SPRING 2021
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MTC PRESIDENT BEN ELLIS PLUS
NEW HERBICIDES FOR 2021 AND
CICADAS!!
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MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 303 S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com
2021 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
8
PRESIDENT Ben Ellis – Superintendent Fort Belvoir Golf Course 2806 Brewster Rd Waldorf, MD 20601 Cell: 571-340-0122 golfturf54@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT Brandon Sands MNCPPC M&D Randall Farm 4200 Ritchie Marlboro Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Office: 301-780-2426 Cell: 240-821-7139 Brandon.sands@pgparks.com
SECRETARY Cheryl Gaultney 12 Pressie Lane Churchville, MD 21028 Home: 410-734-0650 Cell: 410-322-8275 Sandqueen10@aol.com
14 CONTENTS
• SPRING 2021
10 FEATURE ARTICLE –
TREASURER
DEPARTMENTS
New Herbicides for 2021
14 COVER STORY – Member Spotlight on MTC President Ben Ellis
4
5 6 6 8 18
Index of Advertisers President’s Message MTC Board Advisors Executive Director’s Corner News from MTC
Katy Cooper 303. S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 Cell: 443-496-0750 treasurer@MDTurfCouncil.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon Cooper All States Turf Consultants 303 S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 Fax: 410-745-8867 execdir@MDTurfcouncil.com
Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2021 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
Jamie Roell Anne Arundel. Co. Rec. & Parks 1010 Kinder Farm Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 Work: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 Fax: 410-222-6138 Personal Cell: 410-215-1425 Rproel09@aacounty.org jamroell@verizon.net
MTC TURF NEWS
Three-Year Director Terms Pat Coakley Dura Edge Products 1121 Oakwood Lane Bel Air, MD 21015 410-241-3013 pcoakley@duraedge.com Logan Freeman – Superintendent Mountain Branch Golf Club 1827 Mountain Rd Joppa, MD 21085 Cell: 208-866-6380 lfreeman@mountainbranch.com Amanda Stillwagon Calvert County Recreation & Parks 175 Main St. Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Work Cell: 410-610-3959 Amanda.Stillwagon@ CalvertcountyMD.org
Two-Year Director Terms Brian Haga Scientific Plant Service P.O. Box 62 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-321-0970 brianh@spsonline.com Scott Orndorff Landscape Supply 5325 Columbia Rd, Apt. D Columbia, MD 21044 301-458-5625 scott@landscapesupplyva.com Perry Whaley Newsom Seed P.O. Box 510 11788 Scaggsville Rd. Fulton, MD 20759 240-554-0359 Perry@newsomseed.com
One-Year Director Terms Keith Bowman McHale Landscape Design 6212 Leapley Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20722 Cell: 240-375-8753 keithb@mchalelandscape.com Matt Coates Nationals Baseball 1500 S. Capitol Street S.E. Washington, DC 20003 Office: 202-640-7545 Cell: 202-731-4774 Matt.Coates@Nationals.com Shaun Meredith Calvert County Rec & Parks 175 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Cell: 410-610-9007 Office: 410-535-1600 Shaun.Meredith@ calvertcountymd.gov
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Beam Clay. ................................................13 www.BEAMCLAY.com
Buy Sod, Inc................................................5 www.buysod.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland.. .................13 www.centralsodmd.com
Collins Wharf Sod Farm.. ............................13 www.collinswharfsod.com
East Coast Sod & Seed.. ...............................9 www.eastcoastsod.com
Fisher & Son Company, Inc..........................3 www.fisherandson.com
Leading Edge Communications...................19 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
Luck Ecosystems.......................................22 www.luckecosystems.com
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH
Mid-Atlantic STIHL.....................................11 www.stihldealers.com
Nutrien Solutions.......................................20 www.nutrienagsolutions.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc..................13 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Shady Oaks Turf Farm.. ................................9 www.shadyoaksturffarm.com
Neil Jones, Territory Manager – Virginia & Eastern NC njones@buysod.com • 910-975-0002
Smith Seed Services..................................20 www.smithseed.com
Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc........... Back Cover www.summithall.com
The Turf Zone.. ............................................9 www.theturfzone.com
The Turfgrass Group.......Inside Front Cover, 7 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:
615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( TOLL FREE )
sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com SPRING 2021
5
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MTC BOARD ADVISORS
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STAY CONNECTED BY
the time this publication gets to your mailbox, baseball will be back in full swing, golfers will be crowding the first tee boxes early in the morning, lawns will be growing, most of us will have out pre-emergent herbicides and everyone outside during any given day will recognize that distinctive smell of freshly cut grass. Springtime is finally here and with many of us either starting to be vaccinated or already completed, we can only be hopeful for the upcoming growing season. Coming up soon, The Maryland Turfgrass Council is offering the annual Procrastinators Re-Certification class on June 18, which will be conducted virtually. This is the last event offered by the MTC before your Maryland Pesticides and Professional Fertilizer licenses expire on June 30, 2021. Take advantage of the virtual classes while you can. On December 14th, 2021, The Maryland Turfgrass Council is scheduled to be back at Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center for the annual Maryland Turfgrass Conference. We will be keeping track of any COVID-19 restrictions way ahead of time. Do you have anything special coming up this year that you would like to share with your fellow turf professionals? Share it with us. The Maryland Turfgrass Council and the Board of Directors are here for you, and we want to continually hear what you are seeing in the field, events that are coming up, and even turf issues that affect you. We hope that you enjoy this issue of MTC News, and we value your continued support. Let’s stay connected and get this season off to a good strong beginning.
Ben Ellis
Maryland Turfgrass Council, President
S A V E T H E S E D A TES
JUNE 18, 2021
DECEMBER 14, 2021
Procrastinators Re-Certification
Maryland Turfgrass Conference
Virtual Training Application available on page 18 Sign up today
Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center
Rick Boldissar Turf & Seed Section 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 Work: 410-841-5968 • Cell: 443-791-2896 Rick.boldissar@maryland.gov Kelly Love Pesticide Regulation 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5710 • kelly.love@maryland.gov Judy McGowan Urban Nutrient Management 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5955 • judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Dr. Mark Carroll Environmental & Pesticides 2132 Plant Science Bld. College Park, MD 20742 Campus: 301-405-1339 • Farm: 301-314-6303 mcarroll@umd.edu Dr. Thomas Turner, Professor Emeritus Turfgrass Nutrients / Extension 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721 Farm: 301-314-6302 • tturner@umd.edu Dr. Peter Dernoeden Professor Emeritus 18086 White Oak Dr. Milton, DE 19968 301-314-6300 • pd@umd.edu David Funk Turf Farm Manager 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721 301-314-6300 • dfunk@umd.edu Joseph Ryan Doherty Grad Student 8230 Harvest Bend Lane, Apt 38 Laurel, MD 20707 910-990-9844 • jdoherty3@umd.edu
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE: Geoffrey Rinehart Turfgrass Management 2113 Jull Hall 4196 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742 301-405-4692 • rinehart@umd.edu Dr. Kevin Mathias Professor Emeritus College Park, MD • jkm@umd.edu
6
MTC TURF NEWS
Saving America’s Water In just 4 years, over 500 million square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 9.5 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved. TifTuf is absolutely changing the face of the American landscape!
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Cicadas!! We
thought 2020 was tough, well it looks like we have another monster in 2021. However, this attack won’t kill us, but instead will attack our young trees, shrubs and turf. The monster of which I speak is referred to as the “17-year locusts” even though they really are not locusts, they are CICADAS!!
Close up of an Annual Dog-day Cicada
Close up of a Periodical Cicada / 17-Year Locust
There are two types of Cicadas found in the Eastern United States:
•T he “dog-day” or “annual cicadas” actually are on a 2- to 3-year cycle with some appearing each summer. •T he other is the “periodical cicada” or the “17-year locust.” The periodical cicadas have various clans or “Broods” which mature at different times. In Maryland we have “Brood X” and “Brood II.” Brood X will emerge in 2021, while Brood II was here in 2013 and will return in 2030. The epicenter of the Brood X emergence is to be Central MD. You can expect not to see thousands or even millions, prepare to see GAZILLIONS per acre with each one ranging from between 1 to 2 inches. Several weeks before emergence some nymphs construct “mud chimneys” 2–3 inches high and 1–2 inches wide over a ½ inch hole. The resulting soil or turf will closely resemble an area heavily core aerated. This usually does not kill the turf but will result in an unsightly mess, especially on low mowed turf such as golf greens or lawn bowling or other athletic fields. The brood will begin emerging early May with the largest concentration being the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June. Cicadas will NOT bite or sting adults, children or pets. In fact, pets may try to eat them. A few is not a problem, but there are so many they will quickly overfill their stomachs and get sick. The biggest nuisance to humans if the intense noise. Basically, the cycle is: • Nymphs come out of the soil, leaving holes and tunnels. •T hey start climbing vertically and molt the hard exterior skeleton. •O nce they have their wings, the males go to the top of trees and start singing to attract females.
