NCR-192
NTEP Report
NCR-192 Committee
T. W. Fermanian
June 23, 1998
  1. NTEP Policy Committee Meetings
    Feb. 10, 1999 - GCSAA Conference Orlando, FL
    June 8-9, 1999 - Jacklin Seed, Post Falls, Idaho
  2. NTEP Policy Committee Structure
    Four representatives from regional groups
    NCR-192 Tom Fermanian
    NE-169 Peter Landschoot
    WRCC-11 Tony Koski
    Southern Turf Group Dave Chalmers
    Five representative from industry
    ASTA Doug Brede
    TPI Ike Thomas
    USGA Mike Kenna
    TBA Don Floyd
    GCSAA Jeff Nus
  3. Executive Directors Report - Kevin Morris
    A. Developed a statistical analysis committee and circulated a request for proposals for statistical handling of NTEP data.
    Five projects have been chosen for funding.
    B. NTEP is in the process of moving the Web site from Nebraska to Beltsville
    C. The newsletter has been redesigned and is available both online and through direct mail.
    D. New Seed storage facilities have been secured at Beltsville.
    E. Beginning with the 1998 bentgrass fairways/tee and fine fescue tests, all new NTEP trials are being established at the University of Maryland turfgrass research facility.
  4. NTEP projects
    A. NTEP funding under USDA

    Once again NTEP is been left out of the USDA budget. The major strategy for adding NTEP back to the budget involves the services of William LaForge a congressional lobbyist. Mr. LaForge has been successful over the past couple years in reestablishing this funding commitment. It is important to remind you that this is in-kind support and does not result in direct funds coming to NTEP.

    There is not a request for strategic letters from industry at this time
    B. New USDA position

    A plan or justification has been developed for an applied breeding position for turf within USDA. This position would be similar in scope to Jack Murray's position that he held previously with USDA. The position would not only be a central source for identifying and managing genetic materials, but would lend scientific support to NTEP.
    C. On site overseeding trial

    A new set of trials are being designed for locations on southern golf courses similar to the On-Site Putting Green Trial. This set of evaluation fairway overseeding with cool season grasses is currently being designed. The initial establishment of sites is planned for the fall of 1999. It is a jointly sponsored activity of NTEP, GCSAA, and USGA.
    D. NTEP workshop

    By all measures the workshop held in conjunction with the 1998 ASA meeting was considered very successful. Current plans are to repeat this workshop with some modifications at the SERA-IEG 16 regional committee meeting. It would be a good idea to schedule a workshop for a future NCR 192 meeting.
    E. Data analysis service

    NTEP is now offering custom analysis of NTEP data sets. Information describing the service is available on the NTEP Web site.
    F. 1999 perennial ryegrass trial

    This is the only new trial scheduled for 1999. The early estimates are for 80 to 90 entries. The seeding rate is sex pounds per 1000 square feet. If you have to adjust the plot size, adjust the quantity of Seed to maintain the seeding rate.

    There are three maintenance schedule groups:
    Schedule A (high maintenance/fairway)1/2-3/4" mowing height
    Schedule B (medium maintenance/athletic field)1-2" mowing height
    Schedule C (home lawn)1.5-2.5" mowing height
    G. Financial report

    NTEP is in excellent fiscal shape. As of May 20, 1999 NTEP had total assets of $953,000. NTEP's equity position is close to $300,000.