FROM THE PRESIDENT
JEFF CASE
How We Handle Chemicals Impacts Public Perception Most of us use chemicals at one point or another. It would be hard to be in the business of producing better turfgrass without using chemicals to some degree. There are probably over one million acres of managed turfgrass in Tennessee. That’s potentially a lot of herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and other possible pesticides. We have an enormous responsibility to manage these turf areas carefully, including the wise use of pesticides. In the past, most of this responsibility dealt with the effects we had on the
environment. While that remains important, economics is now playing a bigger role than it once did. It is difficult to spend the amount of money we would really like to on every acre of turf. So, we are left with prioritizing to get more “bang for the buck.” The EPA and related lobbying groups have really been working hard to minimize the use of pesticides. I am certainly not judging them for what they do. As a matter of fact, we have all probably benefited from some of their past efforts.
However, they are partially fueled by public perception, and this can be influenced by what we do. We should be diligent about what pesticides we use, what rates we use, using properly calibrated equipment and, of course, following label instructions. Is your certification or license up to date? Classes that we take to keep our certification/license current help us to be better turf managers; after all, that’s why it’s mandatory! Encourage employees, when appropriate, to go through the process of certification. A more knowledgeable employee is always a plus, even if he or she rarely uses the chemicals. If you have ever had an inspection by someone from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, you know the importance of proper chemical storage. These people, who represent the EPA, are reasonable and easy to work with, but it is a good idea to be in compliance before they show up to inspect your facility. Incidentally, they may ask to see your chemical records, as well. It’s a good idea to have these records organized and easily accessible. We should do everything in our power to maintain the perception that we are good stewards of the environment, in particular where our own facilities are concerned. Working to remain in compliance might prove to be an easier, more cost-effective way to create the right perception.
Jeff Case TTA President T
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com