A cicada nymph molting from its exoskeleton.
•O nce they mate, the males die and the females use an ovipositor to slice into the very young bark of young trees and shrubs to lay her eggs. •T he young branches with multiple slits for eggs may break or die back from the damage. On mature trees and shrubs this looks like a bunch of dead tips and usually does not permanently affect the tree or shrub. •H owever, eggs being laid into young trees or shrubs may actually kill the plant as the eggs hatch and the process starts again as they fall to the ground and dig in for the next 17 years.
8
MTC TURF NEWS
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What does this mean for us as a Turf & Landscape Industry? •W e have to be prepared to correct or manage a rougher playing surface. • I f at all possible, we need to postpone planting of young trees and shrubs until fall. Cicadas will lay eggs on over 200 different species of trees, and insecticides are not effective to control these monsters. Instead, utilize annual flowers and plants to get through the spring and summer.
• I f planting MUST occur (or planting of young trees and shrubs took place last fall), totally encase the tree or shrub in fine, 1-cm mesh available at the Garden Supply Center or even from Fabric and Sewing Centers.
For further information contact the University of Maryland Home & Garden Center or your local Maryland Extension Service. •
SPRING 2021
9
NEW
FEATURE ARTICLE
HERBICIDES FOR 2021, PART I
By Scott McElroy, Ph.D. – Professor, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Jim Harris – Research Associate, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University The following article will discuss select new products that will be available for turfgrass industry use in 2021. The discussion of these products is not an endorsement of the products and exclusion of products that may be newly available is not opposition to those products. Products discussed have been researched in Dr. McElroy’s research group and some available data is presented. Always follow the label regardless of what any article may say about a product. The label is the law.
N
ew herbicide products do not necessarily mean new active ingredients. New herbicide product names may simply be repackaged active ingredients or novel mixtures of previously available active ingredients. Novel active ingredients are a rarity with respect to new herbicide products. The lack of a novel active ingredient does not necessarily mean that the products do not bring a new control angle to the turfgrass industry. Novel combinations of older active ingredients can provide additive or even synergistic herbicide effects and can broaden the spectrum of weeds controlled. But with new combinations it is important to understand the activity of individual active ingredients contained in the products.
Coastal Coastal herbicide is a new combination of older products – imazaquin, prodiamine, and simazine. Imazaquin previously labeled as Image can now be purchased as the stand alone product Scepter T&O. Prodiamine was first labeled as Barricade and simazine was first labeled as Princep (There are other product names, it is simply easier to refer to the first product name used). New herbicide mixtures primarily target new combinations of post herbicides — Trimec-type herbicides or herbicides with mixtures of sulfentrazone (Dismiss) and quinclorac (Drive). Echelon is a combination of prodiamine and sulfentrazone, pre and post, respectively, but few (if any) others exist. Coastal is another unique combination because it also combines both pre and post herbicides. Prodiamine is strictly a preemergence herbicide with no postemergence activity. Simazine is used for post winter weed control, primarily Poa annua, but it can provide 14–28 days of residual. Imazaquin is a postemergence herbicide with minimal residual activity. Coastal is labeled for use on bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. Like the name implies, it is primarily targeted at warm-season turf along the gulf coast. Being registered for weed control on the four-primary warmseason grasses is important for lawn care because it does not require the changing of products from one turfgrass lawn to the next.
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MTC TURF NEWS
Research conducted in 2019–2020 evaluated Coastal in September and October for Poa annua and winter annual broadleaf control. Coastal was applied at 32 or 64 fl oz/a with or without metsulfuron (MSM) at 0.5 oz/a. A comparison treatment Specticle at 6.5 fl oz/a plus metsulfuron at 0.5 fl oz/a was included. •A ll treatments controlled Poa annua completely regardless of split or single applications (data not shown). The additional benefit of Coastal is that it also provided effective control of the annual broadleaf, small hop clover (Trifolium dubium; Figure 1). Coastal with and without metsulfuron reduced hop clover cover to 2–4%, while hop clover cover was > 25% in non-treated plots. The combination of residual activity from prodiamine and simazine combined with the postemergence activity of simazine and imazaquin likely lead to the effective control.
FIGURE 1: Small hop clover control with Coastal.
