Michigan Turfgrass Conference - Booklet

Why Support the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation?

Not to be confused with trade organizations, membership in the MTF is direct support for research at the Turfgrass Research Program at MSU.

The MTF Mission Statement: “To work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turfgrass or derive pleasure from the results of such management.”

Your membership dues fund a significant portion of the research that the MSU Turf Team conducts each year.

Thank you for supporting Turfgrass Research and continuing research education at MSU.

Sincerely, MTF Board of Directors

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Resort Map

What You Need to Know Conference Speaker Spotlight Conference Schedule

Meritorious Award Winner: Jim Bogart

MTF Executive Committee & Board Members

MSU Turf Team Vendor Halftime Show List

MSU Turfgrass Field Day Recap

RESORT MAP

CASINO,RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER

What You Need to KNOW

Conference Hotel:

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

Phone: (989) 775-5777 Website: soaringeaglecasino.com

Dr. Roch Gaussoin

University of Nebraska

MTF Annual Meeting –Tuesday, January 10 4:00pm in the Ojibway Room

Vendor Halftime Show & Silent Auction –Wednesday, January 11 4:00pm-6:30pm in the Entertainment Hall

2022 - 2023 Scholarship Awards –Wenesday January 11 4:00pm in the Anishnabeg Room

• Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

• Michigan State University

• Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association

• Michigan Sportsfield Managers Association

• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

• Samuel I. Russell Foundation

• Trans - Miss Golf Association

Roch Gaussoin, PhD, is a professor of agronomy and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a native New Mexican and an alumnus of New Mexico State University, receiving his B.S. in agronomy in 1980 and M.S. in plant breeding in 1984. His PhD was completed at Michigan State University in Turfgrass Science in 1988. Dr. Gaussoin has received the Outstanding Young Scientist Award from the University of Nebraska, the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Turfgrass Association, the Exceptional Service Award from the Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award.

Presentations: Pushing back preemergence applications for better late season control

Reflections on 35 years of turfgrass research and outreach

Do’s and don’ts of organic matter sampling on sand based rootzones

Dr. Lee Miller

Purdue University

Dr. Lee Miller began as an assistant professor of turfgrass pathology in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University in 2022. Lee previously served in a similar position at the University of Missouri from 2010 – 2021 as associate professor and state extension turfgrass pathologist. Lee’s current responsibilities include providing disease diagnosis and control recommendations for the lawn, golf, sports turf, and sod industries. Past and current research projects include fungicide resistance detection in dollar spot populations, fairy ring identification and prevention on putting greens, the effects of fertility and fungicide application methods on large patch control, detection of Pythium spp. in golf course irrigation water, population dynamics of plant parasitic nematodes on golf greens in the Midwest, and the biology of black layer formation.

Presentations: Soilborne diseases: Pathogens punching putting greens below the belt

Sometimes the blame lies beneath the surface

Controlling troublesome patches that don’t clown around

Dr. Doug Richmond Purdue

University

Dr. Richmond is the Director of the Turfgrass Entomology and Applied Ecology Laboratory at Purdue University. His Research, Extension and Teaching efforts are intended to advance our understanding of the biology of grass and soil-feeding insects with the ultimate goal of improving the sustainability of insect management. His work focuses on I) integration of cultural and biological controls, II) developing novel insecticide chemistries and usage strategies, and III) providing a framework for managers to evaluate and implement alternative management programs.

Presentations:

Understanding annual bluegrass weevil

Fall armyworm: is this the future of turf insect management?

White grub management: new products and approaches

North Shore Country Club

Dan Dinelli is a third-generation golf course superintendent at the North Shore Country Club (NSCC) in the Chicago area and thirty-year member of the GCSAA. Dan has achieved success as a certified golf course superintendent meeting the rigorous performance standards, including agronomic, business, leadership, environmental, and communication standards, for his certification. Dan has significant continuing education in IPM, turfgrass agronomic practices, turfgrass research, pesticide use, and environmental management that go beyond his degrees at William Rainey Harper College and MSU. He has integrated this knowledge into his golf course operations at NSCC and has become a recognized professional and resource within the golf course management industry.

Presentations:

Creeping bentgrass growth in sandbased root zones with or without biochar

Managing surface firmness on putting greens

Ken Rost, Frost Inc. Spray Technology Products

Ken Rost is the founder of Frost Inc which specializes in spray technology products for agriculture and turf care.

