Always Moving Forward NTEP is ever-evolving to remain relevant to the industry and its stakeholders. Kenna says, “We engaged in much discussion initially about using digital imaging analysis for turfgrass quality and then about how that could be improved. Te researchers’ traditional, 1 to 9, visual evaluation, though subjective, is valuable, so NTEP incorporates both.”
Hedgpeth says, “Te big focus in turf internationally is low maintenance. We need to figure out what that means for the different areas of use and for the different types of users. What cultivars can we use in what types of situations to not just survive, but really thrive? Finding those answers is a very long-term and potentially ever- changing quest.”
Morris says, “With ever-advancing computer technology, the internet and the cloud, we’re continually looking for ways to streamline the entire data acquisition, analysis, and availability processes to deliver results to the stakeholders faster. Another goal we’re pursuing is getting all our data on a searchable database.”
With 95 percent of NTEP’s funding coming from entry fees, it is subject to funding swings based on the trial cycles. Some of the former committee representatives suggested adding an additional, industry-wide, funding source for NTEP to alleviate that challenge. Also suggested by some is the addition of policy committee members to represent the lawn care and sports field segments of the industry.
“NTEP is so fortunate to have always had great people on the policy committee who cared about the organization itself and checked their ego at the door,” says Morris. “We’ve had key people at key times—not just one person, but several at a time—that have stepped up to the challenges over the years.”
Tomas says, “Serving on the NTEP Policy Committee was interesting, thought-provoking and challenging. Tere have always been good people, with good intentions on the committee—and that helps in a big way.”
Te NTEP policy committee provides a forum for the multiple segments of the turfgrass industry to work together for the good of all, including the end users. Commitment to its goals has remained strong for 36 years. Klundt says, “Te NTEP policy committee has helped shape industry evolution over that time. Te grasses have improved; our focus has become sustainability; we’re maintaining the environment in a much better way. TPI has had a voice in that for 27 years.”
NTEP Policy Committee Members Represent the Following Organizations:
Turfgrass Producers International –
TPI is an international non-profit trade association that represents the voice of the turfgrass sod industry and provides information and resources to turfgrass sod producers.
United States Golf Association –
USGA is involved in many aspects of golf, including defining and administering the rules of golf. The USGA Green Section, which the USGA committee member represents, oversees the USGA’s turfgrass and environmental research activities.
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America –
GCSAA is an association for professionals who manage and maintain golf courses.
Turfgrass Breeders Association – TBA represents the needs and concerns of the public and private turfgrass breeders in the US.
American Seed Trade Association (Lawn Seed Division) –
ASTA members are companies that develop, produce, buy and sell seeds.
Western Seed Associations – The Oregon Seed Council and the Pacific Seed Trade Association represent grass seed production and marketing companies in the Pacific Northwest.
One representative from each from the four regional Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) committees: Northeast, Southern, North Central and Western.
Suz Trusty is co-editor of Turf News. 32 TPI Turf News September/October 2018
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