Bayer CropScience calls for Plant Health Academy applicants

Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP, is now accepting applications for the third annual Plant Health Academy.

GCSAA Class A members and Superintendent Members (SM) who are also members of My Bayer Rewards can apply through Dec. 19 to participate in the program, which is one of four educational opportunities available as part of the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow initiative Bayer launched in partnership with the GCSAA’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG).

Bayer and the GCSAA will select twelve superintendents for the 2015 Academy – a two-part immersive program on plant health research and education. The first session at the GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., is April 20-22, 2015, and the second session, hosted at the Bayer Training and Development Center in Clayton, N.C., runs from Sept. 16-18, 2015. Attendee travel, accommodations and meals will be paid for by the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program.

“Bayer’s Plant Health Academy provides a unique opportunity for superintendents to stay up-to-date on real-world plant health applications,” says 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,” says Andrew Jorgensen, member of the 2014 Plant Health Academy class, and CGCS at On Top of the World Communities, Inc., in Ocala, Fla. “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.”

The application, which can be viewed here, is made up of two short-answer essays and is open for superintendents to complete.  A selection committee of representatives from Bayer and GCSAA will choose the finalists. The GCSAA – Class A or SM – members also enrolled in the My Bayer Rewards program and who are currently employed as a golf course superintendent within the United States are eligible to apply for the program.