He has over 25 years of experience in the spray technology field and has been fitting spray equipment with GPS guided application systems for the last 10 years. Prior to Frost Inc, Ken was the OEM and International Sales manager for Pentair/Hypro specializing in agriculture and turf care markets.

Ken earned his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Science at University of Minnesota. He currently resides on his farm in Shafer MN. Ken’s experience working hands-on with precision farming technologies and the people who use it, brings a realistic approach to the execution of spray applications.

Presentations:

Spray Equipment – Avoiding Common Mistakes and How Technologies Help!

Christian Baldwin is the Business Development Manager for the biotechnology program at the Scotts MiracleGro Company. Prior to leading business efforts, he was the technical lead for the biotech program. While serving as the technical lead, Dr. Baldwin’s research focused on quantifying benefits of novel traits, such as reduced mowing, shade tolerance, and grassy weed control, as well as developing best cultural management practices for turfgrass practitioners. Dr. Baldwin received a BS (business), MS (turfgrass science), and a PhD (turfgrass science), all from Clemson University. He also received an MBA from Southern Wesleyan University.

Presentations:

Novel Kentucky bluegrass genetics cuts mowing requirements in half (+ grassy weed control)

Dan Dinelli

Dr. Christian Baldwin

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, January 10

GOLF SESSION

(Black River Room) 3 MDARD Credits, 0.40 GCSAA Education Points

Moderator: Rob Pylar - ENVO

12:00 PM MSU Turf Team and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Conference Welcome and Update – Dr. Kevin Frank and Carey Mitchelson

12:30 PM Do’s and don’ts of organic matter sampling on sand based rootzones – Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Univ. of Nebraska

1:00 PM How to grow your network and mental health – Trent Manning, Reel Turf Techs Podcast

2:00 PM Trends in golf course PGR use –Aaron Hathaway, NuFarm

3:00 PM Understanding annual bluegrass weevil – Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting –Ojibway Room

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, January 10

LAWNS AND GROUNDS SESSION

(Swan Creek Room) 3 MDARD Credits

Moderator: Gary Olgart - Land and Lake

12:00 PM FIFA World Cup 2026 Research Update – Ryan Bearrs, MSU

1:00 PM White grub management: new products and approaches –Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

2:00 PM Pushing back preemergence applications for better late season control – Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Univ. of Nebraska

3:00 PM Managing rising expectations with limited resources –Todd Rajala, Oakland University

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting –Ojibway Room

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS

(Anishnabeg Room)

12:00 PM MiGCSA EM membership updates – Ben Beard

12:30 PM Shop Transformations –Mitch Hunt, Traverse City Country Club

1:00 PM How to grow your network and mental health – Trent Manning, Reel Turftechs Podcast (golf session)

2:00 PM Basic wiring and Electrical diagnostic w/ hands on demonstration –Ben Beard American Dunes Golf Club

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting –Ojibway Room

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, January 11

GOLF SESSION

(Black River Room) 7 MDARD Credits, 0.60 GCSAA Education Points

Moderator: Adam Hahn - MSU

8:00 AM Reflections on 35 years of turfgrass research – Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Univ. of Nebraska

9:00 AM Soilborne diseases: pathogens punching putting greens below the belt –Dr. Lee Miller, Purdue University

10:00 AM Managing surface firmness on putting greens – Dan Dinelli, North Shore Country Club

11:00 AM Pathology Research Update –Dr. Joe Vargas, MSU

11:30 PM Turf Physiology Research Update – Dr. Emily Holm, MSU

12:00 PM LUNCH Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

Moderator: Colin Seaberg - Waterwark CC

1:00 PM Research update –Dr. Trey Rogers, MSU

1:30 PM GCSAA Updates – Steve Hammon, Traverse City Golf and CC; Shane Conroy, GCSAA

2:00 PM Creeping bentgrass growth in sand-based rootzones with or without biochar – Dan Dinelli, North Shore Country Club

3:00 PM Spray equipment: avoiding common mistakes and how technologies help – Ken Rost, Frost Inc. Spray Technology Products

4:00 PM Trade Show – Entertainment Hall

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, January 11

LAWNS AND GROUNDS

(Deer & Fox Room / 2nd Floor)

6 MDARD Credits

Moderator: David Makulski - PHCC

8:00 AM Fall armyworm: is this the future of turf insect management? –Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

