North Carolina Turfgrass - May / June 2018

May/June 2018

2018 Sod Producers’ Report for North Carolina Plus, NCCTP Guidelines and Application

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 459-2070 fax (919) 459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

Executive Director Anna Brooks Whichard, CAE IMI Association Executives annabrooks@imiae.com (919) 459-2070

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Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 (615) 790-3718 fax (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

TCNC OFFICERS President

table of contents May/June 2018

14 cover story

2018 Sod Producers’ Report for North Carolina

From the President, Damon Dean TCNC Membership Application TCNC Deluxe Members

18 more features

Calendar of Events

NCCTP Guidelines

New NCCTPs

and Application

Index of Advertisers NC State Turf Team

6 9 12 13 13 22 22

Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club West End, NC (910) 893-1372

Vice President Gene Queen Nature’s Select Premium Turf Services Winston-Salem, NC (336) 768-7999

Past President Billy Cole Raleigh Country Club Raleigh, NC (919) 427-0312

Treasurer Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green, Inc. Raleigh, NC (919) 818-9640

Directors The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2018 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-3718, Fax 615-794-4524.

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H. Dean Baker Kinston Country Club Kinston, NC David Bradley, NCCTP Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. Hendersonville, NC Michael Hrivnak, NCCTP Canopy Lawn Care Raleigh, NC Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Coastal Floratine Dunn, NC

from the president

Control I

am writing this on the last day in April and the temperature outside is 40 degrees. The weather has been very strange so far here in North Carolina this Spring. I can only imagine what the Summer will bring.

I guess if you have lived in North Carolina long enough the unpredictable weather is the norm.

The title of this letter (Control) is something we truly think we have but really don’t. Many of you have realized over the years no matter how much you plan and prepare, Mother Nature has different ideas. This past winter has really done some damage to warm season grasses across the state. A lot of the turf managers across North Carolina had good plans in place in preparation for this past winter and still had damage. This Spring wasn’t any better because we didn’t have any significant warm weather to allow the warm season turf to grow and do any recovery.

We as turf managers have a love/hate relationship with Mother Nature. We can only do the best we can with the weather we get. Realize that no matter how bad you think you have it there is always someone that is worse off.

The cool season turf managers had their own challenges this season as well.

Everyone I have talked to is behind in their work because of the crazy weather.

On top of that finding, enough staff to do the work is a huge problem. Everyone has some type of problem in this industry.

Rise to the challenge. If it was easy everyone would be doing it and we all would need to find another career choice.

Remember, When you think you have control in this business, that is when Mother Nature will show you who the BOSS is.

God bless.

Damon Dean, CGCS

2017–2018 TCNC President

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Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: (919) 459-2070 • Fax: (919) 459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org • info@ncturfgrass.org

TCNC Membership Information The TCNC membership year is July 1 to June 30 with annual renewal dues due in full at the end of each membership year to continue receiving membership features and benefits. New member dues are based on date of application: [Jul-Sep 100% of annual dues] [Oct-Dec 25% off] [Jan-Mar 50% off] [Apr-Jun 100% of annual dues which includes all of following membership year]

Regular Membership

Educator Membership

(Annual Dues – $125) • Membership Certificate • Use of TCNC logo and current year membership decal for use on business materials • Listing in the public-facing TCNC Membership Directory • TCNC News, Member Alerts and Announcements • Access to the Members-Only section of website • Free job postings in TCNC Career Hub • TCNC Website Advertising Opportunities

(Annual Dues – $0) Complimentary educator members are educators and extension agents who are in a position to promote TCNC and the NC Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program as they encounter turfgrass professionals in their work. We additionally ask that extension agents make themselves available to proctor the NCCTP exam for candidates. Educator members are nonvoting members.