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FEATURE ARTICLE • continued
Vexis Vexis is a new herbicide product containing the new active ingredient pyrimisulfan. It is a sedge control herbicide with excellent cool and warm-season turfgrass safety. It is also labeled for golf and residential turf. Vexis is currently only sold as a granular. A sprayable formulation is currently in the registration pipeline. There are many herbicide options for sedge control in turf. Twenty to 30 years ago, herbicides for sedge control in turfgrass were primarily limited to MSMA and Basagran (bentazon). Now, several ALS-inhibitors are available including Sedgehammer (halosulfuron), Monument (trifloxysulfuron), Certainty (sulfosulfuron), Celero (imazosulfuron), and Katana (flazasulfuron). Also, Dismiss (sulfentrazone) is a PPO-inhibitor that provides a different mode of action for sedge control in cases of herbicide resistance. Vexis is an ALS inhibiting herbicide, so it does not bring a new mode of action to the table for sedge control. The current benefits of Vexis are that it can be applied as a granular and with a high level of cool and warm-season turfgrass safety. Safety across cool and warm-season turfgrass is beneficial for the transition zone where such grasses may be directly adjacent to each other. Expect new herbicides in the future that use pyrimisulfan in a novel mixture to gain a greater spectrum of weed control.
Doveweed plot cover was approximately 20 to 30% at the time of application on 24 June (Figure 2). Following sequential applications, all treatments reduced doveweed cover to 0 to 3% cover two weeks after the second applications. Three applications of Scepter plus Dismiss at a lower rate was not more effective when rated on 13 September than two applications at a higher rate (Figure 3). All treatments were statistically equivalent in doveweed plot cover (2–6%) as rated on 13 September while non-treated plots had approximately 80% plot cover. Based on past research and observations, all treatments provided excellent doveweed control.
Final Thoughts This article is meant to highlight a select set of new herbicides entering the turfgrass market. Expect follow up articles this year discussing other new products. •
FIGURE 2
Scepter T&O Imazaquin was first used in turfgrass under the trade name of Image. Since then, the “Image” name has been re-branded for the home lawn care market and an Image branded product can contain atrazine, MSMA (in the past), or other active ingredients. Image is less of a herbicide brand name and more of a marketing strategy for herbicide products in the consumer herbicide space. Scepter T&O has replaced Image as the standalone product containing only imazaquin. There is nothing new about Scepter T&O, only the name has changed. Imazaquin is a unique, probably overlooked product. As products age, marketing budgets do not keep up and consumers are attracted to the newer, flashier products. Newer products are not necessarily better, but they can highlight some of the issues with an older active ingredient. Imazaquin is one of those active ingredients that was exposed with the introduction of new products. While it has sedge, broadleaf, and cool season grass activity, one of the needs of newer products is broad spectrum activity and excellent turfgrass safety. Imazaquin is effective for sedge control, but it really needs a tank-mix partner like MSMA for consistent effectiveness. It is not broad spectrum for broadleaf weed control either and Poa annua control can be inconsistent. Research was conducted in 2019 to evaluate combinations of Scepter T&O for doveweed control. Treatments included Scepter 5.7 oz/a plus Dismiss 4.0 fl oz/a applied three times (24 June, 16 July, 5 August), Scepter 8.5 oz/a plus Dismiss 6.0 fl oz/a applied two times (24 June, 16 July), Scepter T&O at 8.6 oz/a plus metsulfuron at 0.5 oz/a applied two times (24 June, 16 July), and Celsius at 4.9 oz/a applied twice (24 June and 16 July). All treatments contained non-ionic surfactant and were applied at 30 gallons per acre spray volume.
12
MTC TURF NEWS
FIGURE 3: August 9, 2019 – 4 Days After C Application Non-Treated
Scepter 5.7 oz/a + Dismiss 4.0 oz/a ABC
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SPRING 2021
13
COVER STORY
Member Spotlight on
BEN ELLIS Golf Course Superintendent at Fort Belvoir Golf Club and MTC President
N
ow in the second year of his term as MTC President, Ben Ellis has led the association through one of the most challenging years in recent memory. Despite unexpected hurdles due to COVID-19, Ben, along with the MTC Board, has helped keep turfgrass professionals across the state connected and growing. We sat down with Ben to talk about his work and future plans for MTC.
