Fall and Football
Hello fellow ATA Members, I hope you have survived the summer’s heat, rains, and more heat. As we turn our attention from the growing season to football season, we will all soon be gathered at our favorite stadiums, with our favorite tailgate menus in full force. The fall is truly special in the southeast.
With this issue we have just completed a wonderful education program at the Sports Turf Field Day. I thank the folks over at the Hoover Met Complex for hosting us. We appreciate all of our fellow sports turf managers. They face unique circumstances in managing their facilities. I can attest to the difficulties of caring for soccer fields, as both my girls have spent many hours on the pitch growing up. I hope you all gained insights from the day.
In this issue, we welcome incoming President Patrick Pierce. Patrick will do a fantastic job of leading our association. I am grateful for his willingness to serve. Personally, it has been a pleasure to serve you all this year. I will repeat my earlier comment: our industry is strong in the great state of Alabama, and it will remain so in the coming years. In this issue, we have articles from Dr. Scott McElroy, information about the upcoming Deep South Turf Expo, a labor article from constituents in Texas, and Dr. Han updates the goings-on in Auburn.
I hope you all can attend the Deep South Turf Expo. There is so much great information to gain from being there. Many of our vendors will be there for product showcase and a good conversation with customers. I have always said the greatest attribute of our association is the networking. So much to be gained from conversations with those who keep us going.
Finally, we say it a lot, but it is as true as it can be: Thank you to those who sponsor our great association!! We rely on you so much for advice and guidance in the good times and bad. I think we all realize the struggles you have faced in the Covid era, but your loyalty to us, your customers, remains steadfast. Thank you so much!
I hope you all enjoy this football and fall season, and may God bless you!! Thank you for your support as our membership.
David White ATA President
David White
2024 ATA
ANNUAL SPONSORS
GOLD ($5,000)
• Beard Equipment Company
• Envu
• Harrell’s, Inc.
• Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
SILVER ($3,000)
• BWI
• FIS Outdoor
• Simplot
• SiteOne
BRONZE ($1,600)
BRONZE ($1,600)
• Agromax
• Corteva
• Corteva
• GreenPoint Ag
• Chattahoochee Turf
• Nufarm
• PBI Gordon
• GreenPoint Ag
• Nufarm
• Professional Turfgrass Services
• Regal Chemical Company
• Southern States
• Regal Chemical Company
• Sur-Line Turf, Inc.
• Syngenta
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BRYAN SCROGGINS bscroggins@harrells.com (205) 732-4759
TONY CULBERSON tculberson@harrells.com (205) 441-6513
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Mallory Nabors, daughter of John Nabors Auburn University
Thomas Scott, son of Andy Scott Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Mary White, daughter of Shannon White Auburn University
Gavin Williams, son of Shanda Williams Jacksonville State University
Alabama
Alabama
Tel: (334) 821-3000
Fax: (334) 821-3800
Email: ALturfgrass@gmail.com www.AlabamaTurf.org Published
Tel: (615) 790-3718
Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge
VALLEY
OCTOBER 15 – 17, 2024 MISSISSIPPI COAST CONVENTION CENTER
We are really excited about our education program this year! Let me introduce you to our general session speakers listed below. In addition to the program on Wednesday, we have a full house on Thursday with our outstanding array of Breakout Session speakers.
Registration for exhibitors and attendees is open on-line at DeepSouthTurfExpo.org. Make plans now to attend. Getting together with friends and colleagues in Biloxi in the Fall is always a special time for our industry. And remember, the sessions are approved for continuing education and pesticide points. Don’t miss the 2024 Deep South Turf Expo!
Becky Grubbs Bowling, Ph.D.
Dr. Becky Grubbs Bowling is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) specializing in Turfgrass Science and Management. She completed her B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture at Texas Tech University in 2010 and 2013 respectively, before completing her Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia in 2017. Bowling works in partnership with other faculty/ scientists, professional organizations, county extension agents, and others to conduct applied research and provide resources and programmatic support to the Tennessee turfgrass industry and beyond. Dr. Bowling’s program focuses on environmental turfgrass science with an emphasis on optimizing resource-use efficiency to promote environmentally and economically sustainable management practices for the turfgrass industry.