• Membership Certificate • Use of TCNC logo and current year membership decal for use on business materials • Listing in the public-facing TCNC Membership Directory • TCNC News, Member Alerts and Announcements • Access to the Members-Only section of website

Student Membership (Annual Dues – $25) • Membership Certificate • Use of the current year TCNC membership electronic decal • Listing in the public-facing TCNC Member Directory • TCNC News, Member Alerts and Announcements • Access to Members-Only Section of TCNC website • Eligible for TCNC scholarships and are directly notified when applications become available • New graduates of turf and landscape programs are invited to join as an Individual Member upon graduation and receive free NCCTP enrollment ($250 value) if enrolled and take the NCCTP exam within six months of graduation • Student members must submit copy of their current Student ID with application and renewals in order to maintain a Student Membership

Deluxe (Company) Membership (Annual Dues Start at $425) • Use of TCNC logo and current year membership decal for use on business materials and company website • Listing in the public-facing TCNC Membership Directory • TCNC news, member alerts and announcements • Access to the members-only section of website • Free job postings in TCNC Career Hub

Deluxe Memberships are offered in three tiers: • I ndividual memberships for 1–5 employees (Annual Dues $425) • Individual memberships for 6–10 employees (Annual Dues $800) • Individual memberships for 11 or more employees (Annual Dues $1200) Page 1 of 2 A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f North Carolina 9

TCNC Membership Application Primary Member Information: First Name_ ______________________________________________ Last Name_ ____________________________________ Title______________________________________________________ Company_ _____________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________ State_ _______ Zip______________________________ E-Mail____________________________________________________ Phone_ ________________________________________ How did you learn about TCNC?_____________________________________________________________________________ What type of turfgrass business are you in?

Lawn Care Facilities Management Landscaping Sports Turf Management

Sod Production Golf Course Management Industry Partner/Supplier Other ________________________________

Select Your Membership Type: Regular Member ($125) Student Member ($25) Educator Member ($0)

Deluxe Member 1–5 Employees ($425) Deluxe Member 6–10 Employees ($800) Deluxe Member 11+ Employees ($1200)

Upgraded Member Directory Listing ($25): Include my company logo and website link* in the TCNC Member Directory. *Please send your logo and web address to info@ncturfgrass.org.

Deluxe Members: Provide up to the maximum allowed additional employees with email addresses here.

Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ E-Mail_ ________________________________________ Total $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ Email to info@ncturfgrass.org, or fax to (919) 459-2075 or mail to TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 Contributions to TCNC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes; however, dues payments may be deductible by members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. TCNC estimates that the nondeductible portion of your dues – the portion allocable to lobbying – is 10%.

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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 11

TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members.

New for the 2018–2019 membership year, Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our Deluxe Member Organizations American Turf Grass Corporation

Givens Estates Green Resource

Barefoot & Associates, Inc. BASF Corporation

JRM, Inc. Keith Hills Country Club

Buy Sod, Inc

Kinston Country Club

Carolina Farm Credit

Leap Frog Landcare, Inc.

Carolina Green Corp.

McConnell Golf LLC

City of Brevard

Myatt Landscaping Concepts, Inc.

City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation

SiteOne Landscape Supply Smith Turf & Irrigation Sod Solutions, Inc. Southern Ag Southern Seeds Inc The Biltmore Company The Club at Longview

City of Shelby

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Country Boy Landscaping Inc

NC State University Athletics

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community

NCSU Landscape Construction Services

Tri Est Ag Group Inc.

Diamond Creek Golf Club

North Carolina A&T State University

Triangle Chemical Company Turf Mountain Sod Inc

Fairway Green

Pennington Seed — ProTurf Division

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Quality Turf

Duke University

Revels Turf & Tractor 12

SAS Institute Landscaping Dept.

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Town of Cary Public Works Town of Huntersville Parks & Recreation Town of Southern Pines

UNC Chapel Hill Vereens Turf Products

calendar of events July 15–17

NALP Legislative Day on the Hill Washington, D.C.

