Wow!

Having recently joined BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals as its new business manager, my first weeks on the job have been a whirlwind of customer visits, new product updates and meeting turf pros like you across the industry.

Whether it’s talking with superintendents at the Golf Industry Show, visiting distribution partners all across the U.S., or chatting up a lawn care operator, it’s apparent that the economy and this rough weather remain on the minds of all involved in our business.

We’ve had snow in 49 out of 50 states and record low temperatures. Yikes. You know the disease is out there percolating with all this moisture, plus the freeze and thaw cycles we have seen.

Still, you can tell the real turf pros are licking their chops a bit about these prospects. The weather will turn and while you don’t want your turf to get eaten up by disease, the challenge is in your own precision to put together the right IPM strategy and keep the turf healthy for your customers.

The economy? Not where we want it yet, but things are beginning to turn and we’ll take it. The old axiom of slow and steady wins the race can apply here. It’s important to remember to keep things in perspective, work hard and control what you can control. Do that, and more often than not, you’ll do alright.

That’s why I’m excited to be part of the industry and why I think BASF can help. We’ve got a market-leading portfolio of products to keep your turf disease- and weed- free. We’ve got more innovations coming, and we are pleased to sponsor and take part in the upcoming Plant Health series in Golfdom magazine.

Plant Health is a much discussed issue for the turf industry and we have an important science-based message to share with turf pros. BASF products can help your turf during weather-related stresses and stretch your IPM budget dollars farther. More on that is coming this year.

Another facet of our innovation is how we are using social media. You as a visitor to this blog or as a follower on Twitter know BASF as a leader in this channel as well. More is on the way as well, so stay in touch and use these platforms as another way to engage us.

And I’d like to extend that offer directly to you. Let’s start a dialog: Tweet us, post to our blog, reach out and tell us what’s on your mind.

Let’s open the season and have a great year together.

Thank you,

Brian Lish
Business Manager
BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals