Select wisely

Let’s set the scene. It’s 4:47 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5. A massive front rolled through the golf course overnight and early indications point to upwards of nearly an inch of precipitation on the already saturated ground. It’s been unseasonably hot the last few weeks, especially the last few days. Nighttime temperatures haven’t dipped below 74 degrees, and this morning is no different. It’s currently 76 degrees with a dew point measuring 87 degrees. You’re sitting at your desk mulling through spray records and inventory, as well as the forecast to write up a strategically prioritized spray that will be devastating to any possible pathogen that might rear its ugly head — or, for that matter, may have already begun to inflict pain and suffering on the turf.

We’ve all been there. Although it’s not a glamorous existence, we all relish the challenge to some extent.

As we chose our solutions in this scenario, did we ever forensically evaluate our thought process in selecting and deploying various products? Better yet, let’s rewind even further: Why did we choose to purchase the products that we have in inventory? Did we select a 2-for-1 or even a 3-for-1 combination product? Did we methodically analyze the active ingredient load of these combination products? Did we make our purchases based on additives and enhancers? Did we vet the internal and/or independent research on which a product bases its legitimacy? Did we delve deeply into the inert ingredients and surfactants? Did we research the manufacturing capability and quality control of the company brandished on the label? Did we simply plug and play a pre-determined agronomic program from an industry source, distributor rep or a manufacturer website? How have prices for the same product increased 5 percent, 10 percent, even sometimes 15 percent year after year for several consecutive years? Are we still using Product X for no other reason than, “I like it, and it works?”

I think you get the point.

Welcome to a socioeconomic corporatocracy where businesses and their purchasers, including golf courses and superintendents, become consumed by systems that are creating or strengthening business operations in a manner unbeknownst to the consumer. In plain terms, are our choices as purchasers, users and proponents of various products based on results-driven decisions? Or have they been clouded by marketing, branding and bureaucracy?

Let’s pause for a second and set the record straight before we go any further: We fully support pesticide manufacturers and their product portfolios. We purchased, applied and recommended countless products from virtually every manufacturer. By no means are we inferring any malicious, nefarious or misguided intent by anyone, anywhere, at any time.

But we feel a deep dive into this aspect of our industry may benefit from the same level of molecular analysis that we employ for countless other aspects that do not come close to similar financial and efficacy-based ramifications. It’s common, even customary, that pesticide purchases are the second-largest operating budget line item behind only payroll. Often, scrutiny of these purchases and the technical strategy behind specific product selection are non-existent.

From our lived experience and basic observations, we feel a tactful shift across all levels of this industrial complex can be mutually beneficial to all parties. Building transparent relationships from manufacturer, to distributor, to end user based on education and awareness will facilitate a paradigm shift in this important aspect of our livelihoods.

• Develop programs based on targeting specific pathogens, as opposed to choosing marketing-based solutions with blanket, broad-spectrum chemistry.
• Begin to exercise alternative products to facilitate competition.
• Investigate and partake in high-level technical discussions and professional education from reliable independent sources.
• Improve awareness and understanding of inert ingredients, additives and enhancers — not only their impact on efficacy, but also on cost.
• Why are post-patent manufacturers able to sell identical products at significantly less cost than branded competitors? Is there a tangible reason for such cost discrepancies? We’re not implying there is or isn’t, but either way, perhaps the consumer should be aware.
• How has government regulation and oversight impacted the cost of doing business?

Those are just a few items to consider. It’s by no means an all-inclusive list. We won’t pretend to know the answers to the rhetorical questions we pose for consideration, but we do feel that a transparent conversation may be warranted. If nothing else, you may have a little more confidence and determined resolve when sitting in your office on a dank, sweaty, pre-dawn morning devising a job-saving, turf-protecting application.