August 8

NCSU Turfgrass Field Day Lake Wheeler Turfgrass Research Labs

November 12–14

Carolinas GCSA Annual Conference & Show Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC

January 22–25, 2019 STMA Conference Phoenix, AZ

February 2–7, 2019 GIS & GCSAA Conference San Diego, CA

Welcome New NCCTPs Tanner Keyse Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community Asheville, NC

Mike Mattingly The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Daniel Scroggs Carefree Landscapes Fairview, NC

Justin Starling Starling Lawn Works Henderson, NC

Scott Stevenson NC Arboretum Asheville, NC

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cover story

2018 Sod Producers’ Report for North Carolina

By Grady Miller, Ph.D. North Carolina State University

Introduction In March 2018, North Carolina State University conducted the fourth annual survey to examine inventory and pricing of North Carolina sod.

Overview • Supply of bermudagrass is better than 2017, with most suppliers saying they have adequate supplies for their expected demand in 2018.

• Supply of zoysiagrass is expected to be better in 2018 compared to 2017, but there still may be some shortages.

• This is the first year that a quarter of the producers predicted they could have shortages of centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass.

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• The two grasses with significant sod price increases in 2018 compared to 2017 were zoysiagrass and Kentucky bluegrass; otherwise prices of sod types are likely to remain similar to last year.

• The supply of tall fescue is projected to be very good in 2018.

• Production acreage has remained consistent or slightly increased over 2017.

• The primary markets for North Carolina sod producers are landscape contractors.

• There was an uptick in sales to golf courses in 2017 compared to previous years.

Survey Details Twenty-five producers representing the following farm sizes completed the anonymous online survey:

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• less than 200 acres (10 participants) • 201 to 500 acres (seven participants) • 501 to 800 acres (four participants) • more than 800 acres (four participants) North Carolina Sod Producers Association (NCSPA) records suggest the number of completed surveys represents about 60% of the sod farms in North Carolina.

Inventories We obtained inventory estimates for bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass as well as a tall fescue/ Kentucky bluegrass mix. This was based on estimated sales and the availability of sod as being excellent (more than 10% of demand), adequate (equal to demand), or poor (more than 10% shortage).

Pricing information included the farm price as well as the price for truckload orders delivered to the closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farms. All costs were reported as price per square foot of sod.

Bermudagrass is being grown by 20 (80%) of the surveyed producers. Sixtyfive percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate this year; 20% indicated their inventory was excellent. For 2018, 15% of all bermudagrass producers projected having less than adequate supplies. This is a lower percentage than the 35% that reported shortages in 2017.

Zoysiagrass is being grown by 19 (76%) of the surveyed producers. Fiftyeight percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate this year and 16% indicated it was excellent. For 2018, 26% of all zoysiagrass producers projected shortages. While there is still a projection of shortages, supply is projected to be slightly better than in 2017 when 44% projected shortages.

Of the producers surveyed, 16 (64%) are growing centipedegrass. Seventy-five percent of these growers reported they had adequate to excellent inventory.

Twenty-five percent of all centipedegrass growers anticipate a shortage during 2018, which is a higher projected shortage than last year (19%).

Eight (32%) of the surveyed producers are growing St. Augustinegrass. Seventyfive percent of these growers reported they had adequate to excellent inventory, and 25% anticipated a shortage during

Table 1

2018. These estimates mirror those in 2017. Of the producers surveyed, seven (28%) are growing tall fescue by itself.

All the growers estimated they would have adequate to excellent inventory with no anticipated shortages for 2018.

A mixture of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is being grown by 10 (40%) of the surveyed producers. Ninety percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate to excellent this year, and 10% anticipate a shortage during 2018.

Five producers surveyed (20%) reported growing Kentucky bluegrass by itself. Of the group that responded to this survey, 80% anticipated adequate to excellent supply during 2018, and 20% anticipate a shortage during 2018.

Pricing Table 1 provides a sod price perspective for all grass species in 2018.

