The RMRTA Conference Course Descriptions

Our annual conference brings together professionals from golf courses, sports fields, and more for an exceptional educational and networking experience. Also, our conference provides valuable insights and industry updates to help you stay ahead of the curve. Join us for a dynamic event that brings together the best and brightest in the turfgrass industry.

Workshops - Tuesday, December 3, 2024

7AM - 8AM - Registration & Breakfast

Pesticide Applicator Prep Workshop - 8AM-3PM

  • Pesticide Applicator Prep Course - Lisa Blecker - CSU - Prelicense PREP course will explain basic principles for the safe and effective use of pesticides and will follow the general commercial applicator study guide.

Getting Started With Landscape Irrigation Installation & Troubleshooting Workshop - 8AM-3PM

  • Landscape Irrigation Workshop - Spencer Jordan & Brad Meyer - We will cover how to glue pipe, set and adjust heads and wire an irrigation clock. In the afternoon we will discuss electrical and two wire troubleshooting methods.

AM Workshops - 8AM-11AM

  • Golf Green Organic Matter Measurement & Management - Dr. Roch Gaussoin - University of Nebraska - The purpose of this workshop is to provide information to better understand the complexities of organic matter sampling, accumulation, associated problems, and efficient solutions for remediation. Information from nearly 25 years of research will provide strategies for golf green organic matter management specific for the golfing facility.
  • Turf and Weedy Grass Identification (Category 206) - Dr. Tony Koski - This workshop will discuss why correct identification of both the weed and desirable turf is essential for developing integrated management programs for weeds in turf management. Also, the importance of correct identification allows the applicator to make better decisions on which herbicides are most likely to control the weed, while reducing the potential for phytotoxic responses from the turf. Identification will be taught using live samples and an assortment of hard copy keys/books and internet-based keys and phone apps.

11AM- 12PM - Lunch Not provided - several nearby restaurants available

PM Workshops -12PM-3PM

  • Winterkill and Recovery - Dr. Kevin Frank - Michigan State University - Lessons learned for minimizing damage, reestablishing greens, and update on the WinterTurf research grant.
  • Tree and Shrub Identification (Category 207) - Dr. Alison O'Connor, Eric Hammond - CSU - This hands-on session will focus on the plant diagnostic process. Tree and shrub samples will be used to help students become more proficient in plant identification. Plant diagnostic samples will be presented for diagnosis and discussion.
  • Soilborne Diseases: Monsters Underneath the Bed (Category 206) - Dr. Lee Miller - Purdue University - Soilborne turfgrass diseases are particularly difficult to diagnose and manage because the pathogens subversively infect and damage roots well before plant symptoms arise. This seminar will describe the soil environment in correlation with the biology and epidemiology of the pathosystem of soilborne diseases infecting cool-season turfgrasses. The course will also explain the crucial aspects of each disease cycle, highlighting where disease control measures can most effectively impede pathogen development.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

7:00AM-8:00AM

  • Registration and Breakfast

8:00AM-9:00AM

  • Keynote Speaker - Dennis Lyon - Retired Superintendent - Reflections, Career Reflections on Leadership and Life - A presentation on 12 reflective concepts based on 50 years of experience. These concepts will help stimulate the audience to address leadership and life's issues, strategically. thoughtfully and successfully.

