Continuing Education Credits

The RMRTA Conference will offer several options for CEC for the following categories: 108, 206, 207 and Core Credits.  See below.  Also, the conference has been approved by Nebraska and Wyoming for our out of state attendees.

GCSAA and SFMA have both approved the conference for external education points!

These codes will be given at the end of the conference.

AM Workshops - Tuesday, December 5, 2023

AM Workshops - 8AM-11AM

  • Disease Management (Category 206) - Mike Fidanza - Penn State University - This workshop will review the most troublesome diseases of turfgrasses; the biology of turfgrass pathogens; environmental conditions that favor disease development, and cultural and chemical practices to effectively manage turfgrass diseases.
  • 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.

PM Workshops -12PM-3PM

  • Plant Detectives: Identification and Diagnostics (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.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

9:00AM-10:00AM

  • Japanese Beetle Grubs (Category 207) - Whitney Cranshaw - CSU - Info Coming Soon

10:00AM-11:00AM

  • Fairy Ring Biology & Control (Category 206) - Mike Fidanza - Penn State University - This presentation will review the biology and ecology of fairy ring disease in intensively managed turfgrasses; examine environmental and edaphic conditions that favor the develop of fairy ring symptoms in turf; and discuss cultural and chemical practices to successfully manage fairy ring in turf.

2:00PM-3:00PM

  • Pesticides: Perception vs. Reality (Category 206) - Paul Giordano - Harrels - This talk focuses on public perception of pesticides and the agricultural industry as a whole. I use decades of science to help formulate talking points for turf managers to defend themselves against these negative perceptions and be more comfortable in difficult conversations with people who are unfamiliar or ignorant to the science and the industry.

3:00PM-4:00PM

  • How Herbicides Work and Common Herbicide Application Mistakes (Category 206) - Dr. Chrissie Segars - Research Scientist PBI Gordon - Attendees will learn how herbicides work and how to identify symptomology of common herbicide Mode of Actions. Attendees will also learn application tips and how to be sure they are applying pesticides correctly at the right rate and at the right time of year.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

8:00AM-12:00PM

  • Pesticide Applicators Core Credits - Lisa Blecker - Colorado State University - Core Credit CEU will provide all 7 core commercial applicator credits: Use of Pesticides: Label Reading Applicators will learn how to read the label and where to find the information they need to know when making pesticide applications. This will include; Restricted use statement, Brand name, active ingredient list, Ag Use Requirements box, non-ag use requirements box, mode of action, formulation, directions for use, and precautionary statements. Pesticides and their Families: Mode Of Action (MOA) Applicators will learn about what Mode of Action is and why it’s important to pay attention to the modes of action they are using on their crop/site. Applicators will receive resources they can use to help them make more informed and effective pesticide application decisions. Applicators will learn how to use the label to help them identify the mode of action they are using and how to make effective pesticide applications. Environmental Protection: Endangered Species Act (ESA) Applicators will learn about the new 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. Applicator Safety: Respiratory Protection Applicators will learn how to properly use respirators and comply with all respirator training/use requirements. This includes; how to find the proper respirator for the job and applicator, how to complete a medical evaluation, how to complete a fit test, and how to complete and document respirator training. Applicators will learn how to read and interpret label PPE statements as they pertain to respirators. Public Safety: Pesticide Spills and Emergency Response Applicators will learn how to prevent spills and emergencies. In case of emergency, applicators will learn proper spill clean-up procedures, as well as first aid and emergency procedures. Applicators will learn how to find emergency and safety information on the label, SDS, and workplace resources.

8:00AM-9:00AM

  • Factors That Impact Pesticide Performance (Category 206) - Dr. Raymond Cloyd - Kansas State University - Raymond will discuss the factors that can influence the effect of pesticides (insecticides and miticides) in managing insect and mite pests; such as, improper rate used, insufficient coverage, improper timing of application, infrequent applications, and water quality issues.

10:00AM-11:00AM

  • Non-Grub Insect Pests Of Turfgrass (Category 206) - Dr. Raymond Cloyd - Kansas State University - Raymond will discuss the different non-grub related insect pests that feed on turfgrass including caterpillars (black cutworm, webworms, and armyworms), chinch bugs, and billbugs. Raymond will provide information on the pest management strategies that can be implemented to prevent/mitigate damage to turfgrass by these insect pests.

11:00AM-12:00PM

  • Snow Mold (Category 206) - Matt Giese - Syngenta Info Coming Soon
  • Aquatic Plant and Algae Management: The Basics (Category 108) - Kaitlyn Quincy - SePro - This presentation covers background information on aquatic issues, causes, and solutions. The audience will learn how to identify common species of nuisance plants and algae and potential reasons for their issues. The audience will also learn management techniques to help them reach their goals for their water bodies and to prevent problems in the future.
  • Pollinator Friendly Lawns (Category 206) - Dr. Tony Koski - Colorado State University - This presentation will discuss the best ways of managing turfgrass to minimize negative effects on pollinator populations which may interact with lawns and other turf areas. Effects of fertilization and pesticide use on pollinator populations will examined.
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