new jersey turfgrass association Clippings Green World njta Issue Fall/W Inter 2015 | VOL 90 New Jersey GREEN EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference 40th Annual Green Expo A Celebration of the Turfgrass Industry! 2015 Patron Directory BASF David Schell 1717 Pleasantville Road Forest Hill, MD 21050 Ph: (410) 420-0568 Fx: (410) 420-0247 David.Schell@basf.com MOUNTAIN VIEW SEEDS Ted Kuenzi 8955 Sunnyview Road NE Salem OR 97305 Ph: (503) 588-7333 BAYER Jeffrey Weld 91 Schofield Road West Milford, NJ 07480 Ph: (914) 419-9384 Fx: (877) 492-1897 jeff.weld@bayer.com PROSEEDS MARKETING, INC/ ALLIANCE SEED JP Olsen, Henry Lesinski 13965 Westside Ln S Jefferson OR 97013 Ph: (541)928-9999 GRASS ROOTS INC. Ken and Keith Kubik PO Box 36 Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970 Ph: (973) 252-6634 Fx: (973) 252-6630 keith.kubik@griturf.com ken.kubik@ghturf.com SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO Eric Nelson 14111 Scottslawn Road Marysville OH 43041 Ph: (937) 644-5249 JOHN DEERE GOLF Tom Hannigan 6 Berkshire Road Westampton NJ 08060 Ph: (609) 265-1524 hanniganthomasj@johndeere.com STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Mary Lou DesChamps 3191 Highway 22 East Branchburg NJ 08876 Ph: (908) 722-9830 kindyk@storrtractor.com LEBANON TURF 1600 East Cumberland Street Lebanon PA 17042 Ph: (315) 263-1974 SYNGENTA Dennis E. DeSanctis Jr. Lee Kozsey Plant Protectants 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409 Ph: (732) 580-5514 Fx:(609) 918-1696 Dennis.DeSanctis@syngenta.com President’s Message Dear New Jersey Turfgrass Association Members, Thank you for electing me as your NJTA President. I am honored for the opportunity to serve such a great associa­ tion, and as a Rutgers University Turfgrass alum, I am also proud to give back to the school and industry that means so much to me. Thanks to a strong team of prior and current NJTA leadership, board members, and the general membership, I am entering this role at a time of positive momentum as our numbers continue to rise and the various association events continue to evolve and strengthen. However, that can only be sustained with an engaged membership who continues to experience great value from our association. Your participation, professional and personal connections, feedback, and support are the key ingredients to making sure that our association continues on this exciting path. Having a fresh and vibrant Board of Directors is also key to generating new ideas and initiatives. The addition of three new board members in 2015 was a great success and this rotation of board members is a healthy practice which should continue moving all of us forward. As President I will help to manage and facilitate the ever-improving strategic direction, innovations, and operations of this association while working to strength­ en our important relationships with allied associations. A focus will be on innovations to help keep our associa­ tion ahead of the curve; recent examples of this are the enhanced NJTA website, our internal software systems, and the Expo App which many of you recently used. All of these initiatives will focus on the commitment to our mission statement: “Promote the Turfgrass Industry and enhance the environment through education, professionalism, leadership, and our partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey ” Congratulations on a very successful 2015, NJTA, and cheers to another in 2016! Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. NJTA President Dennis DeSanctis, NJTA President Get to know Dennis: I grew up in the turfgrass industry thanks to my father, Dennis DeSanctis Sr., who was President of this association in 1983 and was recipient of the 1996 NJTA Hall of Fame Award. Even in turfgrass, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as giving back to the industry is in our genes. After graduating high school in 1996, I immediately started working on golf courses and began my Bachelors of Science degree in Plant Science, Turfgrass Management from Rutgers University. During my time at Rutgers, I also served as the student's Turf Club President. While working full-time, I was able to earn a Master's of Busi­ ness Administration also from Rutgers Univer­ sity. For the past fifteen years I have worked closely with many industry professionals, most recently as a regional manufacturer's representative for Syngenta. I thank my employer for the opportunity to serve in various roles on the NJTA Board of Directors over the past many years. In my free time I enjoy watching sports, exercising, fishing, gardening, and golfing. Table of Contents Clippings President’s Message From Executive Director: Winners GREEN EXPO is a WRAP! Green World: Plant Diagnostic Laboratory Expo Pictures Expo App: Are You a Techie? Blogging About Expo Calendar of Events Support the Rutgers Golf Classic RCE Organic Land Care Program Crop Science Award 2015: Charles Schmid What NJTA Does For You Membership Application 2015 Hall of Fame Winner: Chris Carson Rutgers County Extension Offices NJTA Board of Directors 3 4 5 6 8-9 10 11 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 23 24 UPDATE YOUR MEMBER INFORMATION at www.njturfgrass.org Sign in with your email and create a password. Check out the Member Directory. NJTA 25 US Highway 46 West Wayne NJ 07470-6801 (973) 812-6467 execdirector@njturfgrass.org Winners by Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, NJTA Executive Director We all know there are different kinds of winners... — ones that are victors especially in games and sports, — ones that win admiration — a shot in a court game that is not returned and that scores — ones that are successful especially through praiseworthy for the players making it ability and hard work. Each year the New Jersey Turfgrass Association bestows an award on several ‘winners’. The criteria is simple: all current members are asked to nominate one of their peers for one of the prestigious annual awards with an explanation of the reason for the nomination - Member of the Year, Hall of Fame, Recognition, or Environmental Stewardship. Each award has its own criteria described on the nomination form. Those nominations are then submitted to the NJTA Board of Directors who then weigh the merit of the nominations and supporting explanations, and make a final determination on the winner. Any person or company is eligible to become one of the annual winners - members or non-members, individuals or companies. Often the winner has no idea they have been selected until they receive a phone call from the Presi­ dent of the NJTA board. The fact that there is a surprise element on both sides is a testimony to the fact that win­ ners are standing out just by doing the things they do any­ way, or naturally; but their hard work and ability have been noticed by many as outstanding and worthy of praise. Many 2015 winners are noted in this issue of Clippings. Some were given their specific awards during a session at the Green Expo, and other awards were given at different meetings. Awards usually come with no prize, no trip, just a few words of praise and a wonderful plaque to hang.... and all the deserved accolades. Can you become one of the NJTA annual winners or an industry one? Yes you can. Don’t try to be one....it just happens naturally...while you are doing what you do best in your business, in your industry, in your life. And one day, you never know, one of your friends or business associates might put your name on a nomination form. In the meantime, thanks for your hard work, your membership, and your continued dedication to the turfgrass industry.! 