Nathan Crace, ASGCA
Nathan Crace, ASGCA, PLA, is the principal of The Watermark Golf Companies. He is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and in 2020 was elected to a seat on the ASGCSA Board of Governors. For more than 25 years, Nathan has been working with clients in all sectors of the golf industry from PGA Tour stops, private clubs and resorts to public courses, municipalities, Division I university and even the US Air Force. While Nathan has garnered numerous awards for this work over the quarter century, his primary objective is to exceed client expectations by over-delivering and working to promote the game of golf for future generations.
Derek Kaye
Derek Kaye is Founder of Whispr Innovations. Founded in January of 2020, WHISPR Innovations is a for-profit venture aimed at eliminating 1% of US air pollution. WHISPR’s first project is WHISPR Lawn, an initiative to revolutionize the landscaping industry with RaaS (robots as a service) model and battery-electric equipment. Derek is equipped with proficiency as a leader, automation consultant, public speaker, business developer, robotics enthusiast, and conflict resolution specialist.
Tony Mancuso, CGCS
Tony is the Director of Agronomy at Escondido Golf and Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. He is a former graduate of Mississippi State University and has had an exceptional career at various courses all over the world including Belmont Country Club, Nine Bridges/Haesley Golf Club in South Korea, Cherokee Town and Country Club, Bellerive Country Club and New Albany Country Club.
Pawel Petelewicz, Ph.D.
Dr. Pawel Petelewicz is an Assistant Professor of Weed Science at the University of Florida where he evaluates new chemistries for their potential use in turfgrass crops. He tests novel products in combination with currently available herbicides to ensure their best utility and longevity. He evaluates the integration of chemical and non-chemical practices to enhance the efficacy and safety of weed control measures and the capacity of turf to withstand competition with weeds. His ultimate goal is to develop comprehensive weed control programs that are effective, safe and reduce the occurrence of herbicide-resistant weed populations.
Amy Wilber
Amy holds a B.S. in turfgrass science from The Ohio State University and a M.S. in weed science from Mississippi State University. She is currently an Extension Associate and Ph.D. student at Mississippi State University. Her research focuses on the evaluation of new herbicides, practical applications of herbicides for turfgrass producers, and remote sensing for turfgrass and weed detection.
Educational sessions for warm-season turf managers
Networking opportunities / golf tournaments / softball game / tailgate celebration
Tradeshow featuring industry suppliers
CEU and pesticide recertification points
Over 20 Educational sessions on the latest Turfgrass management topics
Tradeshow with exhibitors featuring products and services for the Turfgrass industry
Business Meetings for ATA, ATRF, MTA, LMGCSA
Networking opportunities with industry peers and friends
CEUs and Pesticide Recertification Points
THIS REGIONAL SHOW IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE TURF MANAGER INCLUDING
Golf Course Superintendents, Sports Field Managers (Institutions, Universities, Park and Recreation), Lawn Care Operators, Landscapers, Sod Producers, Grounds Managers and Right of Way Professionals
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2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8
WINSTEAD TURF MATRIX
1. What is Matrix?
• Reinforced product grown at bottom of sand based profile
• Sprigged field to insure highest percolation rates
• Ready to Play product
2. Where is it used?
• High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby.
• High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
7
8
8 am
9 am
WATER You Doing about Water Quality
Dr. Becky Bowling, University of Tennessee
Managing Environmental Risk Factors on the Golf Course
Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida
Winter Management of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens
Overseeding Sports Fields: Agronomic Considerations
Dr. Barry Stewart, Mississippi State University
What to Choose From and What to Wait For: Trends in WarmSeason Turfgrass Breeding
Dr. Marta Pudzianowska, Mississippi State University
Traffic Tolerance of New Bermudagrass Cultivars
Cultivating Sustainable Landscapes with Integrated Pest Management
Dr. Eric DeBoer, Louisiana State University
Robotic Lawn Mowing & Battery Electric Landscaping –Pushing for Change
Derek Kaye, Whispr Innovations
Mowing Technology for Sod Farmers
Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University
Optimal Nitrogen Rates and Compost Utilization for Sod Production
Dr. AJ Lindsey, University of Florida
10 am
Dr. Eric DeBoer, Louisiana State University
Managing Ultradwarf Greens
11 am
Tony Mancuso, Escondido Golf and Lake Club
Dr. Dave Han, Auburn University
Overseeded and Non-Overseeded Sports Fields
Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University
Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University
and Dr. Pawel Petelewicz, University of Florida
Herbicide Headaches: Understanding Possible Reasons for Herbicide Failures
Dr. Pawel Petelwicz, University of Florida
Potential Strategies for Reducing Fertilizer and Irrigation Inputs
Dr. AJ Lindsey, University of Florida
Soil Health Characteristics in Sod Production
Jason Eberhard, Mississippi State University
Landscapes are Changing: Are Sod Producers Prepared?
Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida
ACTIVITIES & ACCOMMODATIONS
TAILGATE CELEBRATION
Kick off the Expo with your peers at Tailgate Celebration at The Preserve Golf Course, opening night, Tuesday, October 15th. Sponsors will be cooking up some tailgate favorites for you to enjoy while mingling and networking with attendees all over the southeast. This event is free and open to all attendees, exhibitors, and guest. Preregistration is required to help plan food. Directions: 8901 Highway 57, Vancleave, MS 39565. Just 17 miles from Biloxi, travel east on I-10 and take exit 57 / MS-57. Turn north and the golf club will be two miles on the left.
SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT
The scramble golf tournament will be held on Tuesday, October 15th at The Preserve Golf Club. The Preserve is an 18-hole course which has been integrated within an 1800-acre native preserve full of live oaks, cypress swamps, long leaf pines and native grass prairies and designed by Jerry Pate. Bring your clubs and prepare yourself for a wonderful afternoon of golf with your peers. Lunch and two drinks will be included in your registration (and the Tailgate Celebration will follow immediately after play). Preregistration is required. Directions: 8901 Highway 57, Vancleave, MS 39565. Just 17 miles from Biloxi, travel east on I-10 and take exit 57 / MS-57. Turn north and the golf club will be two miles on the left.
SOFTBALL GAME
Interested in a friendly game of softball with your peers? We are hosting a softball game where anyone who registers can play a fun game of softball at the Gulfport Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 15th. Teams will be randomly assigned and provided with team T-shirts. Must register in advance and bring your glove. Directions: 17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503. From the MCCC, travel west on Highway 90 for 3.2 miles and turn right on Cowan Road (MS 605). Travel 4.4 miles to I-10 and travel west for 3.5 miles. Take exit 34B onto US-49N for .6 miles. Turn left onto Landon Road for 1.3 miles and turn left into 16th Street. Travel .4 miles, the complex will be on the left.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our host hotel is the Beau Rivage, a Four-Diamond development by MGM Resorts International that sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Biloxi. The Deep South Turf Expo has secured a discounted room rate of $109 for Expo attendees. Make your reservations directly by using our exclusive link found by clicking the red button at www.DeepSouthTurfExpo.org . It is important that you DO NOT use a third party provider/discounter to make your reservation; only use our link. Don’t delay—our room rate is only available until Monday, September 23, 2024.
The Mississippi Coast Convention Center is our home for the educational sessions and tradeshow at the Deep South Turf Expo. It is a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art facility that sits directly across the Gulf of Mexico just 5 miles west of The Beau Rivage at 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER HIGHLIGHT DEREK KAYE
Tesla, Robots, and Truly Green
Equipment
Deep South Turf Expo welcomes Derek Kaye of WHISPR Innovations as our keynote speaker this year. In his presentation Derek will explore how Tesla's commitment to innovation has revolutionized the automotive industry and how these principles can be applied to turf and lawn maintenance. He will delve into the latest advancements in
automation, highlighting robotic mowers and other lawn and turf robots in this and future markets. Attendees will learn about the pros and cons of wired versus wireless robotic equipment as well as the benefits of on-site versus cut and go solutions. He will also touch on the state of battery-electric equipment, introducing the American Green Zone Association's (AGZA) AFTC certification program. This presentation aims to equip attendees with the knowledge to embrace and lead sustainable innovation in their fields.
WHISPR Innovations is a pioneering eco-friendly business getting ready to expand markets across the United States. Their Robots as a Service (RaaS) program supports additional battery-operated lawn care services.
WHISPR was founded by keynote speaker, Derek Kaye and Ethan Hanson. Derek, when asked what inspired them to become pioneers in this field, replied,
“Discovering that 5% of US air pollution came from gas-powered lawn equipment was a lightbulb moment. I knew we needed to be electric. Replacing traditional gas-powered lawn care equipment with electric seemed like lowhanging fruit. The tools are here today.”
Derek’s company provides an eco-conscious alternative to conventional lawn care:
• Maintenance and operational costs of battery-electric technology are markedly lower than those of traditional gas-powered equipment.
• WHISPR showcases a robotic mowing service model. This transformative solution in lawn maintenance epitomizes efficiency, precision and convenience.