9:00 AM Novel Kentucky bluegrass genetics cuts mowing requirements in half –Christian Baldwin, Scotts

10:00 AM Organic weed management: is it possible? – Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Univ. of Nebraska

11:00 AM Sometimes the blame lies beneath the surface – Dr. Lee Miller, Purdue University

12:00 PM LUNCH Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

(Three Fires Room)

Moderator: Gena Bey - Harrells

1:00 PM Controlling troublesome patches that don’t clown around – Dr. Lee Miller, Purdue University

2:00 PM Pesticides: perception vs reality –Dr. Joe Vargas, MSU

3:00 PM Weed management update –Dr. Thom Nikolai, MSU

4:00 PM Trade Show – Entertainment Hall

Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY,

January 11

SPORTS FIELDS

(Ojibway Room) 5 MDARD Credits

8:00 AM Essential tools and products for maintaining baseball and softball diamonds –Brian Hall, Sylvania Recreation District

9:00 AM Seed selection for sports fields –Ben Boehme, Landmark Turf and Native Seed

10:00 AM It’s natures time: organic fertilizers for sports fields – Kirk Hardin, Healthy Grow

11:00 AM Topdressings - what should I use –Dr. Trey Rogers, MSU

11:30 AM Growing degree days (GDDs) and how they benefit a turf manager –Jake Kilby, MSU

11:45 AM Sod on Plastic Research Update: Developing the temporary indoor playing surface for FIFA World Cup 2026 –Jackie Guevara, MSU

12:00 PM LUNCH Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM Properly amending your infield –Ron Martin, Marco Clay

2:00 PM Proper maintenance of artificial turf fields for longevity –James Hlavity, Pioneer Athletics

3:00 PM Panel Discussion

4:00 PM Trade Show Entertainment Hall

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY,

January 11

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS (Three Fires Room) 2 MDARD Credits

Moderator: Kyle Schierlinger - Forest Lakes CC

8:00 AM Career Preparation –Shane Conroy, GCSAA

9:00 AM Project planning and planning as a new superintendent – Andrew Christensen and Alex Lincoln

10:00 AM Finance, budgeting, and planning – Ross Miller, CC of Detroit

11:00 PM Interview tips and taking the next step - Panel Discussion – Tim Matty, Drew Boike, and Mike Montney

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS

(Anishnabeg Room)

8:00 AM Maximizing Efficiency: Getting the most out of you day – Mitch Hunt TCCC

9:00 AM TBD

10:00 AM Tips and Tricks – Trent Manning, Reel Turftechs podcast

12:00 PM LUNCH Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM Round Table discussion and open forum – Ben Beard, American Dunes Golf Club 2:30 AM TBD

3:00 PM Spray Equipment: avoiding common mistakes and how technology helps –Ken Rost, Frost Inc. (Golf Session)

OVERVIEW FOR REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP - GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (Wolf Room / 2nd Floor)

11:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Jada Paisley, CMP Executive Director Michigan Golf Course Association

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, January 12

GOLF SESSION (Saginaw Room) 2 MDARD Credits, 0.40 GCSAA Education Points

8:00 AM Winterkill Roundtable: Dr. Kevin Frank will serve as moderator for this session that will present research from the WinterTurf research project and engage superintendnets to share ideas on what they’ve been doing to try and prevent winterkill throughout the year.

9:00 AM BMP for turfgrass to minimize pesticide inputs and conserve water. Topics covered will include snow mold control, broadleaf and annual grassy weed control, Poa annua seed head suppression techniques, and irrigation management to conserve water and reduce pests. –Speakers include Phil Dwyer, Mike Rabe, and the host Dr. Thom Nikolai.

12:00 PM ADJOURN

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, January 12

SPORTS FIELDS, LAWNS, AND GROUNDS

(Three Fires Room) 3 MDARD Credits

8:00 AM Athletic field disease review: pythium, patches, and plant health –Dr. Paul Giordano, Harrells

9:00 AM Try something new: infield transition from calcined to expanded shale –Keith Winter, Fort Wayne Tincaps

10:00 AM Painting tips and tricks and GPS sprayers – James Hlavaty, Pioneer Athletics

11:00 AM Armyworm and sod webworm ID and management –Aaron Hathaway, NuFarm

12:00 PM ADJOURN

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

MERITORIOUS Award Winner: Jim Bogart

Although born in Ottumwa, Iowa Jim Bogart has spent the vast majority of his life in Michigan; growing up in the Twin Cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph and settling for the past 50 years in Rockford. He is a graduate of St. Joseph High School and holds BS and MS degrees in Turfgrass Management from MSU, where he studied under the late Dr. Jim Beard. While in graduate school he was awarded a one-half time assistantship in Turfgrass Extension; working with home owners and turf managers across the state.

