Something Old and Something New for the Fifth Deep South Turf Expo

The Deep South Turf Expo celebrated its fifth year in Biloxi, September 30th through October 3rd, 2019! The Expo was a combination of the traditional components which have made it a success since its inception in 2014, as well as a few innovations to make things interesting!

As always, we had a great education program that qualified for CEU points from most regions in the Southeast. Keynote speakers on Wednesday included Dr. Beth Guertal, Auburn University, Dr. Bruce Clarke of Rutgers University and Dr. Justin Moss of Oklahoma State University. Rodney Smith, Jr., an inspirational speaker who has strong roots in turf, wrapped up the morning sessions.

Dr. Guertal began by setting the record straight with Fertilizers Demystified: Debunking Common Myths. Dr. Clarke spoke on commercially available plant activators and the beneficial microbes that are present in the turfgrass microbiome and Dr. Moss provided an overview of urban/municipal water conservation programming with specific examples of importance for turfgrass managers. Rodney Smith, Jr. moistened a few eyes as he described his journey to form his nonprofit, Raising Men Lawn Care, which was formed for the The express purpose of “Giving Back One Yard at a Time.” Raising Men offers practical help for the disabled, elderly and veterans in the form of lawn care. Moreover, it engages young people to participate and gives them the satisfaction of making a difference! On Wednesday, we were also pleased to welcome Dr. Jim Kerns from North Carolina State University. Dr. Kerns was sponsored by BASF, Inc. He gave a timely Review of Southern Warm Diseases. On Thursday morning the momentum continued with four breakout sessions including golf, sports turf and grounds, lawn care and sod. These sessions included a variety of top-notch speakers from universities across the Southeast.

Dr. Jim Kerns from NC State presented our Tradeshow Talk, pictured here with sponsor, Mike Jones, CGCS of BASF

A busy Trade Show floor

Dr. Beth Guertal Debunks Common Fertilizer Myths to a packed house

The Deep South really started getting underway on Monday, September 30th. That day the Four Ball Championship Tournament kicked off at The Preserve and concluded at Fallen Oak on Tuesday. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Four Ball Tournament, Brian Aaron and Simon Parkin who overpowered Rodney Guy and Tim Orton, defending champs. On Tuesday, the popular DSTE Scramble was played at The Preserve. Congratulations to Will Arnett, Eric Coomer, Zac Holloway and Seth King on their first-place victory! We want to thank The Preserve (Stephen Miles, CGCS, Jeremy Stevens) and Fallen Oak (Matt Hughes) for providing the venue for our event!

Rodney Smith, Jr. shares the mission and purpose of his nonprofit, Raising Men Lawn Care

Following the Scramble everyone was invited to a “Tailgate” picnic at the Preserve which promises to become a popular tradition at the Expo. The Preserve played host and some of our sponsors put forth their best efforts and chefs with a selection of goodies. Beard and Greenville put on a barbeque. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation held a chili cook-off. Simplot provided delicious jambalaya and Aqua-Aid rolled out the Brats. With delicious cake for dessert provided by Target/Residex and drinks provided by Ladd’s, there was little more to wish for except for music, which Simplot provided some great music from guitarist David Samford. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and made even more enjoyable as Bayer provided bus service back to the Beau. In addition to the golf tournaments, The Trap and Skeet Tournament was repeated this year at the Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club for the marksmen in our midst. We thank CortevaDow for sponsoring the event. Winner of the tournament’s skeet shoot was William Smith. Mitch O’Banion won the Trap Shoot. The overall winner was Mitchell O’Banion. Agri-AFC and PBI Gordon once again sponsored a tour of sports fields. In a twist this year the Beauvoir property was added to the tour. Attendees lunched there and then headed to the Biloxi High School fields for a tour followed by another at Shucker’s Stadium.

Trade Show lunch sponsored by Simplot

The Expo wouldn’t be possible without our Trade Show, and Wednesday afternoon showed brisk traffic for exhibitors. A number of great door prizes were donated for attendees and included among them were drawings for cash. Many thanks to our donors. We hope everyone will express their thanks to our exhibitors and our sponsors at every opportunity!

Plans are already underway for the 2020 Deep South Turf Expo. It will be later in the Fall this year and hopefully the weather will cooperate in allowing our members to get away for a great education program, tradeshow and networking opportunity. Save the dates for November 3 – 5, 2020 and see you in Biloxi!