What is your work history and what path led you to your current position? My turf industry story is a little interesting. Currently I’m the golf course super here at Fort Belvoir, and we run the 36-hole property with a crew of six at the moment. For those who know about golf, that is an unheard-of, low number. It’s a lot of work for sure. I’ve worked in Maryland for the last 10 years. I was at the golf course at Andrews Air Force Base. When I was at Paint Branch Golf Course, a little over a year ago, and was told that I would be reassigned to doing either sports turf or lawn and landscaping, that wasn’t my passion. Anybody who has even talked to me briefly, knows that I’m a golf course guy. So for me, I had to make the choice to leave.
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MTC TURF NEWS
Fortunately, I landed here at Fort Belvoir, which is actually the golf course I grew up on. My first grounds crew turf job was on this golf course back in 2003. Some of our guys who are here are the ones who trained me how to mow greens, how to change cups, and I came back several years later as their boss. It’s been a very good welcome home. How did you decide on a career in turfgrass? When I was in high school, I got hired here at Fort Belvoir, and I thought I wanted to be a golf pro. I wanted to play golf, I wanted to give lessons, I wanted to run a pro shop. I never knew what a golf course superintendent was. Even though I
was working for one, this was my second day working here, and he asked me “What do you want to do?” I explained to him, and he just started laughing. And he’s like, “Man, all they do all year around is pull sweaters.” There’s always the joke there. I went home and I’m like, “What is a golf course superintendent? It’s plant science and being outside with soils and environmental. That sounds pretty cool, I want to do that.” I had the opportunity to go to Maryland for college. Unfortunately, I lived in Virginia, and Maryland is out-of-state tuition. So although Maryland was the closest school, I couldn’t actually do that. I got my two-year degree from a local college, and then I got my turf degree from Penn State.
What are some unique challenges of the job you’re doing right now? I think for all of us in the turf field, it’s weather. Weather has a huge impact. The turf science to me is enjoyable, but the biggest challenge besides the weather is personnel management on my end. For a lot of the lawncare guys, they’re restricted in counties with laws and regs that golf courses are normally exempt from. Pest management, different chemicals and things like that, we’re exempt from because we are golf courses, but a lot of homeowner or lawncare companies are starting to get hit really hard with laws and regs. That’s what MTC and a lot of us are trying to help fight in ways that we can.
SPRING 2021
15
What made you decide to get involved in leadership with MTC? Originally, I was at the MTC Annual Conference, which was held at Maryland at the time, this was many years ago. I had always liked to help, I always wanted to be involved, but never really knew how to, and then the question was asked: we need people to be on the board, is anybody interested? A week or so went by and I emailed Vernon, our Executive Director, and said “Hey, if you still need help with something, let me know. I’m here, I’m willing to help, just let me know.” I received an email back, and that was the start of it and being on the board. For me, it’s not to put on a resume, it’s because I want to legitimately help out the turfgrass industry. It’s an industry that’s given me a lot and it’s given me the career that I have. I have met some amazing people through that too. So that’s my way to give back in any way that I can. We’re all in this as a team, whether it’s lawn care, sports turf… all of us are still trying to grow grass in a really difficult atmosphere. We all have similar challenges – the weather, the pests, and nobody’s out to get anybody else. We’re all here to help each other out. What changes and challenges did you face as a result of COVID restrictions? Virginia golf courses as a whole never closed. Unfortunately, my golf course is a military course, so we fall under different rules and regs. We shut down March 23rd of last year. I spent the entire month on the property by myself. I sent the crew home because they were in lockdown for weeks and I was here for about a month by myself. The only person on a 350-acre property, mowing grass. I mowed greens on one golf course one day, I’d go spray after that and then the following day I’d mow greens on the other golf course, then back to spraying.
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MTC TURF NEWS
The crew finally came back about a month after they all took off — a lot of them were just really bored at home. We’re fortunate enough to be outside almost all day, so we’re socially distanced enough. Maryland golf courses, I know they shut down for a few months and they were open as quickly as possible. First ones to really be exempt from everything were the turf industry, lawn and landscapers, because we were essential workers, which I thought was fantastic. You don’t think of it in that way of – now you have to maintain all this stuff. If we went for two months in a lockdown, can you imagine how tall some of the parks would be, how much the ticks and the weeds would’ve just gone out of control? What was it like going from you working solo on 36 holes to the boom golf experienced in the following months? We were one of, if not the last golf course to open in Virginia. Our course didn’t open up until the last week of June, so we were closed for three months to the day almost. What do you do with three months of good weather and zero revenue? We were looking to have a bad year. Then all of a sudden it just boomed. Golf courses around us were doing booming business. Everybody’s waiting for us to open, and as soon as we did, all the golf courses took off and we had a successful year. It gave us the opportunity to kind of bring golf back. Not only with golf, but what could people do? They go out to a park, they go outside. Not only are we as the golf course side doing extremely well on average, but everyone seems to be benefitting in a way from it. That is a positive that COVID has definitely helped us with. It’s hindered us a few other ways, but it’s definitely in the long run it’s helped us to show what the turf industry does.
