Basic Training: A One-Day Education Module for New Clientele.

Employee turnover in the turfgrass and green industry is nearly 50% over five-years. Therefore, it is important that extension education programs be directed at clientele new to the turfgrass industry. A one-day “Basic Training: Turf Management” seminar was created in 2006 at Purdue University to provide education to clientele new to the turfgrass industry. The program is offered in multiple, alternating locations each year in Indiana and is designed for beginners in turf or for more experienced professionals who want a review on the basic fundamentals of turfgrass management. This workshop covers the basic principles of plant growth, turfgrass establishment and cultural practices, and pest management and pesticide safety. A similar program was initiated at the University of Arkansas in 2007. Education was provided to over 500 clientele with this program in Arkansas (>150) and Indiana (>350) during its first four years, indicating the popularity of this one-day training module. Ninety-six percent of attendees indicated that this seminar helped them to increase their knowledge of pesticides, nutrients, and water inputs needed for maintaining turfgrass. Ninety-seven percent of attendees indicated that they feel better equipped to do their job after attending the seminar. Ninety-four percent of attendees indicated they would manage turf in a more environmentally conscious manner after discussion at the seminar. Seventy-eight percent of survey respondents indicated that attending this seminar would help their company save money. Ninety-five percent of attendees indicated that they would attend similar seminars or recommend others attend. Overall, this feedback from attendees indicates the success of this one-day training module.