40th Annual Green Expo is a Wrap! F or the members of the Planning Committee, Expo is very much like hosting a huge wedding every year: months of planning, coordination of flights and transportation, refining education and social programs, preparation of documents and printing of brochures all blend into an 11 month process that cul­ minates in a three-day conference that attracts a wide audience of turf and landscape professionals. Then, once the program starts, it seems like after just a blink of an eye, the people are gone and the packing up is finished and the follow-up work begins. It isn’t until this post-conference period that we get a chance to review the whole process, establish what went well, and identify things we can do better... and then the process starts all over again. Yes, plan­ ning for Expo 2016 is already well underway, but let’s take a look at the 2015 show and celebrate: Pre-registration of attendees set a record this year, as did the number of business partners on the show floor. Though on-site registration was slightly down (we think because of the continued warm weather), the final tabulation shows that we set attendance records once again. Since our show is primarily based on education, we take careful counts of attendance in each session, and this year’s classroom attendance record is a reflection on the quality of the speakers and their subjects. There was a lot of positive feedback about all of our sessions, and that is particularly gratifying to the 26 members of the Education Committee who contribute their time and energy to provide the very best education we can, to focus on topics that are of concern to the various turfgrass disciplines, and to do so in an entertaining and informative manner. On the whole, we once again achieved that goal in 2015... but that doesn’t mean we are content. In fact, we have identified many areas that can be improved, and the by Chris Carson, Echo Lake Country Club Expo Chairman For many, Expo is a chance to do more than rekindle the fires of learning; finding new friends and strength­ ening long standing relationships are just as important. Social activities were very well attended thanks to the considerable investments made by BASF, Bayer, Seeton Turf Warehouse, Storr Tractor Company, LaBar Golf Renovations, Grass Roots, Syngenta, and GCSANJ, and the impromptu after-parties lasted well into the nights. These social opportunities are valuable ways of connecting with others in our business, shar- ing ideas and suc- cesses and of developing personal bonds as well. On the trade show floor, traffic was very heavy till the end of each session, a tribute to the support of our many business partners who work so hard throughout the year to service our needs and who contribute to the festive atmosphere of our show. We identified some areas that need improvement as well. The Thursday afternoon education sessions will be tweaked, as will some of the show floor layout to reduce “dead zones” so that all of our booths are well-visited and produc­ tive. Do you have a suggestion that will make Expo better? If so, we want to hear it, and you may do so by sending me an email at echolakecc@aol.com. I assure you that we take every recommendation we receive seriously, and a number of noteworthy improvements over the years have been the result of a simple request or suggestion from an attendee. Did you know that the new Expo App, for example, came from the suggestion of an NJTA member and was made possible by a large financial contribution from Syngenta? Look for refinement and improve­ ments of this App next year... continued on page 12 njta Green World The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory: A Resource for Plant Professionals and Home Gardeners Richard Buckley Director of the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, Rutgers University Applied Turfgrass Research from Rutgers, the State University, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association Since the days of Rachael Carson and Silent Spring, plant health managers, green industry professionals, and home gardeners alike have been looking for ways to reduce the impact of pesticides in the food sup­ ply as well as the lawn and landscape. From outright pesticide bans, to highly specialized and precision integrated pest management systems, the quest for healthy plant systems with less input is ongoing. Proper identification of the cause of a plant problem is the first step in any disease or insect pest manage­ ment program. Only when one is aware of the cause, can appropriate interventions be made. For instance, there are many species of borers in shade trees. Some are invasive and some are native, but being able to distinguish them from each other is important in de­ termining how much of a threat they pose, if a regula­ tory response is necessary, whether or not they can be controlled, if they can be eliminated or prevented, and when, what and how to apply a treatment. Even if there is no prescribed treatment for the problem, knowing the cause of the plant’s decline provides im­ portant information for selecting new plants or modi­ fying the site for replanting. Some disease problems are easy to identify, but oth­ ers can be misleading. For example, several different fungi as well as certain insect pests, or abiotic stress factors, like poor drainage, can cause problems in the crown and root systems of plants. The symptoms of these plant problems in the field can be virtually iden­ tical regardless of the cause. Accurate identification of root-infecting fungi requires at least a microscope, and often needs special isolation or testing techniques that would only be available in a laboratory setting. Since 1991, The New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension have maintained the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory to assist with the plant health diagnostic needs of the residents of New Jersey. Our mission is to provide accurate and timely diagnosis of plant problems. Since inception, the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory has processed over 48,000 plant samples with an average response time of 2.29 days per sample. The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is staffed with two diagnosticians trained in entomology and plant pathology as well as a rotating cast of student assis­ tants. The laboratory staff works in cooperation with other experts within Rutgers University. We also cooperate, through the National Plant Diagnostic Net­ work, with diagnosticians at other Land Grant Univer­ sities, and with regulators at the New Jersey Depart­ ment of Agriculture and with USDA-APHIS-PPQ. Sampling and submission instructions, including the services provided and the fee schedule can be found on the