Watch the video to learn how researchers can measure turfgrass plants’ reaction to stress based on the way they reflect wave lengths of light.

And stay tuned to the BASF Turf Talk blog for more updates on turfgrass plant health research methods and results.

Check out my interview with Roger Stewart, CGCS from TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn., at the sporting clays down on the farm.

In addition to being aesthetically unacceptable, these golf course naturalized areas can be difficult to manage because the extreme density makes it difficult to find errant golf balls and the monoculture stand is generally not conducive to wildlife habitat. The preemergent activity of the Pendulum AquaCap has really held up well to the thistle, pokeweed, marestail and jimson weed that normally thrive in this Alabama environment.
Segment® herbicide good tool for zoysia grass golf courses in Southeast and greater transition zone
These photos depict Segment® herbicide treatments used to suppress encroaching bermuda grass in a zoysia grass fairway.
Segment herbicide is generally regarded as a non-selective grass herbicide (except for centipede and fine fescue) but is showing additional tolerance to zorro zoysia for this type of application.

Zoysia has become a popular choice for fairways in the Southeast and greater transition zone because of its drought tolerance and its need for less nitrogen and as a result, the ability to selectively and economically control bermuda will become an important cog in the management of these new programs.

FreeHand®1.75G herbicide is a hit at FarmLinks!
With all the new cottages, cabins, office buildings and other amenities FarmLinks has to offer, FreeHand has been implemented to keep the landscape weed-free around the periphery of all these new buildings. One preemergent FreeHand application back in April has done an EXCELLENT job in keeping these areas clean!

For demo purposes, a small area towards the rear of the FarmLinks Solutions Center was skipped when the FreeHand was applied. Take a look at the picture and see if you can guess which side of the bed was not treated. As they say: “The proof in in the pudding!”

Naturalized project at FarmLinks
I caught up with Dr. Scott McElroy, professor of weed science at Auburn University, to discuss a trial being implemented by BASF Turf & Ornamentals and Auburn to evaluate different management practices with BASF chemistries. Often, these naturalized areas are one of the most neglected and misunderstood areas on a golf course. Through this trial, we hope to shed some light on what practices or combination of practices will benefit these non-play areas. Listen as Scott explains some of the treatments being made!

Golf Course Superintendents fled the chilly regions of Canada and came to FarmLinks earlier this month. The majority of these superintendents were from Ontario, where the Ministry of the Environment has been “making waves” with the passage of Bill 64. This bill essentially bans the use of all cosmetic pesticides in homeowner and consumer areas. At the present time, golf courses, forestry, and agriculture are exempt to this ban, but there is a great deal of anxiety over what the future may hold for pest solutions in this province and Canada as a whole. The Canadian Golf Course Superintendents Association has developed a grass-roots effort to educate the public on this subject. More info can be found on their Web site here.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but impetuous decisions like Bill 64 often serve as good “reality checks,” reminding us to educate those who don’t realize just how important these products are to this industry! We all can play a role in this effort!

Construction continues on the cottages at FarmLinks
In order to meet the demand of accommodating additional guests, the first of seven cottages has opened. Each cottage has four opulent bedrooms and baths with a spacious common area that features a well appointed kitchen and a cozy stone fireplace. Modern luxury meets southern charm!

Don’t forget to stop by the BASF booth at the GIS to hear about all the new things happening at FarmLinks!!! See you at the show!

FarmLinks turns High-Tech
The “Experience at FarmLinks” has officially moved into our new “digs” at the Education Pavilion. I’ve attached some photos of the exterior of the complex and interior Education Pavilion. This facility will offer a great deal of improvements that were not available in the prior arrangements at the lodge. For starters, there are three separate cameras in the presentation room that have the capability to capture presentations for recording or to “Web-enable” these sessions. I could envision occasional guest participants like members of our tech-team or university professors to help offer solutions for groups from a specific geography or commonly related disease issue. The entire Educational Campus will be complete next spring when the research greens will be constructed adjacent to the Pavilion. Also, I will be moving into the new FarmLinks office complex the week of Thanksgiving. Have a great Thanksgiving!

FarmLinks guests experience the thrill of “Amp Energy 500? at Talladega
One of the highlights this fall has been last week’s Talladega Fall Race. FarmLinks invited over seventy five people from all over the country to NASCAR’s biggest spectacle in racing! The “Amp Energy 500? saw more than 28 different leaders during the course of the race, with two major crashes ruining the day for several drivers. Eventually the crowd of 170,000 people saw Tony Stewart emerge as the winner. This was my first trip to a NASCAR event and I am still in awe of the enthusiasm these fans show in support of their favorite drivers.

Turf industry professionals enjoy their FarmLinks Experience
Prior to the race on Sunday, the guests arrived here on Friday and enjoyed the Agrium presentation given by Chris Derrick, and followed up with a five-star steak dinner prepared by the talented chefs here at FarmLinks.

