Bayer Environmental Science is accepting applications for the third annual Bayer Plant Health Academy.Open to all GCSAA Class A and Superintendent members who also are members of My Bayer Rewards, the academy is a series of four educational events offered through the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow initiative launched by Environmental Science, which is a division of Bayer CropScience.
A dozen superintendents will be chosen to take part in next year?s academy, a two-part program that includes plant health research and education sessions. The first session will be held April 20-22 at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. The second session is scheduled for Sept. 16-18 at the Bayer Training and Development Center in Clayton, North Carolina. Travel, accommodations and meals are included for those chosen to participate in the program.
"Bayer?s Plant Health Academy provides a unique opportunity for superintendents to stay-up-to-date on real-world plant health applications," said David Wells, golf business manager for Bayer. "The Academy offers attendees a chance to learn from industry experts about the latest trends in plant health and how they can positively impact their course."
The program will cover data and case studies on a large array of plant health topics, including how to measure plant health and its benefits, available treatments and preventive products. Leading plant health researchers will translate plant health studies to agronomic issues such as nutrient, water and pest management.
"It was very beneficial to hear about new products in development and share our feedback about challenges we face as superintendents," said Andrew Jorgensen, member of the 2014 Plant Health Academy class, and certified golf course superintendent at On Top of the World Communities Inc., in Ocala, Florida. "What I enjoyed most was learning from leading plant health professionals, as well as seeing the behind-the-scenes product development and research behind it."
Application deadline is Dec. 19.