website: www.njaes.rutgers.edu/servic- es. While you are there, check out the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory page for your soil fertility testing needs. Plant samples can be mailed or dropped off at the lab. Each sample must be accompanied with the appropriate submission form and payment. A quality sample is very important in getting an accu­ rate diagnosis. If the problem is the canopy of a tree, a twig or a branch with leaves attached should be sent. If the problem is in the roots, the roots must be sent. The transition zone between healthy and diseased tis­ sue is very important, because the best samples are those plants and plant parts that are in active decline. Plants dead for a long time are usually not sufficient. Of course, whole plants, while not always the most practical, are always best. Photographs are a great way of sharing information and the inclusion of pho­ tographs with the sample (or by email) is strongly en­ couraged. Sample quality also includes a completed submission form. The more information we have at njta Green World The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory: A Resource for Plant Professionals and Home Gardeners Richard Buckley Director of the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, Rutgers University Applied Turfgrass Research from Rutgers, the State University, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association our disposal, the better we can address the problem. Our contact information, mailing addresses and driving directions can also be found on the website: www.niaes. rutgers.edu/services. Most samples should be submitted by mail to Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, PO Box 550, Milltown, NJ 08850. For delivery services like UPS or Fed Ex or drop-off, the current campus address is: Geiger Turfgrass Education Building, 20 Indyk-Engle Way North Brunswick, NJ 08902. The Geiger Building is located on the turfgrass research farm, near the Rutgers Gardens, off of Ryders Lane in North Brunswick. The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory responds by email or fax and every client receives a paper copy of the diagnosis including an up-to-date, scientific evidence based control solution. We make every attempt to include cultural, bi­ ological, and chemical options as well as organic approved product choices. Samples are done on a first come-first served basis and we move as fast as we can. If you have questions about accessing the laboratory services or need help submitting a sample please call the laboratory staff at 732-932-9140. A NJTA Membership Application is in this issue. Membership Year is January 1 - December 31. Why not ask one or two of your business friends and associates to join NJTA? • Business Partner for manufacturers or Suppliers or Sod Producers • Turfgrass Partner for Golf Course, Lawn Care, Landscapers and other allieds • Individual Member (can be Business or Turfgrass Partners) • Student Member for those enrolled in turf-related educational programs • Honorary membership for University professionals, Rutgers Extension offices, and NJTA Award winners. Anyone who renews their membership or becomes a new member will receive discounted registrations for the Research Field Days held in late July or August, and the Green Expo held in December. RENEW OR JOIN TODAY! Call if questions: (973) 812-6467 www.njturfgrass.org We Pride Ourselves in Website http://goo.gl/21beQy Customer Service Technical Support Quality Products We carry a full line of turf maintenance supplies from the leading manufacturers in the industry. Products include: plant protectants, fertilizers, grass seed, tools, golf course accessories, soils topdressing, mulches,adjuvants and much more. Follow & Tweet Us www.facebook.com/GrassRootsTurf www.twitter.com/GrassRootsTurf Grass Roots Turf Products www.griturf.com Adress: 4 Middlebury Blvd., Suite 7, Randolph, NJ 07869 Phone: 973-252-6634 - Email: sales@qriturf.com 2015 GREEN EXPO Pictures Courtesy of Shaun Barry, NJTA Director Expo App — Are You a Techie?! by Dennis DeSanctis Jr. Why is technology that is extremely useful so difficult to adopt? Most people can easily try a new restaurant or a new fashion, but inherently we have a hard time trying new technology. For example, can you remember who or what convinced you to try E-mail and how you were reluctant to try it for months before you actually did? Or can you remember a parent who wanted nothing to do with Facebook, but is now seemingly addicted to it be­ cause it’s the most convenient way to keep in touch with family and friends? As easy as it is for all of us to say that we embrace change, actually doing it “technologically” isn’t easy. But successful people stay ahead of the curve, and technology continues to quickly sculpt that curve. With this in mind, the New Jersey Turfgrass Asso­ ciation wanted to be a part of the rapidly growing trend of conferences and trade shows utilizing the App technology to enhance and improve the attend­ ee’s experience. While perhaps difficult for some to adopt, those who bravely dove into it at Expo found it to be a very useful tool. We are ecstatic to report that 244 attendees did download and use the App at the 40th Annual NJ Green Expo. This is an unprecedented number of participants for an initial launch, which proves that our association members are among those who strive to be leaders and embrace the technological innovation around them. If you didn’t try it this year, make it a personal goal to em­ brace it next year at Expo, we promise you will like it! Download the Free NJ Turfgrass Show • Agenda • Event Info • Exhibitors Info • Map • Speakers • And more... App Today. Join the Conversation with #NJGreenEXPO App Made Possible by syngenta What was the feedback? The first improvement App users quickly noticed was the physical ease - no more carrying around that awkwardly sized schedule bro­ chure in your pocket or hands from 7 am to 8 pm. If you wanted to see the schedule, it was just a click away on your smartphone. Same for the trade show goers who could quickly locate a booth location on the built-in map and even visit the exhibitor’s website at the click of a button. If you are a social media user, it was easy to view what was being said about Expo on the social media windows within the App. Also, push notifications served as timely reminders that popped up on your phone for events that were about to begin, and helped to dramatically increase the number of partici­ pants in our feedback survey. Lastly, it was fun to be engaged during the education sessions as some of the presenters utilized the live polling feature within the App, truly enhancing the educational experience. There was a lot of work involved in getting the first launch of this App up and running. Behind the scenes many people worked for months to create, revise, and edit the App. Special thanks to Syngenta for providing the initial motivation to create the App and also pro­ viding full sponsorship of the App. Big thanks to Bill Brown of Turf Republic for leading the physical creation and design of the App, and last but not least, thanks to our board members who also worked hours on the App, including Chris Carson, Keith