Jim Bogart got his introduction to turf management, while working for the late George Graber at Blossom Trails GC in Benton Harbor. Following his time at MSU he worked for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, serving as Assistant Supervisor of Golf and Playfields for the city. It was there he was approached by Scott’s ProTurf with an offer to return to Michigan as a Technical Representative for the company. Thus began a 40 year career of serving the turf managers of Michigan, covering every corner of the state except Metropolitan Detroit. During that time he also served on numerous association boards, including being President of MTF for two years.

Today Jim and his wife, Joan, continue to live in Rockford where they have been very involved with local organizations. They enjoy traveling and spending time in Arizona each winter.

Retirement has allowed Jim to return to his childhood love of trains; volunteering at a local tourist railroad; as well as maintaining a garden railroad in his back yard, which is often visited by local residents.

Jim at the throttle of Coopersville & Marne Railway locomotive 7014.

Jim and wife, Joan, enjoying fall color in the UP.

Jim, Joan and their family celebrating 50 years of marriage. (left to right: Son, Jamie; Granddaughter, Hope Deuel; Jim; Joan; Grandson Camden Deuel (MSU Freshman); Daughter Jen Deuel; Son-in-Law, Brent Deuel; and Granddaughter, Ryann Deuel).

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT

Mr. Curt Boak

VICE PRESIDENT

Mr. Dan Mausolf

TREASURER

Mr. Brad Lazroff

SECRETARY

Mr. Scott Rettmann

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Carey Mitchelson

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Ms. Britney VanderKodde

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terms Expire 2024

Mr. Craig Moore, Marquette Golf Club Representing: At Large

Mr. Dan Lucas, Kingsley Club Representing: Northern Michigan District

Mr. Jeff Holmes CGCS, Egypt Valley Country Club Representing: At Large

Mr. Scott Rettmann, Walnut Creek Country Club Representing: At Large

Terms Expire 2025

Mr. Eric Davey, Prestwick Village Golf Club Representing: Greater Detroit District

Mr. Curt Boak, Lawn Tech Representing: Turfgrass Services Representative

Mr. Mitch Hooten, West Michigan Whitecaps Representing: Sports or Institutional Turf

Mr. Christian Koval, Lakelands Golf and Country Club Mid-Michigan District

Terms Expire 2026

Adam Palmatier, Helena Representing: Commercial Turfgrass Supplier

Mr. Matt Gaver Representing: Western Michigan District

Mr. Brad Lazroff, Huron Meadows Golf Course Representing: Cemetery, Park, or Sod Representative

Mr. Dan Mausolf LIC, CSP, ASM, Stine Turf & Snow Representing: Lawn & Maintenance

SPARTANS WILL.

MSU TURF TEAM

Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

John N. Trey Rogers III, Ph.D. rogersj@msu.edu

Professor, Turfgrass Research - Golf Course Renovations - Sports Turf and Golf Turf Management Programs; Turfgrass Research Telephone: 517-353-0136

Joseph Vargas, Ph.D. vargas@msu.edu

Professor - Fungicide resistance; disease management; biological control; chemical control and breeding; epidemiology. Telephone: 517-353-9082

Thomas Nikolai, Ph.D. nikolait@msu.edu

Senior Turfgrass Academic Specialist - Golf Course Putting Green mechanical and cultural practices, turfgrass health. Telephone: 517-353-0133

Dr. David Gilstrap, Ph.D. gilstrap@msu.edu

Senior Academic Specialist Sports and Commercial Turf Management Education Telephone: 517-353-0140

Brian Horgan, Ph.D. horgan@msu.edu

Professor and Chairperson Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Kevin Frank, Ph.D. frankk@msu.edu

Professor and Turf Extension Specialist

Telephone: 517-353-0147

Emily Merewitz-Holm, Ph.D. merewitz@msu.edu

Assistant Professor - Plant physiologist; abiotic & biotic stresses of turfgrass and crop species; whole-plant, biochemical, & molecular techniques. Telephone: 517-353-0203

