The territory has experienced both severe flooding & freezing rain followed by significant snowfall events. Crown hydration in the poor drainage areas are a real concern for turf loss. This spring will answer those questions. Northern Michigan & Northern Pennsylvania have experienced above average snowfall accumulation which has been very good for the Ski-Resort business and the economy in those areas. This is key for the resorts that have both Golf & Ski market segments. The Ski Resort portion of the business makes the money and the golf business pays the bills.
Road travel has been challenging and dangerous with numerous accidents. Have to allow for extra time to make appointments and have safe travel.

Lots of talk concerning high fertilizer costs especially in the LCO market. Numerous customers are holding out for a special deal. When the season breaks for pre-emergents, the lack of planning and preseason preparation will make the ability to service the customer’s needs very difficult.

Met with Paul Witte, a new Turfgrass Inc. sales rep in Northwest Michigan. Paul was previously with Griggs Fertilizer and has a very strong agronomic background. Paul was with Turfgrass Inc. during the Early Order time-frame and was one of the leading sales reps with BASF Early Order sales volume. We reviewed all BASF products and made plans for joint travel later in the year.

I also met with John Deere Landscapes…lots of activities ranging from end-user seminars to tradeshows to joint travel calling on golf courses. The highlight was sales calls in Columbus, OH calling on golf courses with Bruce Jones. We called on Tartan Fields Golf Club, Muirfield Village Golf Club & Horticulture Manager, Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club, Wedgewood Golf & Country Club, Scioto Reserve GC, The Golf Club.

The Harrell’s sales rep in Northern Ohio entertained several supers from the Cleveland area at FarmLinks. Many thanks to McGee Poole for representing BASF at FarmLinks last week.