9:00AM-4:00PM

  • Turf Industry Trade Show Open

9:00AM-10:00AM

  • Kevin Ross - OnCourse Turf Solutions - 50 Years In The Golf Industry - Will cover my experiences over a 50 year career as a golf course superintendent. Both success and failures will be discussed from a personal standpoint as well as a turf management standpoint.
  • Jeff Fowler - Tip Top Turf Solutions, LLC - Field Prep At The Little League Baseball Complex - The fields at LLWS are more than you might think! We will take a look at the complex and the year round care of the complex.
  • Kayla Kipp - Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - Reel Grinding/Mower Set-Up - Bring questions as we explore a brief overview of why we grind and how we can maintain an edge longer including returning reels to true cylinders, bed knife angles and backlapping. Set up of cutting units will include order, what we are looking for during setup, reel tracking, paying attention to "where are we?" in relation to behind center distance, recommended set up versus optional, reel maintenance and choosing the right reel for the task.
  • Dr. Tony Koski - Colorado State University - Stupid Things That Turf People Do To Trees - Most of our landscapes have trees and turf growing together. Routine turf management practices like mowing and string trimming, done improperly, can negatively impact the health of trees. The use of pesticides - especially herbicides - and likewise cause unintended injury to trees. This talk will discuss the unintentional problems that can afflict trees when turf management around those trees isn't thoughtfully practiced. (Category 207)
  • Amber Clark & John Keesen - HydroSystems KDI - Basic Landscape & Irrigation Design - A look at how landscape design informs the irrigation design and maintenance.
  • Brennan Babbit - Tree Source - Tips For Planting Success On The Colorado Front Range (Spanish/English) - We will discuss techniques , in Spanish and English, for minimizing plant and tree damage and stress before, during and after the planting process, focusing on the challenges of the high plains and intermountain regions of the Colorado Front range.

10:00AM-11:00AM

  • Dr. Lee Miller - Purdue University - Golf: Can Both Foliar & Soilborne Diseases Be Controlled With One Stone? - Soilborne diseases are the most often diagnosed disease on golf course putting greens. High amounts of post-application irrigation (0.125-0.25 inch/A) are recommended to drive the fungicide into the target zone, but what is the benefit, if any, for control of foliar diseases such as dollar spot and brown patch? Research conducted at U. of Missouri and continued at Purdue University gets to this question. This discussion will center on these findings, including implications for the development of fungicide resistant populations and overall disease management with broad spectrum fungicides.
  • Sun Roesslein, Chris Hathaway, Ryan Newman - Professional Sports Turf Managers Of Colorado - Tap into the minds of some of Colorado’s elite sports facilities field managers. Tips and tricks for managing turfgrass, on field events, staff members, and life off from the field.
  • Michael North - Colorado Golf & Turf - Turf Equipment Operation & Diagnostics - Introduction to current manufacturers such as John Deere, Toro, Jacobsen and others. Common equipment and their uses as well as diagnostic tips and common issues. Introduction to reel and bedknife grinding as well as relief grind purposes and explanation.
  • Yedil Hunde - Barenbrug Seed - Choosing The Right Species For The Right Job! - Choosing the right species for the right job! This will focus primarily on drought. I will use data we have from our studies in New Mexico to emphasize that for traits like drought tolerance, there is much to be gained by opting for the right species in the first place rather than opting for marginal differences within species.
  • Dr. Roch Gaussoin - University of Nebraska - Pre, Post or Both for Better Annual Grass Control (Category 206) - Herbicide options for annual grass control include preemergence and postemergence. Traditionally, applicators have used two preemergence applications in the Spring and postemergence “rescue” treatment if needed. Is there a more efficacious approach? Research results will be presented to show advantageous of multiple scenarios for optimal annual grass control.
  • Robert Gonzales - Nutrien Solutions - (Spanish) Foliar vs. Granular - Discussing the differences between granular and liquid fertilizer, how to use fertilizer responsibly and efficiently, the advantages and disadvantages of liquid fertilizer, advantages and disadvantages of granular fertilizer, how to calculate the number of pounds of Nitrogen in a gallon of liquid fertilizer, how to compare application rates between liquid fertilizer and granular fertilizer.