Co-founder Ethan Hanson described their mission. “We learned early on that people who appreciate hiring out their lawn care and landscape services didn’t just want a robot mower. They want everything automated for them. A robot can be intimidating, so WHISPR provides a full-service maintenance program.”
Albaugh Specialty Products Inside Back Cover www.albaugh.com
Aqua Aid Solutions 33 www.aquaaid.com
Beard Equipment 21 www.beardequipment.com
BASF P&SS - GA, AL, TN 11 www.basf.com
BWI Companies, Inc. ................................ 19 www.bwicompanies.com
Coosa Valley Turf Farms 11 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com
DryJect 29
FMC Professional Solutions 31 www.fmcprosolutions.com
Green Grass Sod Farms 25 www.greengrasssodfarms.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 19 www.greenecountyfert.com
Harrell’s LLC 7 www.harrells.com
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Back Cover www.jerrypate.com
Kesmac 37 www.brouwerkesmac.com
North Georgia Turf Company, Inc. Inside Front Cover www.ngturf.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. ......... 34 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Regal Chemical Company 3 www.regalchem.com
Riebeling Farms, Inc. 24 riebelingfarmsinc@gmail.com
Smith Seed Services 24 www.smithseed.com
Sod Solutions 9 www.SodSolutionsPro.com
Southern Specialty Equipment ............. 24 www.ssequip.net
Super-Sod 5 www.supersod.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. 35 www.surlineturf.com
The Aquatrols Company 17 www.aquatrols.com
The Turfgrass Group 13 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Trimax Mowing Systems 23 www.trimaxmowers.com
Weed Man 16 www.weedmanfranchise.com
Winstead Turf 15 www.winsteadturffarms.com
2 2 0 4
SPORTS TURF FIELD DAY
The Alabama Turfgrass Association’s 2024 Sports Turf Field Day was hosted by The Hoover Metropolitan Complex on July 12th.
The versatile Hoover Met
Our speakers provided a great program. Mark Langner spoke on “Planning and Unplanned Renovations.” Jon Dewitt and Drew Charcandy were present to speak about the BryantDenny Field Renovation and brought the engineer who helped plan the renovation, Zach Plum, PE, along to explain their strategy. Tom Shannon spoke on Irrigation Technology. Glenn Lucas and Bill Marbet gave an entertaining presentation, “From SEC to Bull Riding, Changing the field for every event!” And speaking of bull riding… hold that thought !
Jon DeWitt, Drew Charcandy (University of Alabama) and Zach Plum, PE (Lloyd Sports & Engineering)
James Young leads attendees on tour of the complex
James Young with the Hoover Metropolitan Complex
Go from mowing dew-covered roughs in the morning to trimming rolling fairways in the afternoon.
Join the growing number of superintendents and groundscare professionals around the world who are using the Trimax Snake.
Host, James Young, gave a field tour and explained how the Hoover Met operates. The facility hosts a wide variety of events. “The Met” is a baseball stadium that has been transformed for sporting events such as football, soccer, and beach volleyball. The field can also be set up for concerts, clinics, and more. It is home to the SEC Baseball Tournament that features the top 12 teams from the Southeastern Conference and draws more than 100,000 fans each year. The Met is also the home field for the Hoover High School Buccaneer football team - AHSAA 2014 7A State Champions. And it just so happened that the Met had just hosted a rodeo, complete with bulls. They were in the process of clearing up when we made the tour. The Hoover Metropolitan’s versatility is impressive.
Owen Coulson with Scotsman Turf Robotics
Speaker Tom Shannon, HydroPoint Data Systems
“Specticle, Doveweed, and Centipedegrass Spring Yellowing”
J. Scott McElroy, PhD, Professor Auburn University
Instead of writing a full article on one topic, I want to try a segment in each magazine issue. This will give me a chance to expound on several topics of interest – at least what I think is interesting. I also want to try this because it will allow me to be as timely as possible. To discuss things that I am seeing around the Southeast and things of interest in research. Without further ado, let’s get In The Weeds
Specticle on Athletic Fields. I may not make any friends with this one, but I have to say it. Specticle (indaziflam) should never go on athletic fields. Specticle is the best preemergence herbicide on the market. Bar none. End of story. The problem is that it is hell on roots and rooting is critical for athletic field stability.
I don’t think that athletic field managers will have a problem with this, nor do I think athletic field managers would spray Specticle on an athletic field. The problem arises when the spraying of athletic fields is done by a contractor that does not manage athletic fields as their primary activity. If spraying is contracted and a company that manages lawns primarily is hired to do the spraying, that company may not realize that Specticle may severely inhibit roots and reduce athletic field playability.