Kubik, Dennis DeSanc­ tis, Jr. and Executive Director Cece Peabody. Moving forward, the NJTA does not plan to complete­ ly replace the paper versions with an App because we understand that everyone has their own preference. However, a reduction in printed material will likely occur to help reduce costs and increase the financial contributions to Rutgers University and our industry, all the while communicating with all our members, tech trend-setters and print readers alike! The Official NJ Turfgrass Show App Includes: http://q-r.to/EOOX Blogging About Expo John Slade has worked at Laurel Creek Golf Course since 1989, and been the Golf Course Superintendent since 1992. He attends the Green Expo annually and has for 25 consecutive years, and always feels there is much to gain there. John also provides a blog to the members of his golf course, and one of his most recent entries was about his attendance at the Green Expo: Sunday, December 13, 2015 This past week, turf managers from around the northeast attended the 40th New Jersey Green Expo. At events such as this, there are numerous opportunities to gain information from several different sources, including university turfgrass researchers. One of the most interesting, and potentailly helpful presentations at this year's Expo involved manage­ ment of the disease Anthracnose. For years Anthra- cnose has caused turf loss on putting greens, and researchers at Rutgers have spent over a decade looking for the solutions to this problem. During this time, a set of best management practic­ es have been established for reducing Anthracnose. However some of these recommendations often come at the expense of playability--green speed, in particular. This can leave turf managers feeling caught between two options, neither of which are appealing: Lean, fast greens, which are susceptible to Anthracnose, or slower greens, and unhappy golfers. Having already told us how best to prevent Anthra­ cnose, it would have been understandable if the team at Rutgers had gone no further in their study of the disease, feeling that their job was done. How­ ever, that hasn't been the case. Realizing that some of the suggested best manage­ ment practices for reducing Anthracnose may be at loggerheads with golfers' high expectations, the by John Slade, Laurel Creek Golf Course researchers have truly gone the ex­ tra mile in their efforts to provide us with practical, real world solutions. The on-going research has now looked at different agronomic prac­ tices, such as topdressing, nitrogen fertility, and mow­ ing height, to see how they all interact, both in terms of disease severity, and ball roll. The presentation given last week did an excellent job of showing the options for preventing Anthracnose while still maintaining acceptable green speed. It's understandable if this puts many people to sleep. However, for those of us who live and love golf course turf, this is the kind of research that is invaluable in helping us create sound, science-based golf course management programs. Thanks for sharing. We love to hear from attendees about their experiences. Meet the Board! Dave Schell, NJTA Secretary I’m the BASF Ter­ ritory Manager for PA & NJ Turf mar­ kets. I am starting my 8th year. I was raised and still live in Harford County, Maryland, just a stone’s throw to both PA & NJ. My wife Karyn and I have been married for 30 years this February and have two beautiful daughters, Aman­ da and Morgan, and a brand new granddaughter, Tessa who is 2 months old. When not zipping around the territory for my job, I like to do Crossfit 3-6 days a week. It is a family affair. My other passion just became being “Pop” to Tessa, so we try and see Amanda’s family on Sundays. I am looking forward to being a part of the NJTA as the new Secretary, and want to see the organization grow and become a voice for NJ Turfgrass and those associa­ tions surrounding NJ. EXPO is a Wrap! Continued from page 5 A sincere THANK YOU to our many sponsors, who in addition to supporting our show with their presence also provide us with critical funds that help us make the show the best it can be. Without the help of BASF, Bay­ er, Grass Roots, LaBar Golf Renovations, Lebanaon Turf, Seeton Turf, Storr Tractor, Syngenta and Tree Tech, we would not be able to present the conference as we all know it. I hope that you will take a moment to thank these companies when you get the chance and to support all of our business partners throughout the year. They are always there for us in our shows and conferences, and I’d like to think that we are there for them when we make our purchasing decisions. Expo 2015 was a big success from many perspectives, and will allow the NJ Turfgrass Association to fulfill its mission in another significant way: we will once again be making substantial contributions to the Rutgers University turf program. For example, in coordina­ tion with our Foundation, we are funding the startup costs and most of the salary for the first three years of the soon to be hired Weed Scientist, a person who will surely provide help to all of us in the turf and landscape business. This commitment of over $200,000 is made through your membership in our association, your sup­ port of the three events we put on every year, and your direct contributions to our sponsorship and funding appeals. In a very real and significant way, your sup­ port and contributions are paid back to you immediate­ ly; you are supporting the Rutgers Center for Turfgass Science, who in return supports all of us. This is a vibrant partnership, and I thank you for your role in helping us make it so strong! So Expo 2015 is in the books, and the Committee is hard at work on next year’s show. Do you want to be a part of the planning process? Just let us know, and we will put you to work right away... by doing so you will help your profession, make a lot of new friends, and develop a strong feeling of satisfaction in being a part of the team that makes the program better every year. Tuesday - Thursday, December 6-8, 2016 Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City NJ SAVE THESE DATES! GREEN EXPO 2016 Government Affairs Update: Dominick Mondi, Executive Director: Dominick Mondi serves as executive director of the New Jer­ sey Green Industry Council, a trade organization dedicated to advocating for New Jersey’s green industries in Trenton. Aloha From The NJGIC! First and foremost, on half of the New Jersey Green Industry Council, I want to thank all who visited our silent auction at Green Expo this year. The event was another success and the feedback was positive. It is through a great partnership with the New Jersey Turfgrass Association that we are able to hold this event each year on the trade show floor. The money raised goes towards supporting the advocacy efforts of the Council. Of course, while all of us were in Atlantic City, legislators in Trenton were busy at work trying to get as much lame duck work done as possible. While there was some activity on certain green industry related bills, it appears that nothing made it to the Governor’s desk. Monday, January 11, was the last day of the session, and Tuesday Jan­ uary 12th, the 217th New Jersey Legislature was