11:00AM-12:00PM

  • Turf Industry Trade Show Open - No Classes At This Time

12:00PM-1:00PM

  • Lunch Served on Trade Show Floor

1:00PM-2:00PM

  • Dr. Roch Gaussoin - University of Nebraska - It’s About Tine(s) - For organic matter management on golf greens, “dilution is the solution” has become the mantra. Straightforward in concept and complex in implementation, topdressing becomes reliant on cultivation, to ensure sand is getting into the profile efficiently. Common sense and recent research have indicated that tine choice is key to optimizing sand placement into the rootzone. Results of a comprehensive evaluation of tines and dilution impact, green speed, surface firmness and other greens performance criteria will be presented with practical use recommendations.
  • Jeff Fowler - Tip Top Turf Solutions, LLC - Prioritizing Your Resources - With limited capital in our budget, prioritizing our spending is of the utmost importance. This talk will look at different aspects of turf management and help you to prioritize your investments.
  • Kayla Kipp - Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - Small Motors Maintenance - Small engine maintenance will include recommended service, lubricants and service intervals. I will also touch on dyes, oil weights/viscosity and the way operating conditions can effect them. This will also include filters, spark plugs, electrical components and carburetors.
  • Dr. Kevin Frank - Michigan State University - Comparing Soil Testing Philosophies: SLAN vs. MLSN - There are several different soil testing philosophies that are used to make nutrient recommendations for turfgrass. Sufficiency Level of Available Nutrients (SLAN) is the oldest and most established method for determining fertilizer recommendations but due to its foundation in agriculture is often criticized as being out of touch with modern turfgrass performance objectives. The Minimum Levels for Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) method is a newer philosophy that aims to match fertilizer recommendations with turfgrass growth and performance. Research comparing the effects of nutrient recommendations from both methods on annual bluegrass and putting greens over 3 years will be presented.
  • Sandro Frausto - DBC Irrigation - (Spanish) Irrigation Basics - Sprinkler parts: Clocks, valves, and heads. Installation techniques: trenches, pipe sizing, layout and setting heads.

2:00PM-5:00PM

  • De-Turfing Reception - Trade Show Floor

2:00PM-3:00PM

  • Robert Gonzales - Nutrien Solutions - Foliar vs. Granular - Discussing the differences between granular and liquid fertilizer, how to use fertilizer responsibly and efficiently, the advantages and disadvantages of liquid fertilizer, advantages and disadvantages of granular fertilizer, how to calculate the number of pounds of Nitrogen in a gallon of liquid fertilizer, how to compare application rates between liquid fertilizer and granular fertilizer.
  • Eric Pollock - G&S Solutions - Modifying Existing Native Soil Fields - Presentation discussing rootzone modification to increase performance of the field.
  • Kendall Smith - AriensCo - Electrification Of Equipment In The Commercial Landscape Industry - Discussion of how technology and legislation are shaping the future of power equipment in the landscape industry.
  • Meg Kruger - Pioneer Athletics - In the Room Where it Happens: Earning a Seat at the Table - Groundskeepers securing a seat at the table directly impacts the day to day operations of our industry. How do you earn a seat in the room where it happens? How can we help direct the conversations about our fields and facilities? How do you explain the WHY to money movers? In this session we explore the benefits of being invited to the table, how to combat misconceptions through visibility, and how to justify costs and labor.
  • Dr. Lee Miller - Purdue University - Lawn: Diagnosing Lawn Problems Often Requires Some Digging (Category 206)- While fewer diseases may afflict turfgrass when the mower blade is raised, several problems can still raise eyebrows when damaging a lawn or sports field. This seminar will discuss the thought process in diagnosing issues on higher cut turfgrasses, including how to differentiate between true diseases and abiotic disorders, which may require a closer look at soil conditions and some inquiry of your clientele.
  • Edwin Arco - MUSCO Lighting - The History of Lighting in Sports - Light in sports has evolved significantly. Lighting advancements continue to transform sporting events, improving player performance and spectator experiences while pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the field.

