We’ve Come a Long Way!

It’s that time of year! Everyone is in the thick of growing season and running around like crazy! It’s funny how every year, I can’t wait for things to green up, and then by August, I want things to just slow down a bit! I’m sure most ATA members feel as if 2022 is flying by quicker than normal! This may be partially due to life returning to a busier pace as COVID restrictions fade away. Also, supply chain issues seem to be improving, especially for parts.

In the last issue of Alabama Turf Times, we introduced a new cover story series, “Looking to the Future – Where Will the Turfgrass Industry Be in Ten Years.” The specific topic was “Pesticides of the Future,” and Dr. Eric Reasor, Southeast Research Scientist for PBI-Gordon Corporation did a great job discussing this subject. If you missed his article, it would benefit you to go back and read Dr. Reasor’s perceptive view of this issue.

This issue will dive into the huge topic of Equipment & Technology. So large, in fact, this cover story will span two issues, Summer 2022 and Fall 2022. An interesting part of this article (on pages 20 and 21) is the list of equipment and technology advancements that our fellow ATA members have seen the last 30 to 40 years. Thanks to those members for helping build that list for all of us to review. We’ve come a long way!

As a special note, in the Winter 2023 issue of Alabama Turf Times, Dr. Dave Han will cover the future of turfgrass breeding. And for now, the last topic of this series will examine the turfgrass industry labor issues going forward. Can’t wait to see what those two articles will reveal about the future. As always, if you have ideas for articles, please let us know!

The 2022 Auburn Turfgrass Research Day was held Wednesday, April 13. It was a beautiful day and the research discussed was very insightful. Everyone had a great time as usual. We also held our Poa Annua Classic at Inverness on May 2nd, with James Spann as our guest speaker. Again, we were fortunate to have great weather for the 53 golfers that played. The Poa is a great opportunity to play golf with your friends and colleagues, while raising money for turfgrass research and education.

Be sure to place July 13th on your calendars now, for the 2022 Sports Turf Field Day. It will be held at the University of Alabama this year. Special thanks go to new ATA Board Member, Drew Charcandy for hosting this event. We hope to see all those involved in park and recreation, sports fields, or just anyone interested in seeing the facilities at UA, at this event.

If you aren’t able to make it to anything else this year, the Deep South Turf Expo is an excellent value and an amazing experience to attend. It will be held in Biloxi as usual on October 24th through the 27th, with 4 days of golfing, tours, education sessions and tradeshow. The ATA Annual Business Meeting and Elections will be held there on October 26th. Be sure to attend! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. You’ll also have the bonus opportunity of earning pesticide points and CEU’s at the expo. There is a description of the DSTE in this issue, with expanded coverage in the Fall Issue of Alabama Turf Times.

I want to keep encouraging everyone to be involved with our turfgrass industry. We offer plenty of opportunities for everyone to gather and spend time networking while investing in ourselves. Continuing to learn and grow in your career path will only help you succeed. We always want to encourage ATA Members to be involved and we’re looking for new potential leaders that are interested in being a part of the ATA Board of Directors. So, if you have a desire to get more involved, or if you just want to help, let us know!

I want to thank all our members and vendors for their support. ALL of us together make ATA a leading turfgrass association! And we want to continue to grow, and to be a valuable tool in advancing your success.

Ben Anderson

ATA President