Over the last couple of months I have been reminded of the responsibilities we have as professionals working in the turf industry.

First, I was reading the Whit’s World column in the October issue of Landscape Management.  Marty Whitford, LM’s editor-in-chief, was reminding readers not “to sit quietly as others attack our reputations, professionalism and livelihoods.” He was addressing some criticism leveled at the lawn care industry by another media outlet outside of our industry.

Then in early November, I presented a webinar to a group of golf course superintendents on TurfNet.com. The topic of my presentation was understanding the chemical registration process. During the webinar I touched on the fact that public and political pressures regarding pesticide use continue to be a hurdle to overcome year after year.

Both cases underscore that we as professionals need to communicate with the public, media and local, state and federal organizations about our responsible development, stewardship, and use of pesticides.

It’s up to us to defend ourselves and our business practices and what some may consider a problem is really an opportunity.

Thoughtful letters to media outlets, public forums about the issues and communication with your elected officials can do a world of good in debunking the myths of what turf care professionals and basic manufacturers do to keep lawns, golf courses, parks and sports fields healthy and looking good.

I encourage you to be part of the dialog. While it can be annoying, and sometimes intimidating, we should really be thankful we have the opportunity to share information.

I relish the interaction with customers and hearing their concerns about everything. It helps me grow as a professional and helps BASF serve them better.  And when arguments arise, sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.

So as the year draws to a close I am grateful to be part of such an industry and to work with turf pros like all of you.

BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals is here to stay and our voice is being heard.

Make sure you are part of the dialog on all the issues too.

You’ll be thankful you did your part.

Thank you,

Dr. Toni Bucci
Business Manager
BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals

Superintendents and turf professionals. If you haven’t yet sampled the TurfNet webinar platform and would like to do so for free then use coupon code: BASF110409 (case sensitive).

Dr. Toni Bucci will discuss how state and federal laws influence the chemical registration process and ultimately product availability. Her presentation includes discussion of federal regulations such as the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Food Quality Protection Act and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, and how public and political pressures can influence the chemical registration process.

WEBINAR DETAILS:

• Presenter: Toni Bucci, Ph.D., BASF Business Manager
• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
• Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. EST
• Registration: CLICK HERE
• Cost: Free to TurfNet members and staff (coupon required: CLICK HERE).  $25 for non-members (credit card required). Pre-registration encouraged.
• GCSAA Education Points: approved for .1 point