3:00PM-4:00PM

  • Dr. Kevin Frank - Michigan State University - When Bad Things Happen to Good Turf: Diagnosing and Solving Abiotic and Biotic Injury (Category 206) - This presentation will cover real world scenarios where turf damage occurred and discuss potential solutions. Case studies and recovery strategies will be presented for insect, disease, weed, and abiotic stresses.
  • Jeff Fowler - Tip Top Turf Solutions, LLC - The Only Thing Fair In Life Is A Ball Hit Between 1st & 3rd - A fun look at the way we approach field care. We will look at my favorite memes and use them to help guide us though this thing called life!
  • River Davis - Agri-Inject - Precision Fertigation/Chemigation: Boosting Turf Health & Economic Efficiency - Join us for an in-depth look at how precision fertigation and chemigation can elevate your turf management practices and improve economic efficiency. This session will explain the technology behind Agri-Inject systems, highlighting their role in delivering exact amounts of nutrients and chemicals directly to the turf root zone. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to implement these techniques to achieve better turf health and operational efficiency.
  • Dr. Tony Koski - Colorado State University - Conversion To Natives - The conversion of conventional lawn grass turf areas to less-intensively maintained native grasses has become a common practice in HOAs, commercial landscapes, and city-maintained spaces. Success or failure of these conversions is dependent on informed species selection, correct seeding timing and process, smart water management during establishment, and timely use of herbicides. This talk will present the most important aspects of the conversion process to ensure success. (Category 207)
  • Meg Kruger - Pioneer Athletics - Visibility Matters - Dive into how authenticity, consistency and Turf Twitter can elevate your career while simultaneously making a positive impact on your crew and the industry. Discover how branding and social media can help you recruit new employees, justify costs and labor and build a portfolio of your skills. Main takeaways of this session include: Social media recruiting for sports field managers, how to build a personal and crew portfolio using social media and branding and how to utilize visibility to earn yourself a seat at the table.
  • Austin Scott - Turf Tank - Benefits Of Robotic Field Painting - This session introduces robotic field painting technology and its benefits for sports facilities. Attendees will learn about GPS line marking systems and their impact on productivity and resource management. The presentation will compare GPS technology with other line marking methods, demonstrating how this innovative approach is transforming field maintenance practices across facilities of all sizes.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

7:00AM-8:00AM

  • Registration and Breakfast

8:00AM-12:00PM

  • Turf Industry Trade Show Open

8:00AM-12:00PM

  • Pesticide Applicators Core Credits - Lisa Blecker - Colorado State University - Core Credit CEU will provide the following 5 core commercial applicator credits in this order.
  • P/F: Label Reading Applicators will learn and practice how to read the pesticide label. They will know where to look to find the information they need to know to make safe and effective pesticide applications. Applicators will know where to look to find the Brand name, identify what active ingredient(s) are in their formulation, the mode of action of the product, the formulation, where to look for application methods, rates, and crops/sites approved for use in the directions for use section, where to look for safety and hazard information in the precautionary statements section, and where to look for storage and disposal information.Pesticide Applicators Core Credits - Lisa Blecker - Colorado State University - Core Credit CEU will provide 5 core commercial applicator credits.
  • E/P: ESA Update Applicators will learn about the EPA requirements regarding the Endangered Species Act and pesticide applications. Applicators will learn how they can use the label and other resources to comply with these new requirements. Up-to-date information regarding EPA's progress on implementing ESA changes will be provided.
  • U/P: Weather-Proofing Your Application This presentation will cover best practices for planning and making effective pesticide applications while managing the following weather conditions; wind, heat, and precipitation. Pesticide efficacy as well as human and environmental safety will be discussed, including how to prevent and manage heat illness while wearing the necessary PPE in hot weather. Label requirements regarding drift management, environmental hazards, and PPE will be discussed.
  • A/S:PPE and Heat Illness This presentation will provide the who, what, when, where, why, and how of wearing personal protective equipment while handling pesticides. Attendees will be able to: • explain how personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect a person from hazards associated with handling pesticides • describe the employer’s responsibility to provide employees with PPE • identify which parts of the label provide PPE information • identify the limits of PPE to protect pesticide handlers • define heat-related illness and list methods for preventing it while wearing PPE to handle pesticides
  • P/S: Resources For Responding To Pesticide Issues This presentation will address common pesticide-related incidents that require prompt action, including pesticide spills, exposures in the workplace and at home, and pesticide misuse. Key resources available to pesticide applicators and the public will be highlighted, along with guidance on the types of information to gather and report when responding to these situations. Featured resources include the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), Rocky Mountain Poison Control, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Toxicology Hotline, and the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC).