The average price per square foot for a truckload of bermudagrass sod at the farm was $0.28 and delivered to the closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farm averaged the same price. The farm price ranged from $0.19 to $0.35, whereas delivered prices ranged from $0.21 to $0.37. The average on-farm price of bermudagrass increased by 8% from 2017.

Zoysiagrass prices were the highest of all turfgrasses. The average price on the farm was $0.42 per square foot and ranged from $0.33 to $0.56. The average price

Projected Price Increases

Sod price averages.

Turfgrass (No. of growers responding)

delivered to an urban market or within 100 miles of the farm was $0.45 and ranged from $0.33 to $0.58. The average on-farm price of zoysiagrass increased by nearly 11% from 2017.

Centipedegrass prices in 2018 ranged from $0.19 to $0.33 per square foot and averaged $0.24. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.19 to $0.36 and averaged $0.27. Centipedegrass prices were similar to last year’s prices.

St. Augustinegrass prices in 2018 ranged from $0.35 to $0.45 per square foot and averaged $0.33. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.37 to $0.43 and averaged $0.35. St. Augustine onfarm prices were similar to last year’s and there was a decrease by 10% in 2018 delivery prices.

Tall fescue prices in 2018 ranged from $0.32 to $0.34 per square foot and averaged $0.33. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.36 to $0.38 and averaged $0.37. The average on-farm price of tall fescue increased about 14% from 2018.

The mix of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass sod prices in 2018 ranged from $0.24 to $0.35 per square foot and averaged $0.29. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.27 to $0.39 and averaged $0.33. These prices were a 6% decrease compared to 2017.

Kentucky bluegrass price in 2018 ranged from $0.32 to $0.45 per square foot and averaged $0.37. The price, when delivered ranged from 0.35 to $0.45 and averaged $0.39. This is an increase of about 16% in the on-farm price compared to 2017.

2018 Average (price/sq. ft.)

On-the-farm

Delivered*

Bermudagrass (17)

$0.28

$0.28

Zoysiagrass (16)

$0.42

$0.45

Centipedegrass (12)

$0.24

$0.27

St. Augustinegrass (6)

$0.33

$0.35

Tall Fescue (2)

$0.33

$0.37

Tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass (9)

$0.29

$0.33

Kentucky bluegrass (3)

$0.37

$0.39

*Delivered to either closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farm

Some of the surveyed growers forecasted sod price decreases in 2018 for selected grasses. This is the first year (in four years of surveys) that some producers predicted price decreases. The majority of sod producers predict that sod prices will remain steady in 2018. A few producers predict price increases for particular grasses. The percentages of producers with expectations for price change in each grass is as follows: • Bermudagrass—5% expect increases, 84% remain steady, 11% expect prices to decrease • Zoysiagrass—11% expect increases, 83% remain steady, 6% expect prices to decrease

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• Centipedegrass—7% expect increases, 93% remain steady, none expect prices to decrease • St. Augustinegrass—14% expect in-creases, 86% remain steady, none expect prices to decrease • Tall fescue—no producer expects price increases, 90% remain steady, 10% expect prices to decrease • Tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass— no producer expects price increases, 90% remain steady, 10% expect prices to decrease • Kentucky bluegrass—no producer expects price increases and 100% predict prices to remain steady

Proprietary Grass In 2018, 50% of the surveyed growers reported that they grew some proprietary grasses on their farm. This is similar to the response recorded in previous years.

The average percentage of their grasses that were proprietary was 26% with a reported range from 2 to 50%.

Certified Grass In 2018, 58% of the growers surveyed grew some certified sod. The average amount of certified grass reported by these farmers was 50% of their total sod acreage. Twenty-nine percent of these producers charged more for certified grass —$0.02 to $0.05 more per square foot.

Two growers reported that 100% of their grasses were certified.

Freight rates per mile shipped to the closest urban market ranged from $1.50 to $8.00 per mile and averaged $3.72 per mile. Two sod farms reported flat freight rates of $175 to $250 per shipment, though these rates could vary depending on other factors. Fifty percent of respondents reported including freight costs as a part of the price quotes for customers, and 50% reported they invoiced freight separately.

Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated they did not charge an unloading fee. Two sod producers that indicated they charged an unloading fee reported the fee to be $75 and $100 to $150.

North Carolina Tur f g r a s s

Surveyed producers estimated that landscape contractors (68.2%) constituted the largest segment. The next three groups (golf, sports/athletic fields, and homeowners) were nearly equal, representing a little more than 9%. Retail garden centers comprised about 3% of sales and brokers were less than 2%. The largest changes compared to previous years are the increase in golf course sales and the reduction in broker sales.

Fuel Surcharge

Acreage in Production

Only 8% of surveyed producers indicated that they add a fuel surcharge. One that reported a fuel surcharge indicated it was $25 if greater than a 100 mile round trip and $50 if they crossed over a state line.

When asked how often producers adjust their sale prices, 42% indicated they adjust their prices yearly whereas 58% make adjustments when needed. No respondents indicated that they adjust prices monthly or quarterly. It was interesting to note that in 2017 65% of the respondents indicated they adjust their prices yearly and only 35% adjusted when needed.

Of the survey respondents, only 8% indicated that they reduced sod production acreage during 2017. It was reported that this reduction was due to a changeover in turfgrass. No respondent indicated that they would have a reduction in 2018.

Seventy-nine percent indicated that they had increased acres during the last three years. The average percentage increase was 22%.

Several questions related to employee numbers and sod sales were added to this year’s survey that were not part of previous surveys. These data were collected as a requirement for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant that was awarded to NCSPA.

Sales by Industry Segments

Employees

Table 2 provides an indication of the industry segments where sod is sold.

The average number of full-time employees at these sod production operations

Price Changes

Table 2

Freight

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Ninety-five percent of respondents indicated they make additional drops on loads. The low-end charge for additional drops on a load was $25 and the high-end charge was $175. Several reported that the charge was dependent on the distance between drops and that charges may be divided between buyers. Some also added a minimum drop fee (e.g., $35) plus a mileage rate (e.g., $4.00/mile). The average cost for additional drops was $65.

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Ranking of industry segments for sale of turfgrass.

2018

Rank

Average* (%)

Landscape contractors

1

68.2

Homeowners

2

9.5

Sports/athletics

3

9.2

Golf courses

4

9.0

Retail garden centers

5

3.2

Brokers

6

1.1

*Average percent of total sales

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continued | cover story

was 10 employees. Of the 19 operations that responded, the number of full-time employees ranged from two to 50. The average number of seasonal employees (19 responses) ranged from zero to 13, with an average of four.

Total Sod Sales Total sod sales for the 18 operations that reported data ranged from $170,000 to $4.4 million. The average sod sales were $1.38 million. The mean value was influenced by a few larger operations. There were seven operations with sales greater than $1 million and five with annual sales less than $550,000. Thirty-seven percent of the producers indicated their sales increased in 2017, whereas 16% had a decrease and 46% reported sales stayed the same.

Summary

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While trends may not tell a complete story from just a few years of data (2015 was the first survey year), we did see some changes in the 2018 predictions that were not seen in previous years. Annual data also provides some indication of sod supply and price in the near future. The total acreage of sod seems steady with a small amount of growth. Most grasses seem to be in good supply for 2018; however, there are potential shortages of some grasses, particularly zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.

For the first year in a while, the supply of tall fescue seems to be appropriate for the demand. The increased demand for turfgrasses has kept prices similar to 2017, except for zoysiagrass and Kentucky bluegrass. Prices for these two grasses increased from the previous survey although the prices are projected to remain steady in 2018.

The bulk of sod sales (>68%) are to landscape contractors. It may be important to provide sod supply and relative pricing information to this group, especially in years when supply is limited.