I feel like when I say something negative, I need to add some positives. Here is a positive – Specticle has become the top herbicide for preemergence doveweed control – especially in lawn care. Lawns that were completely covered in doveweed last year have zero doveweed this year. This has been my observation from lawn care locations throughout the state and in Georgia. When it comes to pre-doveweed control, nothing can currently beat Specticle.
Now here comes another caution—after multiple years of use of bermudagrass turfgrass of any type, the turfgrass can start showing severe thinning. Again, Specticle, for all its strengths, is simply a harsh herbicide on roots.
So how should you use Specticle? I am of the opinion that one should use Specticle at most once per year, and usage should be targeted at the primary weed problem. In golf, that should be for Poa control. In lawn care, that should be for doveweed control. Wherever and whenever you are using it, keep an eye on the turf to monitor thinning and overall health to protect against the negative rooting effects.
Spring Centipedegrass Yellowing. A problem has been plaguing centipedegrass—a patchy yellowing that seems to occur after green-up in the spring, that persists until temperatures are into the 90s. The Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation initiated a project with me around three years ago to determine what the cause of this issue was and to try to determine ways to combat it. As part of this research, we sequenced infected plants to look for pathogens and viruses. We sent samples to labs for diagnostics – both at Auburn and NC State. We sent images to pathologists around the southeast, and we set up six different research trials to evaluate a myriad of fungicide and fertilizer treatments.
Here is what we know and what we don’t know: We know that there are different types of yellowing, but the majority
Patchy yellowing of centipedegrass indicative of the yellowing problem.
does not seem to be caused by a pathogen. DNA sequencing and disease diagnostics were unable to identify a consistent pathogen causing this problem. On top of that, in all the trials, nothing stopped, or reversed, the yellow symptoms without negative effects. Below is a review of the findings.
What is the cause of centipedegrass yellowing? In short, it is generally not a pathogen that is causing it. I came to this conclusion after applying all manner of fungicides over a twoyear period. Nothing worked and no diagnostic samples identified a causal pathogen. That being said, there are pathogens that cause centipedegrass yellowing symptoms, but none of the fungicides in our trials reversed the symptoms.
What can reverse the yellowing? None of the fungicide treatments. This included a myriad of common fungicides
across all major modes of action used in turfgrass and applied prior to yellowing symptoms, or while yellowing was occurring, reversed the symptoms. Applying high rates of nitrogen – approximately 100 lbs. N/acre helped the centipedegrass to recover faster, and it also had negative effects. High N rates stimulated the bermudagrass and weed contamination in some plots and caused excessive centipedegrass growth which lead to scalping and even worse turfgrass as the summer progressed.
I do have some theories on this problem. My theory is that the problem is caused by herbicide use. I have not been able to nail down a specific herbicide – the only places it seems to show up are places where herbicides have been sprayed. Culprits are preemergence herbicides and auxin-based, or metsulfuron based, herbicides. Keep in mind, this is just a theory.
Complete bermudagrass root loss in June in an athletic field treated with Specticle in February. Roots did not return to this field until August.
Patrick Pierce’s Rules for Success
FOLLOW UP, ENCOURAGE and LEAD THE WAY
Patrick Pierce, superintendent at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club, has played golf since he was old enough to hold a golf club. A career in the turf industry was not on his radar, but upon graduation from high school, he was uncertain about his future. His mom introduced him to some folks she had grown up with in Foley, Alabama who were in the turfgrass and golf business. With his love of outdoors, turf management seemed a natural fit for Patrick. In pursuit of a career in the field he attended Faulkner State Community College where he earned an Associate in Applied Science and Golf Course Management degree in 2004.
Aerate and Play Right Away!
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The surface is very “puttable.”
The dots are sand that is level with the turf.
DryJect® is a high-pressure, water based injection system that blasts holes through the root zone and fractures the soil profile. Plus, it automatically fills holes as it aerates.
DryJect® makes a big difference in playability … right away!
Patrick’s first job was a summer position at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores. Prior to getting his present position at Grand National, Patrick spent several years going back and forth between working at Gulf Shores Golf Club in Gulf Shores, and the Auburn University Club in Auburn. He was given his first opportunity as an Assistant Superintendent at Gulf Shores Golf Club in 2005. In 2007 he had an opportunity to move back to his hometown of Auburn and work at Grand National as an Assistant Superintendent. In 2014 Patrick was promoted to his current position as Superintendent by The Trail. Jeff Oelmann, CGCS and Chauncey Nicholson were two of the biggest influences in his career.