8:00AM-9:00AM

  • David Terino - Department of Agriculture - Dept. of Agriculture Regulations and Changes (Category LR)
  • Whitney Cranshaw - Colorado State University - The Secret Life Of Gallmakers (Category 207) - Perhaps the most unusual kind of injury that insects can produce on plants is the production of galls. These are abnormal growths that some insects (and some mites) can tease the plant to produce on leaves, stems, flowers and fruit. The galls that are produced rarely cause significant injury to the plant, but often attract attention and concern. They are also distinctive and each kind is associated with one kind of plant, so they can often be used in plant identification. This program will review how galls are produced and discuss the lives of the “bugs” that make them.
  • Deryn Davidson - CSU Extensions - Waterwise Updates For Lawns & Landscapes - Trying to keep track of all the recent legislation passed about water use and landscapes? In this session we'll cover where our water comes from, why we're running out, and the new laws put in place to steer CO toward water conservation through appropriate landscape practices.
  • Kaitlyn Quincy - SePro - The Basics of Algae and Aquatic Weed Management (Category 108) - Managing algae and plants in aquatic systems can be a difficult task. This talk aims to outline the basics of managing aquatic systems to help participants develop comprehensive, effective treatment plans with proven strategies. This presentation covers management of floating, emergent, and submersed aquatic species, including plants and algae, using herbicides and algaecides. The speaker will address the consideration of end goals, water use, and water characteristics when developing a management plan. It includes discussion of new chemistries and techniques to manage nuisance aquatic species and will provide an outline of how to approach a variety of aquatic management challenges.
  • Eileen Bernard- Nutrien Solutions - PH Buffering - pH buffering is important for herbicides / insecticides because it helps maintain the desired pH range for optimal product efficacy.

9:00AM-10:00AM

  • Brad Meyer - HydroPoint Data Systems/Spencer Jordan - DBC Irrigation - Irrigation Management Utilizing Sensor Technology - Wind, pressure, flow, rain, soil moisture, temperature and more can all be monitored, measured and managed. Utilizing these types of sensors can give data for curious minds, reduce costs, save property damage, produce healthier landscapes and reduce liability. In this course we will explore these types of sensors and discuss possible applications. Please bring your thoughts and questions for this interactive topic.
  • Kaitlyn Quincy - SePro - The Importance of Water Quality in Managing Aquatic Systems (Category 108) - This presentation will focus on the influence water quality has on common aquatic management problems. It will invite participants to take a whole-lake approach to management, rather than treating individual problems like plants or algae. The speaker will discuss the role of nutrient cycling and it’s impact on common aquatic issues. The speaker will offer solutions to some of the most common water quality problems such as high nutrient loading from both the water column and the sediment.
  • Dave Phipps - USGA - USGA Update - Join David Phipps, our GCSAA representative for the Northwest, for an engaging session on "Managing Talent & Leadership," where he will delve into essential strategies and insights crucial for today's golf course management industry. This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of effective talent management practices tailored specifically for golf course superintendents. Discover how to nurture and retain top talent in your team, leveraging proven leadership techniques that foster growth and innovation. Gain practical tips on identifying and developing leadership potential within your organization, ensuring sustainable success and resilience amidst industry challenges. Whether you're a seasoned superintendent or a rising professional in the field, this session promises valuable takeaways to enhance your managerial skills and elevate team performance. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with actionable strategies to excel in golf course management.
  • Colm Allan - Corteva - Weed Management Program in Turf: IPM Strategies to Keep Turf Weed Free (Category 206) - I will be discussing weed management strategies for turf; including but not limited to: cultural approaches, biological controls, and chemical control.
  • Dr. James Hempfling - ENVU - Maintaining Root Health During Stress Periods - This course will cover the management of difficult-to-control soilborne diseases of cool-season turf.

