Spring is in the Air

The first thing of note is that although not an in-person event, our annual MATE conference was a success. Zoom has filled the current needs, but I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in person. We were able to adjust our schedule and presentations to accommodate requirements to fulfill several of our members’ recertification needs, such as Nutrient Management, Certified Fertilizer Applicator and Pesticide Applicator. This was of major importance to your VTC board to ensure our members had these critical certifications updated before the spring season.

One thing missing by not hosting an in-person event was the annual members’ meeting. The Board will be working on setting up a members meeting in the near future. Please look out for a notification of this event as to when and how; it may be held virtually.

Some exciting news is the success of the first ever Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management (STEM) (Virtual Program). This program replaces the previous VT Turf Short course. The students are going online and watching prerecorded sessions presented by professors from Virginia Tech. A special part of the program each week is a live online session with the professor and sometimes a guest professional from the field to answer questions. These sessions are well attended and have had up to 28 students in attendance. Dr. Mike Goatley stated that the students represent many areas in the turf industry from high school teachers to park superintendents to maintenance team members. This class even has one student from Colorado. A critical need this program fulfills is an avenue for the students to become a Certified Turfgrass Professional. If you are interested in a future class keep a look out for information being posted on the VTC web site.

Your Government Relations Committee has been very busy tracking new legislation that affects our industry. One such bill was House Bill 2030 that sought to restrict the use of neonicotinoid insecticides. Through the efforts of the Government Relations Committee, the bill was converted from regulatory legislation to a bill that called for the study of these pesticides.

In closing, spring is in the air, birds are chirping, crocuses are blooming and soon we all will be in full action applying pre-emergence, aerating, mowing and the list goes on. Be safe out there.

Michael Skelton

VTC President