Golf Industry Show New Orleans – Day 2
Monday, February 9, 2009
by Heather Mueller
A respected turf voice and industry personality, Dr. Joe Vargas of Michigan State University drew a large crowd in BASF's booth during his book signing today. Superintendents from around the U.S. and the world, including the U.K., Mexico, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, the Philippines and Italy, swung by to shake hands and pick up a complimentary copy of "Management of Turfgrass Diseases.
Warm greetings for Dr. Vargas included "Hi, Joe!" and "Doc, how are you?" Others shared their affection for his turf books and their plans to read this third edition from cover to cover. It was obvious that he is a cherished part of this golf community and we’re thankful to share this time with him. Thanks, Dr. Vargas!
Naturalized Area Weed Control
BASF’s Kyle Miller reminded superintendents using naturalized areas that they require ‘low-maintenance’, not ‘no-maintenance.’ Some superintendents have misconceptions that naturalized areas mean a hands-off approach, but Kyle reiterated the need for preemergent herbicides to properly prepare naturalized areas. "Preemergent herbicides should be the pillar of naturalized area weed control," he said. One superintendent from Michigan knew exactly what Kyle was talking about because his naturalized areas did not include a preemergent herbicide program and it was infested with knee-high milkweed. It was a no-maintenance mess.
Reading is Fundamental, Especially with Product Labels
Todd Burkdoll from BASF shared the importance of reading product labels during his technical presentation today. "Sometimes taken for granted, reading the label is fundamental to getting the most value out of chemical applications," said Todd. Maximizing value is a theme I’m hearing a lot here in New Orleans.
Turf Media Jeopardy Benefits Turf Media Charities
An impressive gallery of trade media fans came to watch John Walsh of Golf Course Industry, Larry Aylward of Golfdom , Dr. Toni Bucci (business manager BASF T&O), and Seth Jones of Golf Course Management battle each other in a special round of Trade Media Jeopardy.
Larry’s charity was the Cleveland Food Bank. Larry was struck by the overwhelming number of families turning to his church’s food shelf for help. He’s hopeful the funds will make a difference to community members in need during this difficult economy.
John wanted to play on behalf of the turfgrass program at The Ohio State to support local education and the turf industry. He chose The Karl Danneberger Turfgrass Science Endowment, which funds undergraduate Turfgrass Science club activities.
Seth played for the Kansas Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Seth’s industry peer and close friend, John Vincent Wake, who died unexpectedly in 2003 at the age of 32, inspired Seth’s donation, on behalf of
BASF. Seth has also founded an annual fundraising event in his friend’s honor called the John Wake Laugh Olympics, which raises funds for the Kansas Sickle Cell Chapter.
Posted at 7:44 am
About the Author
Heather Mueller
Heather Mueller is a public relations professional for Padilla Speer Beardsley in Minneapolis, Minn.