sworn into office, so the cycle begins anew. Any legislation that was not passed into law by the end of the session will now need to be reintroduced. One piece of legislation that is expected to return is the Safe Playing Fields act. This bill has been monitored for some time by the NJGIC and continues to remain concerning because of how restrictive it is. We have been consistent in our efforts to encourage an IPM approach to turf care, and think that should be reflected in this bill, as opposed to the application ban and emergency treatment combination in the current language. Our task continues to be to educate the bill spon­ sors and other members of the legislature of the science of the issue and both the hard and soft costs of enacting this type of law. In February, the NJGIC will be hosting our 2nd Annual Trenton day, and all members and Al­ lied Partners are welcomed to attend. We are confirming dates and guest speakers, and will have all the information out shortly. For those who do not have the occasion to visit Trenton often, this is a great opportunity to hear from elected leaders first hand and learn more about what NJGIC is all about. In conclusion, thank you again to the New Jersey Turfgrass Association leadership, Expo committee, and general membership for your continued engagement and support. MEMBER OF THE YEAR Joseph Clark Rutgers University HALL OF FAME Chris Carson Echo Lake Country Club Presented by Cece Peabody, NJTA Executive Director Presented by (L) Dennis DeSanctis Jr, NJTA President RECOGNITION Albrecht Koppenhofer Rutgers University ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Les Carpenter Jr. Newton Country Club Presented by (L) Dennis DeSanctis Jr, NJTA President Presented by (L) Keith Kubik, NJTA Past President What We Like To Hear To Chris Carson, Green Expo Chair Dear Chris, Thanks to all who made my first trip to the Green Expo such an enjoyable experience. Apart from the opportunity to renew existing relationships and establish new ones, the event provided an abundance of opportunities for me to enhance my own knowledge of the turf industry. Sitting in on the various presentations over the course of two days was akin to auditing a course in turfgrass science. One of the things that has always impressed me about the industry is the willingness of golf-course superinten­ dents, turfgrass professors, and others in the industry to share their knowledge with one another and with others, such as myself. It's part of what makes writing about the industry such a pleasure. Once again, my deepest thanks. I look forward to working with all of you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Rick Woelfel Golf Course Industry Magazine rwoelfel2@verizon.net Protect from root to leaf tip with one defensive play. 2016 CALENDAR Monday, May 2, 2016 Rutgers Turfgrass Research GOLF CLASSIC Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club Bedminster, NJ Tuesday, August 2, 2016 Rutgers Turfgrass Research FIELD DAY: GOLF & FINE TURF Hort Farm 2 New Brunswick NJ Wednesday, August 3, 2016 Rutgers Turfgrass Research FIELD DAY: LAWN, LANDSCAPE & SPORTS FIELD Adelphia Farm Freehold NJ Tuesday - Thursday, December 6-8, 2016 GREEN EXPO Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City NJ Headway® fungicide takes the guesswork out of disease control by providing truly broad-spectrum control of all major turf diseases, including anthracnose, brown patch and dollar spot. Featuring two active ingredients, Headway moves into the leaf and sheath upon application and also moves from the soil into the roots and translocates upward. For more information contact: Dennis DeScantis 732-580-5514 Dennis.Descantis@syngenta.com Lee Kozsey 215-796-0409 Lee.Kozesy@syngenta.com ©2014 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service to ensure registration status. Headway, the Alliance Frame and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. MW 1LGG4006 3/14 Headway Fungicide syngenta Rutgers Research Golf Classic....Monday, May 2, 2016: Support the Classic and Make a Difference You have read about how the Rutgers Turfgrass Re­ by Shaun Barry, Golf Classic Chair Does this event sound like one you’d like to support? You can do exactly that by reaching out in a few ways: search Golf Classic is the largest and most successful (over 1.4 million dollars raised in 20 years) one- day turfgrass fundraiser in the world. That has been true for many years, and with your continued support that will continue for many years to come. The key words are “your support”. The “your” that I am addressing is you and anyone who is in the turfgrass industry. This event is not just for people in New Jersey. This event is for everyone who has a connection to the lawn care industry, golf courses, landscaping, sports and fine turf, sod, cemeteries, trees and ornamentals. If I missed mentioning a part of the industry, please forgive me, because I want to make sure you know that “your support” is needed and The Center For Turfgrass Science will continue their great work because of “your support”. Supporting the Rutgers Classic is a very easy and fun process. Drs. Bruce Clarke, Bill Meyer, Jim Murphy, Bingru Huang, Stacy Bonos, Albrecht Koppenhofer and many of the other scientists at Rutgers will be in attendance. As part of the enjoyable day, they are there to interact with you and get to know you and to answer any questions that you have. They will do exactly what 326 people did in 2015 — eat breakfast, have lunch on the course while playing golf, enjoy an extended cocktail hour, win prizes at the Silent Auction and just interact with hundreds of your fellow turfgrass professionals. This day is a unique experience and one not to be missed if possible. Contact the NJTA office and speak with Executive Di­ rector, Cece Peabody, or her staff. They will be glad to answer any questions about the Sponsorship and Golfing Opportunities. Sign up online at www.njturfgrass.org to become a Sponsor or a Golfer. The Golf Classic Registration and Sponsor form will be posted shortly, so check back if it’s not on when you first look. Send Cece an email at: execdirector@njturfgrass.org. A registration and sponsorship form can be emailed to you. We have several ways to support the event. Spon­ sorships range in price and benefits from Premier Sponsors, Eagle Sponsors, Birdie Sponsors, Par Sponsors, Dinner Sponsor (happy to say it is already reserved), Lunch Sponsor, Hole Sponsors. PLUS there are teams of golfers or just individual golfers. If you want to help and give “your support”, we will make it happen! And thanks in advance for it! See you at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster NJ, on Monday, May 2, 2016! Rutgers Turfgrass Research THE Golf Classic RCE Organic Land Care Working Program The RCE Organic Land Care Working Group has de­ signed an education and outreach program that offers landscape professionals, homeowners, and Master Gardeners the tools to transition away from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to a natural approach that focuses on promoting healthy soil, enhancing biodi­ versity, and reducing polluted runoff from managed landscapes. There is a need to educate the professional landscaping community on environmentally-friendly land care practices that will help them successfully maintain their properties and satisfy client needs. New Jersey recently enacted one of the strictest fer­ tilizer laws in the nation, which restricts the type and amount of fertilizer that landscapers and homeown­ ers can apply. In addition, many municipalities have banned the use of pesticides on recreational playing fields and public facilities. In 2012, a needs assessment was conducted to de­ termine the interest of professional landscapers in organic landscaping training. 