1. Plant Growth Regulators: Physiology and Applications
9:00 – 4:00 (Break for Lunch)
Dr. Bruce Branham and Ronald Colhoun
University of Illinois and Michigan State University

Plant growth regulators have become an integral tool in managing golf course turf. This seminar will cover the commonly used PGR's, then benefits and pitfalls of using PGR's physiology. This seminar will focus on cool-season grass regulation.

2. Electrical Troubleshooting of Irrigation Systems Part II
9:00 – 4:00 (Break for Lunch)
Irrigation Assoc. Instructor

Experience installation and repair technicians will learn skills to repair and troubleshoot today's more sophisticated irrigation systems. Topics covered include: dealing with advanced electrical problems such as 2-wire systems, DC systems, diagnosing advanced problems through amp readings, phasing and grounding, plus identifying basic sensor problems. Learn through hands-on practice with real meters and components on simulated systems. Required prerequisite is past attendance in Electrical Troubleshooting Part I. A working knowledge of irrigation systems and equipment is recommended. Course includes 1 day of instruction, class handouts, and the use of simulations and test equipment

3. Turf Math
9:30 – 12:00
Chad Follis
Farm N Garden, Kalamazoo

Everything that happens in turfgrass management requires math. Examples of daily decisions requiring math would be: How much nitrogen is necessary for a given area? How much topdressing sand is needed? How many ounces of a pesticide are required? What is the area of land that applications are being made to? These and other math related questions and concerns will be covered using relevant examples and calculations to aid in comprehension of the material.

4. Budgeting and Forecasting
8:30 – 12:00
Dr. Raymond Schmidgall
Michigan State University

The budgeting process is a necessary element of enhancing your position as the manager of the largest asset – the golf course. Major topics covered in the seminar are preparing operating budgets, controlling with budgets, capital budgeting and cash budgets. This seminar examines effective resource management for positive financial results, managing your resources, and revising your budget throughout the fiscal year.

5. ID & Mgt. of Ornamental Tree & Shrub Diseases
9:30 – 12:00 (also offered in the afternoon)
Dr. David Roberts
Michigan State University Extension

This is the 11 th year in a row for this highly rated class. Participants will learn how to diagnose and differentiate between diseases and pests that attack ornamental trees and shrubs in the landscape. Special attention will be devoted to the Emerald Ash Borer, the new invasive pest discovered by Dr. Roberts, and other lethal problems that plague landscapes and highly maintained turf areas. Samples will be provided for diagnosing the diseases and management of the problems to be discussed. Handouts will also be provided in this hands-on school.

Enrollment will be limited 50 persons.

6. Turf Soils: The Basic and Beyond
9:30 – 12:00
Dr. Jim Crum
Michigan State University

Understanding the soils that support the turfgrass system is often the key to maintaining high quality turf. This workshop will cover soil basics such as structure, compaction, and layering and then move onto more advanced concepts such as selecting top-dressing materials and managing organic matter accumulation.

7. ID & Mgt. of Ornamental Tree & Shrub
1:30 – 4:00
Dr. David Roberts
Michigan State University Extension

This is the 11 th year in a row for this highly rated class. Participants will learn how to diagnose and differentiate between diseases and pests that attack ornamental trees and shrubs in the landscape. Special attention will be devoted to the Emerald Ash Borer, the new invasive pest discovered by Dr. Roberts, and other lethal problems that plague landscapes and highly maintained turf areas. Samples will be provided for diagnosing the diseases and management of the problems to be discussed. Handouts will also be provided in this hands-on school.

Enrollment will be limited 50 persons.

8. Winter & Summer Temperature Kill: Causes and Cultural Prevention
1:30 – 4:00
Dr. James B. Beard
International Sports Turf Institute

To ensure proper decision-making concerning culture practices to minimize temperature stresses requires and understanding of the various causes. The microclimatic-physiological conditions that influence the proneness to temperature stresses will be discussed. Then the cultural practices that can be employed to best prevent turfgrass injury from both low and high temperature stresses will be addressed.

9. Sprayer and Spreader Calibration
1:30 – 4:00
Steve Elms
Farms N Garden, Kalamazoo

It is increasingly important that turf managers correctly and accurately apply pesticides and fertilizer. Incorrect applications have both budgetary and environmental ramifications. Attendees should have skills to successfully calibrate granular spreaders for various products as well as understand the steps to calibrate as liquid sprayers upon completion of this seminar.

10. Ornamental Plants: Selection and Management
1:30 – 4:00
Dr. Robert Schutzki
Michigan State University

Plant Selection follows an organized process. Criteria used in the process integrate the design intent of function that the plant will serve in its location, the adaptability of the species to the site, and the management requires to insure subsequent performance. The process may be simple or complex depending on priorities with function, site limitations, and/or management capabilities. Plant selection is the first step in landscape development and subsequently dictates ornamental plant management strategies.