10:00AM-11:00AM

  • Jeff Butler - Spears Manufacturing - Getting the Most Out Of Your PVC Pipe, Valves, Fittings & Cement - Getting The Most Out of Your PVC Pipe, Valves and Fittings - Proper installation and repair practices with PVC pipe, valves and fittings can combine to create a solid, trouble free and long lasting irrigation system. This class will teach what the most common PVC failures are and how to avoid them. This seminar includes: Understanding thrust and gradual or catastrophic fitting failure, how water velocity affects your systems longevity, proper cementing practices, cyclic fatigue in PVC fittings, proper installation of female threads to prevent splitting, proper thrust blocking, expansion and contraction in PVC pipe, and when to use Schedule 40, Schedule 80 and “Class” pipe, Proper use of Slip Fix Repair fittings,
  • Kurt George - Hylio/Dustin Polasek - Nutrien Solutions - Spraying With Drones
  • Dr. James Hempfling - ENVU - Balancing Playability With Plant Health: A Case Study with Anthracnose - This course will provide a clear overview of how to employ best management practices (BMPs) to reduce disease severity while also maintaining playing conditions that are acceptable for the modern golfer. Anthracnose of annual bluegrass putting greens will be presented as a case study.
  • Taylor Turner - Numerator Technologies - Improving Product Efficacy - We will discuss the importance of spray tank acidification by preventing alkaline hydrolysis and better penetration by using soil surfactants.
  • John Reilly - Resort at Longboat Key Club, FLA - Moneyball For Greens - Using actionable data in the field to create plant health and plant performance.

11:00AM-12:00PM

  • Colm Allan - Corteva - Turfgrass Diseases (Category 206) How to Identify, Mitigate, and Manage Through Sound IPM Strategies - Pathology 101 – i.e. disease development, hosts, environments, pathogen, etc. Disease Identification Cultural control practices (i.e. irrigation schedules, mowing, fertilization, traffic, etc.) Chemical control: preventative vs. reactive
  • Taylor Turner - Numerator Technologies - Management Of Turf Under Poor Irrigation Sources (Category 206) - The top 1.5 to 2 inches of turf soil profiles will mimic the irrigation water sources. If the water sources are high in alkalinity, calcium bicarbonates and sodium. Turf grasses will be affected by poor water infiltration, penetration, calcium bicarbonate and sodium toxicities. The seminar will be covering strategies to improve water movement into soil profiles to reduce amount of irrigation applied. In situations of calcium bicarbonate, sodium toxicity will be discussing management strategies to improve soil structure, improve overall fertility of turf grasses and increasing turf quality.
  • Eileen Bernard- Nutrien Solutions - Adjuvant’s – Understanding The Extras In Your Tank - An adjuvant is added to a pesticide product or pesticide spray mixture to enhance the pesticide’s performance and/or the physical properties of the spray mixture.
  • Whitney Cranshaw - Colorado State University - Ever Changing Challenges Of Insect Problems (Category 207) - There are many things that make the types of insect problems found on woody landscape in the western states to be unique. They can also be quite dynamic, shifting over time due to factors such as climate events, introduction of new species, and changes in pesticide availability and performance. A review of what have been many of the more significant changes observed in Colorado since the mid-1980s will be provided.
  • John Reilly - Resort at Longboat Key Club, FLA - Monetization Of The Superintendent Role - Explore the ROI role of the Superintendent and ways to capture that entrepreneurially.
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