What should MTC members be looking for this year in terms of events? Last year we had our first virtual conference. We had a few glitches, but overall it was a very successful conference. We are still trying to have an in-person conference again at Turf Valley this December. With the vaccines out and a whole lot of us being vaccinated, it seems like there’s hope. Unfortunately, we can’t have a turf field day because that’s normally held at the college, and they are not allowing gatherings at this point. But the research with the turfgrass programs is still going on. That’s very hopeful. As soon as the college is open to hire tenured jobs again, they’ll be allowed to bring on staff for the two positions available. The turf positions are the ones that get filled first. We’re in touch with everybody every month about what’s going on. The sports turf managers have their Best Management Practices coming out this year, both national and mid-Atlantic BMPs are coming out here soon, so we are looking forward to that. What do you do outside of work? I’m normally hanging out with my wife at home and just trying to relax. Trying to keep my head out of work is hard, but I try to exercise every chance I can. The job is almost the exercise itself. One of the other agencies on post stores gym equipment here, and since we wanted to encourage our employees to be healthy, we created our own gym here in our shop. The healthier that we are, the better and more physically fit we are for the course. It’s a win-win for us all. What would your advice be for people thinking about or entering the turfgrass industry right now?
If you’d asked me about three years ago, I’d have said don’t do it. There were more golf courses closing down than ever. Now we’re starting to see that steady decrease courses closing. Turf still needs to be maintained, but there’s a need for staff because there are not a lot of qualified people applying for these jobs. We’re looking for people applying to have jobs as assistant managers, grounds crew foreman – there’s not a lot of qualified candidates. I’d love to see more people go to college or at least take the short courses. Maryland offers some great programs there. The IAA at Maryland has been an amazing program. They have a two-year program, a four-year program, and there are other options out there too. We’re trying to encourage people to be professional and learn all they can. There’s a lot of literature out there too that we try to stay up on. I’ve read the Maryland Fertilizer Applicator book probably 30 times, at least, cover to cover. I’ve taken notes and I reference it all the time. Even working in Virginia, I’m still referencing Maryland because they are a little more strict. Everybody’s got that niche of what they want to do and there’s so many opportunities out there – golf, sports turf, lawn and landscape, sod farmers. We have jobs that most people don’t even think of. I have a mechanic here full-time because turf equipment breaks down, turf equipment’s also expensive. So there are equipment people inside the turf industry as well. And I think that is amazing to have that many types of people, a broad range, in one industry. Thank you Ben, for your commitment to Maryland Turfgrass Council and to the industry! You can hear Ben’s full interview on TheTurfZone at Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also visit TheTurfZone.com. •
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PROCRASTINATORS RECERTIFICATION CLASS
NEWS FROM MTC
Start NOW and take advantage of your first benefit of being a MTC Member for FREE!! You are invited to attend ONE (1) virtual class from the comfort of your home or office and obtain all the Recertification Credits you need to renew your Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Licenses on Friday, June 18, 2021. Once the program is finalized, we will be requesting Recertification Credits for: • M D Pesticide Applicator (Category 3A, 3C, 5, 6, &10) Both Private and Commercial (8 credits are required each year before June 30) • M D Professional Fertilizer Applicator (Beginning July 1, 2020, 6 credits are required within 3-year period. Current cycle ends June 30, 2023). • MD Pesticide License |
MD Fert License: PFA |
COST: FREE FOR MEMBERS / $65 NON-MEMBERS • DC Pesticide Recertification
License # |
• DE Pesticide Recertification
License # |
• PA Pesticide Recertification
License # |
• VA Pesticide Recertification
License # |
• WV Pesticide Recertification
License # |
• VA Lime and Fertilizer Recertification
License # |
• CEU credits from STMA • CEU credits from GCSAA We will attempt to obtain any other professional credits you advise needing.
