of Wisconsin–Madison professor.
The 2017 Nebraska Turf Conference is scheduled for Jan. 10–12 at the La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway. This annual event is sponsored by the Nebraska Turfgrass Association and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Turfgrass Science program.
Featured presentations include “Biology and Management of Emerald Ash Borer” by Chris Williamson, professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison; and “Forecasting Weather Extremes” by Matt Serwe, meteorologist with KETV Omaha First News Crew.
Williamson is an extension and research entomologist in urban landscape entomology. The primary emphasis of his applied insect research program is to develop Integrated Pest Management programs, emphasizing cultural control strategies and plant resistance.
with KETV Omaha First News Crew.
Serwe graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
Additional presentations include:
- “Pythium Puzzlement: Linking Biology with Management” by Jim Kerns, assistant professor and Extension specialist of turfgrass pathology at North Carolina State University. Kerns focuses on etiology, epidemiology and management of diseases of both warm and cool-season grasses.
- “Golf Course Architecture for the Superintendent” by Kyle Hegland, golf course superintendent at Sand Hills Golf Club in Mullen, Nebraska.
- “Synthetic Turf: Safety and Aesthetics” by Jarod Hertzel, Nebraska athletic turfgrass manager.
- “DOT Regulations and Compliance” by Josiah Cherry, KJK Lawn Care, Omaha.
- Additional topics will focus on the Fair Labor Standards Act and retirement planning.
Tuesday, Jan. 10, starts early with three pre-conference workshops, “Turf Calibration and Math,” “Golf Turf Crash Course” and “Pesticide Resistance.” Workshops require an additional cost and registration is limited.
The conference officially begins the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 10, with sessions tailored to different levels of experience in the turfgrass industry. The trade show opens at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, begins with general session presentations including the Nebraska research update, the NTA annual meeting, and keynote presentations by Serwe and Williamson. The afternoon will include presentations in the areas of golf, lawn and sports turf.
The conference concludes on Thursday, Jan. 12, following presentations about golf turf or lawn, sports turf and tree care for turfgrass professionals presented by the Nebraska Forest Service.
Pesticide recertification will again be offered and is included with conference registration. Attendees need to attend the pesticide recertification workshop to cover the core topics of pesticide safety, laws and labels, drift and more. In addition, attendees must attend either the “Turf Management 101” or “Master Class” sessions to complete training in the areas of pathology, entomology and weeds.
Register online at https://go.unl.edu/2017neturfgrassconference. Early bird rates available through December 1. Conference brochure with additional information available at http://turf.unl.edu.