11. Setting Up Your Lawn Care Business For Safety
9:00 – 11:00
Dr. Fred Whitford
Purdue University

Running a successful turf management business constitutes more than managing the bottom line and more than attracting customers and retaining good employees. Keeping current with the unending flow of regulations alone presents a challenge: and, in addition to mandates handled down from government agencies, there are internal concerns that must be addressed.

But while the enactment of company policy can be challenging, it is more often those rules imposed by local, state, and federal agencies that prove most difficult to follow. Business owners must recognized that compliance may improve the profitability and longevity of their companies. A well-organized regulatory program will help prevent employee injury, property damage claims, environmental contamination, increased insurance premiums, and judicial and regulatory proceedings, all of which could adversely affect the long-term profitability of your business.

12. Integrated Turfgrass Disease Management
8:30 – 11:00
Joe Rimmelspach
The Ohio State University

This workshop will cover the major turfgrass diseases. In addition to discussing fungicides role in disease control and management, emphasis will be given to managing diseases as a component of the entire turfgrass management program.

13. Integrated Pest Management for Athletic Fields and School Grounds
8:30 – 11:00
Dr. John Stier
University of Wisconsin

National and Michigan state School IPM laws will be reviewed, followed by a presentation of resources material (a School IPM handbook) and things turf managers can do within their budgets to comply with state and local regulations. A copy of the Wisconsin School IPM Manual will be provided to all participants.

14. Strategies for Developing Fertilizer Programs in Turf
8:30 – 11:00
Dr. Chuck Darrah
CLC Labs, Westerville , Ohio

This seminar will detail the steps in developing fertilizer programs. Discussion will include: determining nutrient needs, assessing timing of applications, considering fertilizer carriers and turfgrass species, and perhaps most importantly understanding how to use soil test results to develop a fertilizer program.

15. Beyond the Big Ten: Old, New and Unique Ornamental Grasses
8:30 – 11:00
Dr. Art Cameron
Michigan State University

Ornamental grasses are a hot item in the “New” American Garden and many fit into that ultimate plant category – high visibility and low maintenance! When combined with superior perennial and annual companions, ornamental grasses can be used to create gardens of distinction: formal, petite, massive or dreamy. You may have heard of Art's Big Ten list an maybe you have given some of them a try. Ready for something new? Art is always pushing the envelope with new plants and will present some of the new and upcoming ornamental grasses – hardy and tender – that can be used in Michigan gardens, taking us “Beyond the Big Ten”! He will also discuss garden design and maintenance so you can create a new look in your garden using these great plants.

16. Golf Rules for Super
8:30 – 11:00
Wendy Uzelac
Director, Regional Affairs – North Central Region United States Golf Association

This seminar will address how the rules of golf influence such on-course practices as marking the golf course, preparing for competitions, how to deal with local rules and inclement weather. Other relevant rules related issues will be covered and there will be ample time for a question and answer section.

17. Mechanic's Workshop Location: Holiday Inn South
9:00 – 4:00
The equipment technician's workshop this year will consist of hot topics selected and coordinated by your peers in the industry.

Topics Include:

• The Tech's Role in Environmental Stewardship and the Green Purchasing Guide – Marc McMullen, MTESP
• Innovative Technician's Session: technician certification, record keeping, web sites for technicians and more – Moderated by Skip Heinz
• Manicuring Turf and Locke Grinder – by Don Cotton
• Electrical System Troubleshooting Tips – Industry Rep
• Small Gasoline Engine Troubleshooting Tips – Industry Rep

Registration includes admission to the Exhibitor/Vendor Show at 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – South Lansing .

18. Weeds Indeed!
8:30 – 12:00
Ron Calhoun
Michigan State University

In this workshop participants will be exposed to the key identification characteristics of broadleaf weeds that commonly invade cool-season turf stands. Labeled plant specimens will be on-hand for examination and enlightenment. One of the keys to successful long-term weed management is to identify and correct the factor that is reducing the competitiveness of the turfgrass. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion of traditional an novel chemical control options as well as new products, proper timing, and application methods.

19. Advances in Pond Management
8:30 – 12:00
Dr. Doug Pullman
Aquest Corp. Flint , MI

Lakes and ponds can be an asset to many properties, including corporate and college campuses, parks and golf courses. But excessive weed growth and algal blooms make them unsightly, unhealthy and a headache to property managers. This workshop explores many ways to control the weeds and algae, both chemically and non-chemically. Learn proper handling and timing techniques for chemicals, and which products and right for specific weeds. Learn how to apply chemicals efficiently, and what mechanical techniques are working for others. Join us and soon your pond will be an aesthetic asset again!

Technician Certification Testing

On Thursday, Jan 20, there will be Technician Certification Testing available at the Holiday Inn – South Lansing . The registration for the exam begins at 8:00 a.m., the exam will conclude around 3:00 p.m. (please register using enclosed forms).