REGISTER TODAY!! REGISTRATION – Send to MTC Office Name | E-Mail | Company |
Last 4 SS# |
Mailing Address | City | State | Zip | Phone | Cell |
PAYMENT – Cost is FREE for MEMBERS – $65 for Non-Members Check made to MTC
Credit Card (American Express, Discover, MC or Visa is accepted)
Credit Card # | Name as it appears on credit card (if different from above) | Billing Address (if different from above) | Security Code (3 or 4 digit) |
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MTC TURF NEWS
Expiration Month | Year |
The turfgrass industry has proven its resilience over and over, and when 2020 brought so many unexpected changes and challenges, you showed up to support each other and the organizations that bring turfgrass managers together. At Leading Edge Communications, we are proud to partner with the associations and companies that keep the industry and professionals growing.
To Our 2020 Adver tisers
THANK YOU for Your CO N T I N U E D PA RT N E R S H I P with L E A D I N G E D G E CO M M U N I CAT I O N S A N D S U P P O RT O F:
M A RY LA N D T U R F G R A S S COUNCIL W E LO O K F O RWA R D TO A S U CC E S S F U L 2021!
615-790-3718 or 888-707-7141 sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com www.TheTurfZone.com
NEWS FROM MTC • continued
ATTENTION All Turfgrass and related Professionals involved in the Maryland Turfgrass Industry: Once again it is time to renew or become a member of the MTC. Your MTC is the “umbrella” organization representing the entire green industry. Membership is the primary method used to raise funds that your elected Board of Directors utilizes to monitor the legislative action across the State, promote turfgrass use and support Turfgrass Research and Education at the University of Maryland. We just recently passed the 1000-member mark! Please complete and return the combined “2021 Membership Dues, and Turfgrass Education Sponsor” form and e-mail, fax or US Mail back to our office. Our web page is going through a major face lift but should also be up and usable soon. Our web page is www.MDTurfCouncil.org Please note the Membership Dues and Sponsorship fees all remain the same as last year.
information on page 18. Other “in person” or “virtual” classes will be scheduled dependent upon the Covid-19 restrictions. The MTC Annual Winter Conference currently is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2021 back at Turf Valley Resort and Golf Course. As a “Turfgrass Education Sponsor” your benefits increase with the level at which you participate. Help the MTC promote and distribute information about the important Turfgrass Research that is done at the U of MD through your sponsorship. Also, this is a great opportunity to get your company’s name in front of your peers, while helping promote Turfgrass Education and Turfgrass Research. The Sponsorship levels are explained in the packet. If you have any question, problems or concerns, please contact Vernon Cooper.
Combined on the same form, for your convenience, is a section of the form for continuing or becoming a Turfgrass Education Sponsor. With these funds the MTC Board works directly with the University of MD in promoting Turfgrass Education.
THE EDUCATIONAL SPONSORS FOR 2020 ARE LISTED BELOW.
WILL WE FIND YOUR NAME HERE FOR 2021?
As MTC Members and Turfgrass Education Sponsors you are eligible for special benefits. Identified members get significant discounts at all MTC functions, plus recertification for Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator recertification classes offered by the MTC. Right now these classes are virtual, but hopefully we will be able to offer in person classes again soon at various MD locations. Either way, the fee for members will remain free to just $15 to cover actual costs. The next MD combined Virtual Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator recertification classes, plus surrounding States recertification classes, sponsored by the MTC is scheduled for June 18, 2021. This is a last chance “Procrastinators Class” if your license is expiring June 30, 2021. You can find registration
Advocate Sponsors: Chesapeake Valley Seeds, Genesis Turfgrass, Landscape Supply, VA, Newsom Seed Benefactor Sponsor: SiteOne Landscape Supply Supporter Sponsor: Neudorff USA Backer Sponsors: Central Sod Farms, Complete Lawn Care, Landmark Turf & Native Seed, Outdoor Creations Landscape Service Patron: Burlingham Seeds LLC, Harford Co. Parks & Recreation, Kenwood Golf & C.C., Larry Ott – Retired, TPM (Sod Growers Association)
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For support, please contact your local representative. Tom Walsh MD/Northern VA 410-375-7226 tom.walsh@nutrien.com
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MTC TURF NEWS
Fred Heinlen Eastern Shore 443-669-4284 fred.heinlen@nutrien.com
Harry Kenney DE, MD/Northern VA 410-375-6148 harry.kenney@nutrien.com
MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL
2021 MEMBERSHIP DUES AND TURFGRASS EDUCATION SPONSOR MTC Dues and Sponsor year is Feb 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. – Thanks for your continued support! Name | Company | Mailing Address | City | State | Zip | Email Address | Phone |
Cell Phone |
TYPE OF MTC MEMBERSHIP
Total Membership $______________
Individual Member.............................................................................................................................................................................$50 Student/Educator/Retiree Member.....................................................................................................................................................$15 Master Gardener/Non-Profit Volunteer Member.................................................................................................................................$25 Public Agency (First 10 Employees per County or Location)*..............................................................................................................$150 Additional employees above 10.........................................................................................................................................................$15 (each) Business: • (1–5 employees)*...........................................................................................................................................................................