Agronomist Rick Elyea creates consulting firm

Rick Elyea, formerly with Simplot/Jacklin Seed, launched his new consulting business, Elyea Agronomic Consulting. Elyea is a 35-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, having been a former superintendent in Iowa and Nebraska.

He also served on the board of directors of the Golf Course Builders Association America for 23 years and received the Perry Dye Award in 2010. This award is given by the GCBAA to members who “unselfishly contribute above and beyond ‘the call of duty’ to make positive changes in the Association.”

In his new venture, Elyea will work to provide agronomic, erosion and environmental recommendations for new and renovation golf course projects around the world. He has been doing this work with members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and European Institute of Golf Course Architects for the last 30 years and is now focusing on it through a consulting business. His experience also includes large landscape projects, native grass reclamations and agronomy for professional sports fields, which he has worked on in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

“In golf course construction and renovation, there’s a lot to take into consideration, and a lot on the line,” said Elyea. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to projects and courses around the world to help them succeed.”