GRINNELL, Iowa - Grinnell College had the opportunity to host the Iowa Sports Turf Manager Association workshop this summer.
ISTMA is a non-profit, member-managed professional organization for Sports Field managers in the state of Iowa with a membership of 200. It is an affiliate member of the STMA, the national sports turf managers association.

The ISTMA hosts three hands-on workshops spread throughout the state of Iowa during spring, summer and fall for professional development and networking.

Grinnell College's central location, excellent facilities and multiple maintenance strategies were all factors that enticed the ISTMA to hold the summer workshop in Grinnell. Grinnell College's Jason Koester, CGCS Sports Turf manager, and Mike Burt, associate director, constructed the day's program and also where the hosts.

The event started with Keith Woodruff of EC Grow giving a presentation on many granular fertilizer options for sports turf managers to effectively select the right product for the right situation.

Bryan Wood of Commercial Turf and Tractor and Tim Van Loo CSFM of Iowa State University presented fraze mowing. They shared their fraze mowing experiences and strategy that is sweeping across the nation. Later in the day, Wood did a demonstration of the fraze mowing machine.

Kevin Hansen of Pro's Choice spoke on baseball and softball skin management. Hansen had tips that every sports turf manager can incorporate into his or her management practices. The attendees toured Pioneer Park, Grinnell's baseball facility, and Koester gave a presentation on the new infield mix, Duraedge Pro, which is used at many Major League Baseball stadiums.

Brent Smith of Floratine Central spoke about the advantages of Humic acid usage and soil testing. Soil testing is a vital aspect of good field management, as it helps the manager determine which nutrients are deficient in each field.

Ryan Adams of Iowa State University recapped the winter damage that affected the state from the brutal winter season. He also gave tips on putting fields to bed to help combat winter damage. Adams also gave a general update on conditions in the state.

Burt, Koester and Chris Bair of Grinnell College spoke on multiple topics including the history and projects completed at GC's athletic fields, the rain water collection in place for the game day football field, native prairie areas on campus and the Audubon certification that the College is pursuing.

The day ended with multiple on-field equipment demonstrations by Commercial Turf and Tractor, John Deere Landscapes, Miller and Son's Carts and MTI Toro Company.