It was noted that approximately 9% of the sod sales in 2017 were made to golf courses, whereas, that percentage was less than 4% in the previous survey. Sales to brokers decreased from roughly 9% to nearly 1%. G

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NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements: old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Curriculum and Exam:

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today he NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfT grass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course he NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comT prehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

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urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

May/June 2018

NCCTP Certification Program

Enrollment Application Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*_ ___________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

Qualifications / Requirements Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

Membership: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. esticide License: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental P (or equivalent from another state).

Experience: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

Exam: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months. uty: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the D Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program. ontinuing Education: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be C required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title_ _____________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address_ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) Total $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 19

NCCTP Program | continued

Certified Turfgrass Professional

Code of Ethics Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

Duty to the Public Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I Agree

Duty to the Environment Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I Agree

Duty to the Laws of Our Land Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I Agree

Duty to Our Fellow Professionals Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I Agree

Duty to the Association Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I Agree

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 20

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index of advertisers

nc state turf team

Amick’s Superstore...............................21 www.amickssuperstore.com Barenbrug USA.......................................5 www.barusa.com Brouwer Kesmac.....................................7 www.kesmac.com Buy Sod....................... Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Fresh Farms............................11 www.carolinafreshfarms.com Carolina Green Corp.............................17 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc.........................6 www.carolinaturffarms.com Divots, Inc.............................................17 www.divotssand.com Golf Agronomics Supply & Handling...13 www.golfag.com Green Resource..................... Back Cover www.green-resource.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL, Inc................... Inside Front Cover www.stihldealers.com Morgan Sand Co...................................13 NC Sod Producers Association............11 www.ncsod.org Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc............8 www.progressiveturfequip.com Smith Seed Services..............................13 www.smithseed.com Southern Specialty Equipment.............17 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod................................................3 www.supersod.com Turf Mountain Sod................................17 www.turfmountain.com

Crop and Soil Sciences Department Daniel C. Bowman, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-2085 dan_bowman@ncsu.edu Arthur H. Bruneau, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus (919) 515-5855 art_bruneau@ncsu.edu Richard J. Cooper, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Management Specialist (919) 515-7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson CENTERE Assoc. Director (919) 513-2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Travis Gannon, Ph.D. Assistant Professor (919) 513-4655 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu

Matthew C. Martin Extension Associate (910) 675-2314 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

Rongda Qu, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-7616 rongda_qu@ncsu.edu

Susana Milla-Lewis, Ph.D. Associate Professor (919) 515-3196 susana_milla@ncsu.edu

Rob Richardson, Ph.D. Professor, Extension Specialist (919) 515-5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

Grady Miller, Ph.D. Professor & Ext. Specialist (919) 515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu Charles Peacock, Ph.D. Professor & Ext. Specialist (919) 515-7615 charles_peacock@ ncsu.edu Marty Parish Superintendent Lake Wheeler Turf Field Lab (919) 498-4808 mbparish@ncsu.edu

Entomology and Plant Pathology Department

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Wei Shi (919) 513-4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu Fred H. Yelverton, Ph.D. CENTERE Co-Director Professor, Ext. Specialist (919) 515-5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

Horticulture Science Department

Terri Billeisen, Ph.D. Extension Associate (919) 515-7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu

Joe Neal, Ph.D. Professor, Ext. Specialist (919) 805-1707 joe_neal@ncsu.edu

Rick Brandenburg, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-8876 rick_brandenburg@ ncsu.edu

Danesha Seth Carley, Ph.D. NC IPM Coordinator (919) 513-2717 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

Lee Butler Extension Coordinator Turf Diagnostic Lab (919) 513-3878 lee_butler@ncsu.edu Jim Kerns, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Extension Specialist (919) 515-4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu

Vandemark Farms...................................8 www.vandemarkfarms.com

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Thomas Rufty, Ph.D. CENTERE Co-Director Professor (919) 515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu

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Sandhills Research Station Jeremy R. Martin Research Operations Manager (910) 974-4673 jeremy_martin@ncsu.edu John Michael Phillips II Turfgrass Unit Manager (910) 974-4673 johnmichael_phillips@ ncsu.edu