Fighting the Good Fight

Well at least it dries up quicker after it rains now. It sure has been wet around here for the past 9 months or so. Of course it will now turn blistering hot and dry. I know everyone is getting very busy with the grass growing, and working on making your facilities look their best. Best of luck to everyone out there fighting the good fight.

Please remember to consider all of our sponsors when making purchases for your business and remember how much we appreciate all they do to support MTA.

Our friend and MTA colleague Wayne Philley is retiring at the end of June. I first met Wayne Philly in the fall of 1986 when I worked for him and Dr. Jeff Krans at the MSU North Farm helping to maintain the turf research area — hard to believe that was over 30 years ago now. Wayne has been a long time member of the MTA and has served as MTA Secretary/ Treasurer for the past 15 years. He has gone over and above supporting MTA and has done an excellent job managing our funds and tending to our financial obligations. We are excited that Dr. Barry Stewart, of the MSU Turf Team, has agreed to take on this very important role for us.

Wayne has been involved in all aspects of MTA through the years and has helped it to flourish and continue to grow into the respected turf management organization it is today. Join me in wishing all the best to Wayne and his family in his retirement. His research and contributions to the turfgrass community have been extensive and impactful, and his dedication to his profession, and MSU, are second to none. Myself, all of the MTA members, and the entire turf industry, will miss Wayne’s guidance, participation and especially his cheerful and enthusiastic presence at our gatherings.

Next up is the August 20th MSU Turf Field Day. Please make plans to come to this event. Turf equipment demonstrations, information on what’s new in MSU turf research, and educational seminars will be on the agenda.

Don’t forget to recommend joining MTA to anyone in our industry that might be new to the area. Please let them know that their membership supports research, education, scholarships, and good networking opportunities when working in the turf profession.

Hoping everyone is having a good turf management season!

Al Osteen

Al Osteen, MTA President