$175 (Bronze) • (6–10 employees)*.........................................................................................................................................................................$350 (Silver) • (11–15 employees)*.......................................................................................................................................................................$500 (Gold) • (16 –20 employees)*......................................................................................................................................................................$1,000 (Platinum) • (21+ employees)*...........................................................................................................................................................................$1,500 (Palladium) Additional Company Members: (Please list on back or attach a listing of additional members with addresses, e-mail, and phone numbers if different)*
TYPE OF TURFGRASS EDUCATION SPONSORS
Total Sponsorship $______________
Advocate
Help us help the University of Maryland.................................................................................................................$2,500
Benefactor
Spread the importance of Turfgrass Education......................................................................................................$1,000
Supporter
.............................................................................................................................................................................$500
Backer
(Sponsor benefits are included in the packet)........................................................................................................$250
Patron
(whatever amount you can help with is greatly appreciated).................................................................................$______________
PAYMENT TYPE Check made to MTC
(Dues, Sponsorships and Raffle Tickets may be combined in a single payment): Credit Card (American Express, Discover, MC or Visa is accepted)
Total Payment $______________
CREDIT CARD INFORMATION Name as it appears on credit card (if different from above) | Address where card is billed (if different from above) | Card Number |
Exp. Date |
3 or 4 digit code |
SEND TO Vernon W. Cooper, Exec. Dir. OR ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com Maryland Turfgrass Council Office: 410-745-9643 303 S. Talbot St. # 389 Fax: 410-745-8867 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Cell: 443-742-6618
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NEWS FROM MTC • continued
THE JIM CLAXTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND Administered By: TURFGRASS PRODUCERS OF MARYLAND
The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund was initiated during the Spring of 2011 in order to honor Jim and his contributions to the Mid-Atlantic area turfgrass industry and financially support students while pursuing a college degree. Jim worked as a salesman for Newsom Seed from the early 1990’s until soon before his passing on March 20, 2013. He made great contributions to turfgrass related businesses during this period, especially businesses involved in turf production. The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund allows for a single, annual $500.00 award to be issued to a winning applicant prior to the fall college semester.
More than quality products, it’s partnership. From purchase through performance
Completed applications, along with any essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. should be postmarked and mailed by 05/31/2021 to: Turfgrass Producers of Maryland P.O. Box 389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Attention: The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund And/or email to: Vernon@AllStatesTurf.com and/or Harry.kenney@nutrien.com
Rootzone, Topdressing & Specialty Sand
Written requests for applications for The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund can also be sent to the address above. In addition to a possible interview with one or more Turfgrass Producers of Maryland Board Members, the following criteria will be considered by the TPM board while deciding who will be awarded this scholarship:
Ball Field Mix & Warning Track Media
• The applicant should be a current high school senior or be enrolled full time in a two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor’s Degree college or university program. Proof of college or university enrollment in an Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree program may be requested by the TPM board.
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• The applicant should reside in the Mid-Atlantic area or be enrolled in a college or university located in the Mid-Atlantic area.
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• The applicant should have earned a high school or current college level GPA of at least 2.5. A transcript should be submitted along with the application. • P reference may be given to students enrolled in a turfgrass related field. • P reference may be given to students with experience in turf production and/or turf maintenance. • An essay of one page or less, using 12 pitch x New Roman or equivalent with a one-inch margin that should include how you intend to utilize your Associate or Bachelor’s degree. • A current high school and/or college level transcript and up to three letters of recommendation can be submitted with the completed application.
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THE JIM CLAXTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND A P P L I C A NT INFOR MA TION Last Name |
First Name |
Date of Birth |
Gender
Middle Initial |
Female
Male
US Citizen
Y
N
If not a United States Citizen, list your type of legal United States residency | Current Address | City | State | Zip | Cell Phone |
Home Phone |
Current or Intended Field of College Level of Study | College or University you will be attending this fall | Address | City | State | Zip | Will you be taking 12 or more credit hours this coming semester?
Y
N
List any academic awards, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, etc. that you would like to be considered for this scholarship.
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