Vendor Halftime Show & Silent Auction

Wednesday January 12 4:00pm-6:30pm in Entertainment Hall. BOOTH # VENDOR

01 - AQUA-AID Solutions 04 - Spartan Distributors 05 - Healthy Turf Plus 06 - Nutrien 08 - Target Specialty Products 10 - Great Lakes Turf 11 - Osburn Industries 12 - M32 Enterprises 18 - Advanced Turf Solutions 19 - Advanced Turf Solutions 20 - Midwest Golf and Turf 23 - Syngenta 28 - Pro/Angle Bunker Sand 29 - Rhino Seed and Turf Supply 32 - Turf Nano Tech 33 - Harrell’s 36 - US Golf Cars/ Ladd’s 37 - Heritage Professional Products Group 39 - Young’s Turf Farm 40 - Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply 42 - Timber Wolf Turf, Inc. 43 - Turf Services 44 - Textron Specialized Vehicles (EZ-GO/Cushman) 45 - Herman & Associates 46 - Tiny Mobile Robots 47 - Golf Cars Plus Yamaha 48 - Harco Fittings LLE 51 - Envu Environmental Science 52 - Mavis Consulting, Ltd. 53 - Site One Landscape Supply 54 - Porous Pave Inc./ Sand Guard 55 - Brandt 56 - BASF 57 - FMC 58 - Eco Green Supply 59 - Revels Tractor 60 - Helena Agri

MTESP - Coffee

Syngenta - Coffee

Envu Environmental ScienceFounders Society Reception

Eco Green Supply - Student Scholarship Banner

Advanced Turf Solutions - Vendor Halftime Show

BASF - Vendor Halftime Show

Helena Agri - Coffee Cups

Harrell’s, LLC - Lanyard

Site One - Lunch / Vendor Halftime Show

MGCA - Meritorius Award Winner Dinner

FieldtheReadMSU ReportDay

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

Mike Rabe presents Hydroponics and Variable Depth Putting Greens

Nancy Dykema presents Turfgrass Disease update

Dr. Rogers fields a question

Ryan Bearss presents Perennial ryegrass control in mixed stands of cool-season grasses

Nancy Dykema presents Turfgrass Disease update

Mike Rabe presents Hydroponics and Variable Depth Putting Greens

Dr. Rogers fields a question

Jackie Guevara - Sod on plastic station 12

Ryan Bearss presents Perennial ryegrass control in mixed stands of cool-season grasses

Dr. Frank - Soil testing & Winterkill reestablishment

Dr. Frank - Soil testing & Winterkill reestablishment

Dr. Holm discussing Turfgrass Physiology & Winterkill

USGA golf ball reaction research update – Evan Rogers

Athletic Turf Manager, Andy Flynn lead the Athletics Field Tour

DeMartin Stadium Practice soccer

Spartan Stadium!

MSU Athletic Turf Manager, Andy Flynn lead the Athletics Field Tour

A view from above Secchia Stadium

McLane Stadium

Nancy Dykema presents Turfgrass Disease update

MSU Athletic Turf Manager, Andy Flynn, led the Athletics Field Tour

Partners

The Importance to Your Organization s

The development, testing, and evaluation of better turfgrasses and of better methods of turfgrass maintenance has a common interest for all facets of the turfgrass industry; it enhances the landscapes and provides better facilities for enjoyment of the recreational sports; it lessens the dust hazards and upkeep of airports and roadsides as well as play areas and cemeteries.

Through the cooperative participation: golf clubs, lawn care industry, parks, cemeteries, athletic associations, airports, ski clubs, seed, sod, and stolon growers, and organizations concerned with turf management, sufficient funds have been made available to do research in these important areas.

RESEARCH: The MTF’s primary purpose is to raise money to support turfgrass research and education at MSU. The research generated by these contributions have led to practices that have improved turf maintenance throughout the world.

EDUCATION:

Turfgrass Conferences: The MTF, in cooperation with MSU, holds an annual 3-day turfgrass conference in January to present the latest findings on turfgrass management, fertility, soils, diseases, weeds, varieties, pesticides and other timely topics.

Field Days: The MTF supports the Michigan State University field days at East Lansing and also other locations in Michigan.

EXTENSION: The MTF has provided important monies for transportation, equipment and expenses which has allowed MSU personnel to visit the turfgrass industries of the state and help individuals solve their problems, often on an emergency basis.