Soon after Patrick was promoted to his current position, Grand National was privileged to host the PGA Tour’s Barbaol Championship from 2015 until 2017. This event ranks as a milestone in Patrick’s career. “To be able to say that I was the Superintendent for a PGA Tour event is something that I will always remember and be proud of.”
Managing a crew that ranges in age from 18 to 70 years old can be challenging. Patrick has employees that are college students working their first ever job, as well as retirees. “Getting the different personalities, cultures and different levels of work ethic to coalesce to accomplish a common goal as a group can be challenging at times.” According to Patrick something that helps him with personnel management is “inspect what you expect.” “I can’t always expect everyone I work with to have the same vision, or standards, that I do when performing a task. If you want to make sure something is completed the way you want it done, you have to followup, encourage and lead the way!”
Patrick feels privileged to spend his workdays on the golf course. “I don’t know if I would last very long in a job where I had to spend most of my time indoors or sitting behind a desk. The early morning before the course is filled with golfers is my favorite time of day.”
In addition to his knowledge of the mechanics of golf course maintenance, visits to Scotland have given Patrick a greater appreciation of the history of the game of golf, and golf course architecture. He counts Carnoustie Golf Links or Anstruther Golf Club in Scotland as among his favorite courses. Both courses were built or designed in part by Old Tom Morris. “I have always loved links style golf and the courses there remind you of the way golf was played hundreds of years ago. There is so much golf history in Scotland! It is an amazing place to visit.”
Patrick is “Dad” to three beagles: Mo, Pearl and Lula Belle. He enjoys camping and fishing when he has time and is also a huge Auburn basketball and football fan.
A member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Alabama Turfgrass Association, the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association and the USGA, Patrick is the incoming President of the ATA. Our association looks forward to his leadership in 2025! Thank you for your service!
INNOVATION IN EVERY OUNCE
FMC is proactively moving the golf industry forward. Our latest insecticide, Durentis™, is a prime example of that innovation. Chlorantraniliprole was discovered and developed by FMC scientists into a long-lasting, highly concentrated formulation that controls white grubs, armyworms, cutworms, and other above- and below-ground chewing pests season long. Harness the power of Durentis™, a proprietary formulation from FMC today. Find out more at discoverdurentis.com
Always read and follow all label directions, precautions, and restrictions for use. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. FMC, the FMC logo, and Durentis are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate.
The rule targets vulnerability and abuses experienced by workers under the H-2A program that undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Farmworker Protection Rule
Department of Labor announced a final rule to strengthen protections for farmworkers. The rule targets vulnerability and abuses experienced by workers under the H-2A program that undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S.
The H-2A program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers when the department determines there is a lack of able, willing and qualified U.S. workers to perform the agricultural labor or services, and that employing temporary labor will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
“H-2A workers too frequently face abusive working conditions that undercut all farmworkers in the U.S.,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “This rule ensures farmworkers employed through the H-2A program are treated fairly, have a voice in their workplace and are able to perform their work safely. It also promotes employer accountability, benefitting all farmworkers by upholding labor standards. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to being the most pro-worker administration in history, and this rule is a significant milestone in that effort.”
Irrigation (Liters) applied to 15 ft² to maintain 35% VWC
PBS150 resulted in a 39% reduction in irrigation water consumption Solutions4Turf
PBS150® resulted in a 69% reduction in irrigation frequency
Penn State University research study showed that creeping bentgrass plots treated with PBS150 resulted in a 39% reduction in irrigation water consumption over a 63-day dry-down period versus plots only treated with irrigation water.
Nolan, G. and M. Fidanza. 2024. Journal of Environmental Horticulture
The final rule includes the following:
• Adding new protections for worker self-advocacy: The final rule improves workers’ ability to engage in advocacy regarding their working conditions by expanding the range of activities protected by anti-retaliation provisions. For workers not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, this rule protects workers’ choice to engage in self-organization or concerted activities and to decline attending employersponsored “captive audience” meetings where employers discourage workers from joining unions or engage in other protected activities. The rule also allows workers to consult key service providers, such as legal service providers, and to meet with them in employer-furnished housing. Workers also may now invite and accept guests, including labor organizations, service providers and others, to their employerfurnished housing.
