RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP, today announced that GCSAA Class A and superintendent members can apply through Dec. 18 for the second annual Plant Health Academy, one of four educational opportunities available to superintendents as part of the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program.
Twelve GCSAA member superintendents will be selected based on merit to participate in the 2014 Plant Health Academy, and will attend two immersive plant health research and education sessions hosted by Bayer and GCSAA. The first Academy session involves classroom training at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. (March 3-5, 2014), and the second provides in-the-field training at the Bayer Training and Development Center in Clayton, N.C. (Sept. 24-26, 2014). Attendee travel, accommodations and meals will be paid for by the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program Bayer developed in collaboration with the GCSAA’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG).
Leading plant health researchers will present data, case studies and instruction on a wide range of topics related to plant health, including how to measure plant health and its benefits, available treatments and preventive products, and issues such as nutrient, water and pest management.
Golf course superintendents can apply through Dec. 18 by visiting the Plant Health Academy web page. To be considered, superintendents must complete the application and respond to two short-answer essay questions, which will be evaluated by a selection committee of GCSAA and Bayer representatives. The program is open to GCSAA (class A or SM) members who are also enrolled in the My Bayer Rewards program and are currently employed as a golf course superintendent within the United States.
To fund Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow, Bayer invests a percentage of StressGard Formulation Technology (FT) product sales each year for three years, a minimum commitment of $300,000 over three years. Funds generated through the program will also be dedicated to the EIFG to support research, education, advocacy and scholarship initiatives executed by GCSAA.
