 29 Poa Annua Classic

October 15

Arrowhead Country Club Montgomery, AL

ATA Mole Cricket Classic

July 15–17 NALP Legislative Day on the Hill

Fisher’s Restaurant and Orange Beach Marina Orange Beach, AL

November 27–29

Color-Flex Distance Markers ........ 19 www.color-flex.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms................20 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. ....... 3 www.greenvilleturf.com Heritage Turf, Inc. .......................... 10 Humphries Turf Supply ................. 19 www.humphriesturf.com Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation ........ Inside Front Cover www.jerrypate.com

(National Association of Landscape Professionals) Washington, D.C.

Deep South Turf Expo

July 31

December TBA

North Georgia Turf Company, Inc...........................21 www.ngturf.com

Auburn University Turfgrass Research

ATA Sponsor Appreciation Sporting Clay Tournament and ATA Board Meeting

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc. .................................9 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Field Day Auburn, AL

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Location TBA

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. .....................7, 15 www.midtennturf.com

RD Murphy, LLC .............................. 22 www.rdmurphy.com Riebeling Farms, Inc.........................8 Shelby Sod ........................................15 www.shelbysod.com Smith Seed Services ........................15 www.smithseed.com South Dallas Turf ..............................9 www.southdallasturf.com Southeast Turf Maintenance ..........8 www.southeastturf.com Southern Specialty Equipment ..... 22 www.ssequip.net

Al ab am a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 2018

Sur-Line Turf, Inc. ........................... 19 www.surlineturf.com The Andersons Technologies, Inc. ........................... 23 www.andersonsgolfproducts.com The Turfgrass Group ... 5, Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com TriEst Ag Group, Inc. .......................15 www.hendrixanddail.com Twelve Oaks Landscape Co. .......... 10 www.twelveoakslandscape.com Weed Man ........................................15 www.weedmanfranchise.com 22

Alabam a Tu rf Tim es >>> Winter 201 8

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