All in the Same Boat

Spring has arrived and everywhere you look you see those in the turf industry out in full force. The sound of equipment running and the smell of freshly mown grass are just what we needed. But for some industries it has been a strange spring—for example, high school sports having football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, softball and baseball all at the same time. You all are amazing. There have also been many in the turf industry whose budgets have been drastically cut but still have to meet the high demands they were supporting before the pandemic. What is the answer? EDUCATION. It is key to success in making the hard decisions when you have to prioritize how best to use your budget to get the most out of your turf. Also there is nothing like being able to “Call A Friend/ VTC Member.” Remember we are all in the same boat. Your VTC Board is always working on how we can provide the education you need to ensure your success.

Please take time to visit our website at vaturf.org to see the latest educational opportunities. Don’t forget one of your benefits as a member is free pesticide and fertilizer recertification.

I wanted to share with you the success of the first ever Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management (STEM) (Virtual Program). There were 34 students, and out of those, 12 have completed the process of becoming Certified Turf Professional (CTP). Those who have not yet completed all the requirements to become CTPs have until October 31 to sit for the exam. Lessons learned include the timing of the course; this year’s course finished up too late in the year. The schedule for the next class will be adjusted so the class ends before everyone gets busy in March, so be on the lookout for the next class to start in early November this year. A little back history is that this course replaces the previous VT Turf Short course.

I would like to congratulate Sam Doak on his upcoming retirement. He has had a profound impact on the Virginia turf industry as an instructor on staff at Virginia Tech with the Agricultural Technology Program. The VTC will miss him as he was someone we knew we could call on to support our education programs. I’m sure all of you remember him teaching us how to calibrate spreaders or sprayers, and of course, one of our favorite areas: turf math. Sam, thanks for all you have done for us. You will be missed. Enjoy retirement and new adventures in Florida.

Mike Skelton

VTC President