• Clarifying “for cause” termination: Workers employed under the H-2A program have the right to payment for threefourths of the hours offered in the work contract, as well as housing and meals until the worker leaves, outbound transportation and — if the worker is a U.S. worker — to be contacted for employment in the next year, unless they are terminated for cause. The final rule clarifies that an employer only terminates a worker for cause when the worker either fails to comply with employer policies or
fails to perform job duties satisfactorily after, in most cases, the transparent application of a system of progressive discipline. The rule establishes that for a worker to be terminated for cause, five conditions must be met, including a requirement that workers are either informed about or reasonably should have known the policy, rule or performance expectation unless the worker has engaged in egregious misconduct.
• Making foreign labor recruitment more transparent: The final rule imposes new disclosure requirements to improve foreign worker recruitment chain transparency, provides additional information about the nature of the job opportunity and bolsters the department’s ability to protect workers from exploitation and abuse. The new provisions require employers to provide a copy of all agreements with any agent or recruiter they engage or plan to engage, disclose the name and location of any person or entity working for the recruiter who will solicit prospective H-2A workers and disclose in the H-2A application the name, location and contact information of the workplace’s owners, operators and managers.
• Ensuring timely wage changes for H-2A workers, which helps prevent an adverse effect on the wages of similarly employed workers in the U.S.: Returning to longstanding practice, the final rule designates the effective date of
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
updated adverse effect wage rates as of the date of publication in the Federal Register. This change safeguards fair compensation for workers under the H-2A program and addresses potential adverse effects on the wages and working conditions of similarly employed workers in the U.S. The rule would also require employers who fail to provide adequate notice to workers of a delay in their start date to pay workers the applicable rate for each day that work is delayed for up to 14 days.
• Improving transportation safety: Many H-2A workers travel in vans or buses, sometimes driven after long days by tired workers. The final rule includes a seat belt requirement to reduce the hazards associated with the transportation of farmworkers. If a vehicle is required by Department of Transportation regulations to be manufactured with seat belts, the final rule prohibits the operation of these vehicles to transport workers under the H-2A program unless each occupant is wearing a seat belt.
• Preventing labor exploitation and human trafficking: The final rule clarifies that employers are prohibited from holding or confiscating a worker’s passport, visa or other identification documents, which is a tactic used to exploit workers.
• Ensuring employer accountability: The final rule updates procedures for discontinuing employment services for employers that have failed to meet the Department of Labor’s requirements. Relatedly, the rule requires states to discontinue services to debarred employers. It also streamlines the procedures for applying debarment to a successor who carries forward a debarred company. In addition, the rule codifies how the department determines whether separate entities are acting as one employer for purposes of assessing seasonal or temporary need and how these entities are treated for enforcement purposes.
SPECIALIZING IN:
The final rule is effective on June 28, 2024. However, H-2A applications filed before Aug. 28, 2024, will be processed according to applicable federal regulations as is in effect as of June 27, 2024. Applications submitted on or after Aug. 29, 2024, will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Farmworker Protection Rule.
For more information about the rule, visit the Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour Division web pages.
At Auburn University Turfgrass Program Update
Auburn University, students majoring in Turfgrass Management are returning from their summer 2024 internships ready for an active, educational, and fun fall semester. We welcome six new students to the major this fall (three freshmen and three transfers / major changes), who join with our 18 returning undergraduates to bring the total number of enrolled turfgrass students to 24 for the fall – five more than in fall 2023. This is the third consecutive fall semester with an increase over the past year. After some tough times with enrollment in the aftermath of the pandemic, it is good to see more students pursuing turfgrass management at Auburn. Turfgrass students make up approximately 60% of Crop and Soil Science majors this fall.
Turfgrass remains one of two main options in the Crop and Soil Science major at Auburn after a recent revision to the major which goes into effect this year. The turfgrass curriculum is much the same as you may remember, including the usual classes in biology, chemistry, plant biology, weed science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, environmental science, and (of course) turfgrass management, but there are now increased elective options and an increased emphasis on high-impact experiences, such as internships and participation in the GCSAA Turf Bowl and the SFMA Student Challenge. Last year was the first time since the pandemic that we had teams at both of these competitions, and we look forward to more this year.
