It seems official that we’re off to a somewhat slow start to Spring/Summer in my Midwest territory. Most superintendents waited until this last week in May to make their first fairway spray application—this is not quite as late as last year. The precipitation levels are above average for this time of year (for the most part). So, we may see normal amounts of disease pressure for pests like dollar spot.

Last year dollar spot outbreaks were slow coming as many approached drought-like conditions across most of the lower Midwest. Many superintendents were hand-watering and syringing greens in May. I’ve learned that spring in the Midwest is ever changing.

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Just a quick recap of last week, the meetings in the Key’s were great. Everyone involved in the planning, execution, delivery did an amazing job. For proof, arguably one of the hardest working members of our team, Mr. Robert T. York, did in fact display he possesses another talent—that talent being Flats Fishing Guru. Please view the attached photo of his prize.

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Hi all. I had a great time in Key West learning more about the new products we have coming. I appreciate our managers continuing to help educate us to make BASF the BEST team in the industry. It was great seeing colleagues, and meeting new ones.

Target specialty products had a three day meeting that traveled around to different sites called Target Turf & Ornamental field days. It is a situation where you set up outside and the group is then divided into seven to ten groups to travel the park and visit field demonstrations.

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BASF Turf & Ornamentals has announced the launch of Drive® XLR8 herbicide, a new liquid formulation of Drive® 75 DF herbicide. Grassy weeds, including crabgrass, absorb Drive XLR8 faster, resulting in rainfastness in 30 minutes compared with dry formulations that can require nearly 24 hours. This gives turf professionals more flexibility in their pest management programs.

Broad-spectrum, quinclorac-based Drive XLR8 herbicide is a postemergence product that controls the most prevalent weeds, including crabgrass, dandelions and clovers, and can be used on most tolerant cool- and warm-season grasses. Drive XLR8 will be available in June.

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It has been a very busy couple of weeks with the NASCAR Talladega Races over the weekend and the rest. Here goes a boil down of Key West, Fla., happenings.

My guests all really enjoyed the race and valued the information they received during their stay at FarmLinks.

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