At BASF Turf & Ornamentals we want to be the first choice of turf professionals across the U.S. Part of that means a sharp focus on what customers want in new products and delivering solutions that fulfill their unmet needs.

Today, identifying those needs can sometimes be clouded by noise from special interests for “green” or organic products. The appeal of these products is usually tied to the notion that they are better for the environment. Manufactured pesticides are thought by many to be harmful and their benefits somehow artificial.

After all, alternative “non-chemical” treatments must be better. If it’s “organic” that means the turf has been grown and kept healthy naturally, without the aid of pesticides, right?

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My Territory is seeing everything from low humidity to severe storms and flooding
The last few weeks have been somewhat typical for June. It has dried out as fast as it was too wet. A weather pattern of low humidity along with some windy conditions dried things in the lower part of my territory. Unfortunately, Indianapolis and areas south of Indy were hit hard by storms that led to severe flooding. At least one golf course superintendent we know of around Columbus, Ind., lost everything in his home.

Tough golf times make it challenging to spend coin on mild turf diseases
Disease pressure on fairways has been limited to dollar spot and the severity is low to moderate. Greens have seen other disease pressure such as anthracnose, summer patch, waitea patch, and other secondary diseases. Altogether, there is a feeling of very tough times in the golf business.
Most golf course superintendents are really pushing spray intervals, using less preventative sprays, and overall taking a good hard look at their input costs. Of course, there are exceptions.

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