Although turfgrass students have always completed an internship as part of their studies at Auburn, today’s students often do two, and now they can obtain academic credit for a second internship. This allows them to gain broader experience working with both cool and warm season grasses and to develop a wider network of contacts to help them as they begin their careers. As most in the turfgrass industry know, internships are an excellent way to recruit future leaders and indeed many of our students find their jobs either where they interned, or through contacts made during an internship. If you would like to know more about what Auburn students learn during internships or would like to recruit an Auburn student for an internship, look for their poster presentations at the Deep South Turf Expo in October. Auburn students have interned at some amazing golf courses, teams, and companies all around the country for a long time, and we definitely want to keep that tradition going strong.
Speaking of the Deep South, a dozen AU turf students made the trek down to Biloxi last year and two even came away with first place in the cornhole tournament! The students all enjoyed meeting and talking with so many people in the turfgrass industry from all over the South. They returned full of ideas to make their experience even better this fall. A special thanks goes to all of you who mentored, fed and recruited students and to the Deep South Board for sponsoring their attendance! We hope to see you all again this fall. You might even be able to pick up some new Auburn Turfgrass merchandise.
By Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University
Class gets a visit from the Eagle
Deep South Turf Expo 2023
Auburn’s long-dormant Turf Club is active again, thanks to the efforts of a number of people but especially Justin Bacon (Club Chair), Claudia Ann Landrum, and Dr. Scott McElroy, faculty advisor. The club instituted monthly meetings last year to organize their participation at the AU Turfgrass Field Day, design new AU Turf Club shirts and hats, talk turf, and socialize. A social gathering that including fishing, boating, and a chicken dinner hosted by Wayne Bassett at Beck’s Turf was the highlight of the spring semester, followed closely by a night of lawngolf at Tiger on the Green after the Field Day, sponsored by the ATA. Recent alumni also returned to share their experiences after graduation, including James Rogers with Atlanta United and Matthew Harrison with the Texas A&M athletic department.
The turf club members currently are busy planning their fall schedule, highlighted of course by the Deep South Turf Expo. In addition to the DSTE, the students plan a golf and dinner outing and monthly meetings. They are still recruiting guest speakers for the monthly meetings, so if you are interested in sharing your knowledge and wisdom with the turf club, please contact Justin Bacon, Dr. McElroy or Dr. Han. Farther on the horizon are trips to the SFMA Conference in January and the GCSAA Conference in February. If you will be at any of these conferences and want to meet with the students, please let us know. We would love to make that happen.
Our faculty working in turfgrass full-time continue to be Dr. Scott McElroy (Research & Teaching) and Dr. Dave Han (Teaching & Extension). Faculty in other departments continue to conduct some research in turfgrass, such as Dr. David Held and Dr. Amanda Scherer. Alan Hill continues to manage our turfgrass research facility with the help of several turf students. Other students work for the athletic department grounds crew or local golf courses.
As many of you know, the Crop, Soil and Environmental Science department head, Dr. Steve Hague, has been working with the College of Agriculture administration and you, the leaders of the Alabama turfgrass industry, to gain support for hiring an additional faculty member. Although there is no public information at the time of this writing, all of us at Auburn hope and are optimistic that your efforts will bear fruit very soon.
This is an exciting time for the Auburn turfgrass major. The students are as enthusiastic as they have ever been, and it shows. They are a close-knit group and came back to campus eager to listen to and tell stories about their summers, and to work this fall. It is a privilege to teach these students and a joy to watch as they gain knowledge and confidence, and to see them move into positions of responsibility right away after graduation. As always, we thank the ATA, GCSA chapters and all of you, the Alabama turfgrass industry, for supporting our students and helping to improve our program.
Auburn Turfgrass Student
Internships,
2023–2024
• Colleton River Club
• The Country Club of Birmingham
• The Honors Course
• Hoover Country Club
• Medinah Country Club
• Oak Hill Country Club
• Oakmont Country Club
• Old Collier Golf Club
• Pine Valley Golf Club
• The Tree Farm Golf
• Winged Foot Golf Club
• Boston Red Sox
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Washington Nationals
• Reno Aces
• Beck’s Turf
• SiteOne Landscape Supply
• Diamond Designs, LLC
Auburn Turfgrass Graduate Placement, 2023–2024
• Greystone Country Club
• Atlanta United FC
• Texas A&M University Athletic Department
• Montgomery Biscuits
• Auburn University (M.S. student)
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. student)
Former AU students
Jackson Elsberry and Matthew Harrison demonstrate setting bases at an SFMA field day
AU Turf Students touring Toro booth at 2024 GCSAA
AU Turf Club Dinner at Beck's Turf
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