40% of those surveyed (n=173) responded that their clientele had already inquired about organic or “all natural” landscap­ ing practices. 57% of overall respondents answered “yes” or “maybe” when asked if they were interested in participating in an organic land care certificate pro­ gram. Currently, there are no federal standards for organic land care which has led to confusion in the landscap­ ing industry and the general public over what or­ ganic actually means. The prevailing notion is that “going organic” is simply about the type of fertilizer or pesticide applied. In addition, organic land care is an emerging field, with little research having been conducted on its effectiveness. While developing the training program, it was discovered that across the Northeast, Cooperative Extension is not perceived as a valuable resource or ally of organic turf and land care professionals. Up until recently, many landscap­ ers chose to travel to attend the Northeast Organic Land Care Training offered in Connecticut or Massa­ chusetts. The Rutgers Organic Land Care Certificate Program is the first of its kind for land-grant colleges continued on page 18 by Dr. Amy Rowe Rutgers Organic Land Care Program STC Storr Tractor Company Storr Tractor Company Branchburg, NJ 908-722-9830 Thank you To our valued customers! Plant Health Focused! We are your local Liquid Fertilizer Manufacturer and Plant Health Service Provider. Our focus is on providing you with exceptional service and quality products that will exceed your expectations, but your budget! • Liquid Fertilizers • Biostimulants • Soil Amendments • Secondary & Micronutrients • Wetting Agents • Water Treatments • Soil Amendments PLANT FOOD New Jersey (800) 562-1291 www.plantfoodco.com f Twitter@PlantFoodCo facebook/plantfoodcompany Your Liquid Fertilizer Experts & Perfectionists Like You! COMPANY, INC. RCE Organic Land Care Program ...continued from previous page in the Northeast. The private landscape contractors who have participated in the program stated that they were excited that Rutgers was supporting their indus­ try, and that the program reflected the emerging needs of the industry in New Jersey. The basis of the organic land care program is a 5-day certificate course offered on an annual basis usually in January. Since 2013, this course has been offered three times and 64 participants have fulfilled the pro­ gram requirements, which include attending the train­ ing program and passing an exam. Over 20 Extension and industry professionals help teach the course and the speaker list includes Cornell University Extension educators, in addition to those from RCE. Rutgers University developed the Organic Land Care Certifi­ cate Program in order to educate and assist practitio­ ners in determining what is acceptable under organic land management. Although the program is based on the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, to be clear, this is not a ‘regulatory’ certifi­ cation program. Program participants do not receive a professional credential upon completion. They re­ ceive a certificate of completion and can state in their marketing materials that they “have successfully com­ pleted the requirements of the Rutgers Organic Land Care Certificate Program”. The distinction between certification and certificate program is important. Certification would imply practitioners are adher­ ing to specific organic standards in their professional work. As an educational institution, it is not Coopera­ tive Extension’s role to regulate, dictate, or enforce specific practices a private company must adhere to; that is the job of a regulatory agency or an industry association. Rather, Cooperative Extension’s role is to educate the industry on appropriate practices for an organic land care program and deliver research-based information that will help the industry be successful in their organic endeavors. A major objective of the program is for land care pro­ fessionals to learn to treat their landscapes holistically and to work to restore and enhance biological cycles involving soil microorganisms, plants, and animals. Therefore, the course covers a wide range of topics including: soil health, compost and compost tea, sustainable landscape design, pesticide risk and environmental contamination, utilizing na­ tive plants and lawn alternatives, planting and plant care, lawn installation and care, water resource pro­ tection and rain gardens, pest and disease manage­ ment, business management, and customer communi­ cations. Course evaluations have shown high ratings on overall instruction and program content (4.6 out of 5, Likert scale, n= 62) and landscapers indicated a high likelihood they would use what they learned and educate others (4.6 out of 5, Likert scale, n= 61). In addition to the 5-day certificate course, which is mainly lecture-based, field days have been planned in order to show organic land care practices in the field. One field day included a visit to the Somerset Patriots baseball field, a section of which is organical­ ly-managed. The turf manager discussed the perfor­ mance of the organic areas of the property compared with the traditional ones. Another field day planned for the spring of 2016 will feature an industry profes­ sional demonstrating proper aeration and air spading techniques. The Rutgers Organic Land Care group knows how important it is to the landscaping industry to also educate the general public about organic land care best management practices, so advanced training for Rutgers Master Gardeners and introductory work­ shops for homeowners have also been held in order to reach those clientele. The 4th Annual Organic Land Care Certificate Course will be held February 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9, 2016, at the County College of Morris. For the basics of organic land care and for more detailed course information, please visit the program’s website at: www.njaes.rut- gers.edu/organiclandcare . Registration for the course is currently open at: http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/RCE- Landcare/. News Release from Crop Science Society of America, Madison, WI, July 15, 2015. Charles is also involved in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. He has co-taught an introductory plant science course, as well as, given guest-lectures in undergraduate classes. He has also served as a graduate student advisor to the undergraduate turf club and helped students prepare for the STMA and GCSAA Turf Bowl. CONGRATS CHARLES! Left to right: Dr. Jim Murphy, Charles Schmid, Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Dr. Bruce Clarke. Crop Science Society of American Announces 2015 Award Recipient: Charles J. Schmid Charles J. Schmid, Rutgers University, will be the recipient of the Gerald O. Mott Scholarship for Meri­ torious Graduate Students in Crop Science. This award is presented for outstanding contributions to agronomy through education, national and interna­ tional service, and research. Charles is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology at Rutgers Universi­ ty. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Charles research focuses on understanding the effect of cultural man­ agement practices on anthracnose disease of annual bluegrass turf. Specifically, he studies the effect of soil nutrition and soil pH on anthracnose severity. In addition to his work on anthracnose, Charles was also involved with soil restoration in the sandy coastal soils of NJ. Results from these trials were used to generate recommendations for turfgrass establishment in the coastal soils of NJ. Outsmart dollar spot ■ with Xzemplar fungicide. 150 years BASF We create chemistry Dollar spot Is a relentless opponent, but when you’re prepared, you can cross it right off your list. Xzemplar fungicide with fluxapyroxad gives you consistent, longer-lasting protection against dollar spot. It’s fast-acting, with preventative and curative properties that keep dollar spot at bay. Trust Xzemplar fungicide to put you in control of the game. For more information please visit betterturf.basf.us. New Jersey Turfgrass Association... WHAT IT DOES FOR YOU! (Reprinted from the NJTA 1995 Silver Anniversary Expo and Member Directory.) Most of these items continue to be priority with NJTA while others have changed to match current needs. The New Jersey Turfgrass Association has developed and fostered a close working relationship between Rutgers University and the turfgrass industry. Through its organizational strength, NJTA has gained respect as the voice of the industry, and impacts significantly upon legislative and policy decisions affecting the industry in New Jersey. Over the years NJTA has made the following contributions to the turfgrass industry in NJ: • New Jersey Green Expo Turf and Landscape Conference - a cooperative effort between NJTA and Rutgers, the State University, to provide a nationally-recognized educational program and trade show to promote the industry and generate funds to sponsor research and scholarship endeavors. • Support of Turfgrass Research - The NJTA awards research grants annually to research project leaders at Rutgers University, in the areas of turfgrass breeding, insect and disease control, and turfgrass management. Financial support from NJTA was also responsible for reestablishment of the Turfgrass Extension Specialist position and recruitment to the University of Dr. James Murphy. • Scholarship Awards to students in the 2-year, 4-year, and graduate turf programs at Rutgers University. • New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation - was incorporated as a separate entity to solicit and administer funding programs for turfgrass research and education. • Project D.R.E.A.M. - Demonstration of Research, Experimentation, and Management display at Hort Farm 2 in North Brunswick serves to educate the public about turfgrass research, experimentation, and management techniques. The display was initiated and created as a project of NJTA. • Turfgrass Field Day - alternating between Hort Farm 2 in North Brunswick and the Adelphia Farm, the annual NJTA Turfgrass Field Day gives anyone from the turfgrass industry access to the latest turf breeding and management research. • Economic Impact Survey - NJTA funded a survey of the turfgrass industry, and its publication in both long and abbreviated forms. The survey has served to focus attention on the size and the importance of the turfgrass industry in New Jersey. • Turfgrass Building - NJTA funded approximately half the cost of the turf building at Hort Farm 2 on Ryders Lane in North Brunswick. The turf building houses turf seed and chemical storage, a dry lab, and a conference room which also serves as a meeting place for NJTA and other related groups, as well as serving as a photo gallery of NJTA Hall of Fame recipients. • Project T.R.I.B.U.T.E (Turf Farm Rebuilding to Improve Buildings, Utilities, Teaching, and Experimentation) was inaugurated with NJTA’s pledge of $60,000 to build a second turf building/classroom at Hort Farm 2. • Shade, Frame, Underground Irrigation. Microscopes - and other equipment donated by NJTA to enhance the study of turf at Rutgers University. We value your membership in NJTA to continue to positively impact the turfgrass industry. Please use the Member Application form insert to Renew or Become a New member of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. Thank you. New Jersey Turfgrass Association 25 US Highway 46 West • Wayne NJ 07470 Phone: 973.812.6467 • Fax: 973.812.6529 New Jersey Turfgrass Association MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership shall be open to all interested in the development and maintenance of turf. It shall represent all facets of the turf industry, including persons or organizations that grow or manage turf, or supply materials and services to the Green Industry. JOIN ONLINE: www.njturfgrass.org • BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP • • Savings on Green Expo & Field Days Registration fees • Opportunities to earn Pesticide Applicator License Credits • Clippings Quarterly Magazine • Membership Directory • Outreach & Education impact in Trenton • Support of Rutgers University's Turf Research and turf programs • Marketing opportunities in NJTA publications • Participation in events that raise scholarships for the NJ Turfgrass Foundation • Website: www.njturfgrass.org Membership Category Types (Annual Dues based on calendar year: January 1 - December 31) All members receive separate mailings of NJTA publications and meeting notices. □ BUSINESS PARTNER (Manufacturer/Supplier or Sod Producer) $275.00 $65.00 each $210.00 $65.00 each $80.00 $20.00 UP TO FOUR individuals covered in this membership fee. □ ADDITIONAL BUSINESS PARTNER (5 or more) □ TURFGRASS PARTNER (Golf Course, Lawn Care, Landscaper) UP TO THREE individuals covered in this membership fee. □ ADDITIONAL TURFGRASS PARTNER (4 or more) □ INDIVIDUAL MEMBER (ONE Business or Turfgrass Partner) □ STUDENT MEMBER (Those enrolled in turf-related educational programs.) Member Information Name # 1 Association/Company Address Is Address? City Phone Email Business Name # 2 Association/Company Address Is Address? City Phone Email Business Home Home Title Title State Fax Website State Fax Website Zip Zip New Jersey Turfgrass Association • 25 US Highway 46 West • Wayne NJ 07470 New Jersey Turfgrass Association 25 US Highway 46 West • Wayne NJ 07470 Phone: 973.812.6467 • Fax: 973.812.6529 Name # 3 Association/Company Address Is Address? City Phone Email Business Name # 4 Association/Company Address Is Address? City Phone Email Business New Jersey Turfgrass Association MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership shall be open to all interested in the development and maintenance of turf. It shall represent all facets of the turf industry, including