When I came onboard as the new Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent in Brevard County this week, I was welcomed by the Space Coast Golf and Turf Association’s Executive Committee with a luncheon on the beautiful deck of Duran Golf Club’s Tradewinds Restaurant in Viera followed by a special golf-cart fueled tour of the property. What a wonderful group of clientele that are absolutely engaged with Extension. I am looking forward to working with this group of dedicated professionals and I think you should know who they are!

The Space Coast Golf and Turf Association (SCGTA) is a unique partnership created between UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, The Ohio State University Extension Service and the turfgrass industry of Brevard County.

The organization was created to facilitate the best turf knowledge, research and resources to golf course superintendents and sports turf professionals on the Space Coast. Members of the organization represent all 27+ golf courses and the Parks and Recreational Facilities in Brevard County.

As the Commercial Horticulture Agent, I will meet with the association regularly to identify needs of the local turf industry and actively assist growers with implementing the best nutrient, pest and irrigation management strategies. These strategies will increase the productivity and profitability of the turf industry in Brevard County while limiting the impact on the Space Coast’s abundant natural resources such as the Indian River Lagoon.

Together with the SCGTA, we will accomplish this through performing on-site evaluations, by providing in-service seminars, education and continuing communication among golf course and sport turf professionals in Brevard County.

The first SCGTA in-service training this year will be held in conjunction with the Florida Turf Association on Thursday, January 31, at the UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County office in Cocoa, 3965 Lake Road, 32926. The program will be held from 8:00 am to 2:15 pm. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided for each registered attendee.

This seminar will provide education on topics such as pest and diseases, weeds, BMPs, regulatory issues, safety and pesticide usage.

Speakers include University of Florida experts and others in the industry. Dr. Fred Fishel will talk about how to sidestep disasters when tank mixing. The compatibility test kit from Precision Laboratories will be displayed and discussed.

Dr. Laurie Trenholm will focus on advanced “N” sources along with strategies for getting through warm grass growth.

Dr. Billy Crow will present on organic amendments, biostimulants, root-enhances and other tools for nematode management.

Dr. Lee Berndt will discuss making soil pH measurements, procedures and interpretations.

Attendees will receive CEUs from Certified Crop Advisors, FNGLA, GCSAA credits and FDACS.

For more information and to register (by 01/27/19), please visit the Florida Turfgrass Association’s Website: https://www.ftga.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1157277

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