FROM THE MTA PRESIDENT, Keair Edwards
A RENEWED SENSE OF OPTIMISM
S
ummer is officially in full swing and as you know, for our industry, it is the busiest time of the year. With the vaccinations continuously rolling out, I hope that it has brought a renewed sense of optimism to your facilities. Continue to stay safe and prayerfully, we will gain a sense of normalcy sooner rather than later. This year’s Yard Dawg Classic was a huge success. The turnout rate was great and I truly enjoyed seeing everyone enjoying themselves. I would like to send a huge thank you to all the sponsors and participants, because we could not have pulled off such a successful event without all of your help! Thanks also to the great work by the folks at Starkville Country Club. Proceeds from the event are used for turf research at MSU and the MTA scholarship fund. I want to take a moment to say thank you to Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson for her years of service to the Mississippi Turfgrass Association, MSU Turfgrass, and the state’s turfgrass industry. Dr. Peterson retired in June from MSU. She played a vital role in the success of our industry and fostered professional development of many students. We are truly grateful for her support of the MTA and the green industry. The MTA family would like to wish her a happy, happy retirement! And we will continue to advocate for the filling of the position with a scientist focused on solving problems our industry faces and educating professionals for the future. Lastly, we have a few events scheduled for later this year. You don’t want to miss them, so mark your calendars now. • The MSU Turfgrass Research Field Day will be held September 22nd – September 23rd, 2021. The 22nd will consist of a social and the 23rd will consist of field day events. • November 1 – 4th is the Deep South Turf Expo in Biloxi, MS. • The MTA Turfgrass Road Show is returning to the Lion Hills Center in Columbus, MS on January 14, 2022. We look forward to your continued support and participation in these events. Once again, thank you for your endless hard work and commitment to the MTA. Have a great summer!
Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Fax: (662) 325-2705 www.msturfassociation.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Office: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS EDITOR James D. McCurdy, Ph.D.
MTA OFFICERS PRESIDENT Keair Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 VICE-PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT ELECT Alan Sullivan Grand Bear Golf Course SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Barry Stewart (662) 312-9335 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jeremy Tate Tate’s Turf LLC (662) 209-0023 ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Cell: (662) 769-7558 lmw218@pss.msstate.edu
DIRECTORS Chris Hussey, Sod Rep Hussey Sod Farm (662) 840-0512
Keair Edwards MTA President
Jimmy McPherson, Golf Rep MSU Golf Course (662) 610-3260 Todd McCullough, Grounds and Landscape Rep City of Louisville (601) 416-3292
Southeast Turf utilizes the best deep aerification equipment available today to address any type of turf aerification need, including Deep Drill and Drill & Fill.
Randy Emens • 256-255-5231 SouthEastTurf.com • seturfmaint@gmail.com 211 Skyline Road • Madison, AL 35758
Corey Garrison, Central Rep Country Club of Jackson (901) 490-4547 Frank Ogletree, South Rep Hattiesburg Country Club (601) 543-5033 Seth King, Industry Rep. Ben Nelson Golf and Outdoor (601) 672-4796
FACULTY ADVISOR Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. (662) 325-2331
6 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • SUMMER 2021