persons or organizations that grow or manage turf, or supply materials and services to the Green Industry. Home Home JOIN ONLINE: www.njturfgrass.org Title Title State Fax Website State Fax Website Zip Zip Select Business Category that Best Describes Your Business/Profession □ Manufacturer/Supplier • BUSINESS □ Golf Course • TURFGRASS □ Landscape/Lawn Maintenance • TURFGRASS □ Irrigation Installation • TURFGRASS □ Schools & Athletic Fields • TURFGRASS □ Student - IN TURF RELATED PROGRAM □ Sod Producer • BUSINESS □ Lawn Care Applicator • TURFGRASS □ Cemetery • TURFGRASS □ Parks and Recreation • TURFGRASS □ Architect • TURFGRASS □ Professionals, University, Ext Offices • HONORARY Payment Information (Required) • MAIL OR FAX TO NJTA Office Type of Credit Card: Card Number: Expiration Date: (MM/YY) 3 Digit Security Code: Check By Mail: (Payable to NJTA) TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AMOUNT: NJ TURFGRASS FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION: (This portion is tax-deductible) Contributions support Turfqrass Research & Scholarships TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: SIGNATURE: Name on Card: Street Address: City/State/Zip: PURCHASE ORDER #: $ $ $ Since 1970, New Jersey Turfgrass Association’s (NJTA) Mission is to promote the Turfgrass Industry and enhance the environment through education, professionalism, leadership, and our partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. New Jersey Turfgrass Association • 25 US Highway 46 West • Wayne NJ 07470 2015 Hall of Fame Winner: Chris Carson by Dennis DeSanctis Jr., NJTA President The 2016 New Jersey Turfgrass Association’s Hall of Fame award was presented to Chris Carson at the 40th Annual Green Expo in Atlantic City on December 9, 2015. Chris has proven himself time and again to be a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Chris has been a Golf Course Superintendent for over thirty-three years, the last thirty years at Echo Lake CC in Westfield, NJ, and he is also a proud Rutgers University graduate. Outside of his family and career, giving back to his alma mater and industry is his passion. Chris has been on the NJTA Green Expo Committee since 1988 and has been its Chairman since 1998. He is a Past-President of the NJTA and continues to serve as a dedicated board member. But his service to associations goes far beyond the NJTA — Chris is a Past-President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ, the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation. He is currently President of the Advisory Committee for the Center for Turfgrass Science at Rutgers University and also a contributing board member to numerous other associations and organizations, such as the USGA Green Section Committee and the USDA. Chris is also proud to teach and mentor the young professionals entering our industry. He continues to volunteer his time as an instructor for the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School and has done so for over fifteen years. He is also a co-instructor of an undergraduate class at Rutgers and has done so for the last eight years. Beyond this, Chris takes his men­ toring to the national level as a seminar instructor at the GCSAA Golf Industry Show (GIS) and has done so for eighteen years. In February 2016 he will be giving semi­ nars at GIS to Assistant Superintendents about career advancement, budgeting and planning, professional development, and communications. Those of us who know Chris agree that he is second to none when it comes to his passion, commitment, and hard-work for the betterment of our industry. He has a relentless desire to engage, challenge, and improve those around him, making us all the better for knowing him and being able to work alongside him. Rutgers Extension Offices & Numbers (609) 625-0056 RCE of Atlantic County RCE of Bergen County (201) 336-6780 RCE of Burlington County (609) 265-5050 RCE of Camden County (856) 216-7130 RCE of Cape May County (609) 465-5115 RCE of Cumberland County (856) 451-2800 RCE of Essex County (973) 228-3179 RCE of Gloucester County (856) 307-6450 RCE of Hudson County (973) 353-5525 RCE of Hunterdon County (908) 788-1339 RCE of Mercer County (609) 989-6830 RCE of Middlesex County (732) 398-5262 RCE of Monmouth County (732) 431-7260 RCE of Morris County (973) 285-8304 RCE of Ocean County (732) 349-1246 RCE of Passaic County (973) 305-5740 RCE of Salem County (856) 769-0090 RCE of Somerset County (908) 526-6293 RCE of Sussex County (973) 948-3040 RCE of Union County (908) 654-9854 RCE of Warren County (908) 475-6505 Please notify the NJTA office if any of the above numbers have changed. Thank you. 973-812-6467 • execdirector@njturfgrass.org new jersey turfgrass association New Jersey Turfgrass Association US Highway 46 W • Wayne, NJ 07470-6801 Phone (973) 812-6467 • Fax (973) 812-6529 Email: execdirector@njturfgrass.org • Website: www.njturfgrass.org 2016 Board of Directors Dennis DeSanctis Jr, President Dr. Karen Plumley, Vice President Dave Schell, Secretary Matt Sweatlock, Treasurer Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, Executive Director Shannon Sked, Past President Keith Kubik, Past President, NJTF Shaun Barry, Director & Golf Classic Chair Rob Johnson, Director Matt Lindner, Director Darrell Marcinek, Director Nick Polanin, Director Thom Ritchie, Director Craig Tolley, Director Tracy Wadhams, Director Jeff Weld, Director Chris Carson, Expo Chairman Dr. Bruce Clarke, Advisor Dr. Jim Murphy, Advisor The Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory provides accurate and timely diagnoses of plant problems. Below is a sample of services performed: Disease and Insect Pest Diagnosis Plant and Weed Identification Insect Identification Fungus and Mold Identification Nematode Assays Screening for Neotyphodium Endophytes Fungicide Resistance Screening Other Services Available by Contract For more information please call us at 732/932-9140 or visit the web for sample submission instructions and forms at: www.rcre.rutgers.edu/plantdiagnosticlab NJ AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION RUTGERS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH 8. EXTENSION THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY RUTGERS COOK COLLEGE The Rutgers Soil Testing Lab The Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory perform chemical and mechanical analyses of soils. The following services are routinely performed: Landscape Level 1 Fertility Test: Nutrients, pH, recommendations Level 2 Problem Solver (soil/plant suitability test) Level 3 Topsoil Evaluation Greenhouse Saturated (Organic) Media Extract Analysis: Nutrients, pH, electrical conductivity, inorganic nitrogen Sport Turf Level 1 Fertility Test: Nutrients, pH, recommendations Level 2 Complete Test: Nutrients, pH, estimated CEC & cation saturation, soluble salt level, organic matter* content, soil textural class Level 3 Sand Root Zone Test *Organic matter content would be determined by loss-on-ignition for golf course greens, as described by USGA guidelines. For more information please call us at 732/932-9295, or visit us on the web at: www.rcre.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab www.rcre.rutgers.edu/services