Saturday morning, everyone participated in my BASF Turf and Ornamental presentation and Toro demonstrations, followed by a best ball golf tournament. Without a doubt, everyone had a great time this weekend and we may have even converted a few people to become NASCAR enthusiasts!

Until next time, drive safely!

Progress on the Educational Pavilion and Offices.

Not only is progress being made on the new Educational Pavilion and Office Complex, but FarmLinks is also breaking ground on the new “Villas at FarmLinks”. FarmLinks is building these villas to position FarmLinks as a “stay and play” golf destination.

The future site of the “Villas at FarmLinks.” The trees to the right of the excavator are on the 18th hole fairway.

National Golf Foundation recognizes FarmLinks
In addition to being a first-class facility for golf course superintendents to learn more about their trade, FarmLinks has been the recipient of the National Golf Foundation’s Customer Loyalty Award in the public golf segment four of the last five years. This award is given to the course with the highest approval ratings by its customers.

FarmLinks, along with BASF, and the other corporate partnerships here are sending the positive message through their funding that golf courses are a great improvement to communities.

GCSAA offers educational credits for Course Tour
In addition to beefing up the facilities here at FarmLinks, The Experience just got a boost from The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The GCSAA has recently awarded the “On the Course Tour” for 0.3 CEU presentation credits through its External Education Program. This is clearly an additional benefit for superintendents hoping to continue their professional development!

Superintendents realize the true value in bringing cutting-edge technology and turf maintenance programs back to their facilities after visiting FarmLinks. The last few weeks have seen an assortment of golf course superintendents from Texas to North Carolina and everywhere in between! I think that fairy ring is the most common disease superintendents are currently facing on greens; however, pythium volutum is the issue that brings about the most concern with a majority of turf outbreaks concentrated in the Carolinas.

Golf course supers report successful Pythium Volutum and Take-all Patch disease control using Insignia fungicide
Golf course superintendents from Mr. Willie Pennington’s territory (North and South Carolina) expressed that they had great results using Insignia fungicide spring and fall for control of pythium volutum. As additional benefits, their Insignia applications, made when soil temperatures were between 55 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit, offered great control of not only fairy ring—but other root infecting diseases such as summer or take-all patch.

On the Course Tour is popular event at FarmLinks
I truly believe that the “On the Course Tour” is one of the most popular experiences here at FarmLinks. I’ve shared a photo below that depicts the “OTC” in action. Mr. Mark Langner (shown with clipboard) is the Director of Agronomy and Applied Research. His approach to the “OTC” is simple – Let’s Talk Turf! The attendees appreciate Mark’s experience in the industry and topics of conversation range from escalating fuel costs to bentgrass greens management.

Mark discusses how BASF’s line of fungicides help him manage turf at FarmLinks.

After the three day experience at FarmLinks, golf course superintendents can return to their facilities with newfound insight on how to manage some of the most challenging issues in their area. I also feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing that BASF and FarmLinks play a part in helping golf course superintendents become better turf managers.

Until next time – That’s everything goin’ down in Farm Town!

Building on their reputation of offering a one of a kind, first class educational experience for golf course superintendents and turf managers alike, FarmLinks is stepping into the future with the construction of a state of the art Educational Pavilion and FarmLinks Headquarters.

The 5,000 square feet Educational Pavilion will house a high-tech presentation theater, and adjacent research and demonstration plots to show customers the latest and greatest products BASF has or continues to develop for the turf and ornamental industry.

The FarmLinks Headquarters will accommodate all of the FarmLinks staff, myself, and the other representatives from the Cornerstone Partners. Completion of these two new facilities is estimated to be in mid to later October. Below are some pictures of the groundbreaking with myself, Mark Hampton from Toro and David Purcell from FarmLinks.

Crews have begun work on the Educational Pavilion; here’s a photo of their current progress.

From Golf Course Super to FarmLinks Full-timer
Being a former golf course superintendent, I must admit that I have declined opportunities to attend the “Experience” in the past….with great regret! Given the level of service and commitment to providing a valuable educational experience, I am proud to be a part of the team that FarmLinks and BASF have built.

A couple of the guys—FarmLinks Project Leader for The Toro Co. Mark Hampton, CEO of FarmLinks David Purcell and I, observing crews at the Educational Pavilion building site.

And I can promise you, that if you have not already attended the Experience at FarmLinks, you will find it well worth the time and most likely one of the most rewarding professional experiences you will ever be a part of!

I’m looking forward to keeping this blog current with new and exciting updates from “Down on the Farm” including some ongoing info regarding product testing of BASF materials and promising new data regarding Insignia fungicide and plant health studies!

So stay tuned and make plans to come to FarmLinks! Also, feel free to post questions or comments about “the Experience??? below. I promise to answer them.