Media contact: Mary 501-671-2126

Jan. 5, 2018

Arkansas Turfgrass Association’s 30th annual meeting draws nationally known speakers

Fast facts

  • ATA trade show runs Jan. 11-12 at Hot Springs Convention Center
  • For info and registration, visit arkansasturf.org

(328words)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 2018 Arkansas Turfgrass Association’s annual trade show and conference, set for Jan. 11-12, isn’t just for landscapers and golf course superintendents — there are nearly 20 experts delivering the latest in knowledge for many aspects of the industry, including “Sports Field 101,” a half-day seminar for coaches, and much more.

The 30th annual conference, to be held at the Hot Springs Convention Center, includes 19 nationally known experts on turfgrass management and landscaping.

“We’re excited about both the speaker and subject lineup for this year’s conference, especially the seminar on sports field management,” said Doug Karcher, professor-horticulture, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “This event is intended for high school and other coaches who also oversee maintenance of their athletic fields.”

The two-day conference offers workshops, seminars, research updates and recertification and continuing education opportunities for industry personnel. Register online at by Jan. 5 for $100 (with the option of adding an optional workshop for $25), or in person at the meeting for $110. There will be discounted registration for Arkansas Activities Association members for coaches attending the sports field management seminar.

The 2018 program includes:

  • 30thAnniversary Luncheon– Turf Site of the Year Award Presentations
  • Pesticide Recertification
  • Workshops: A) Business and Personnel Management, B) Disease ID and Control, or C) Preparing for the Arkansas Pesticide Certification Exam
  • “Sports Field 101”:half-day seminar (intended for coaches; deep discount for Arkansas Activities Assoc. members & prof. dev. hours are available)
  • Trade Showpacked with vendors showcasing latest equipment and products
  • Diverse educational topics and speakers– Recertification, Lawn, Golf, and Sports tracks.

Speakers include Mike Richardson, professor-Horticulture for the Division of Agriculture; Janet Carson, Arkansas extension gardening guru, author and columnist; Brandon Horvath, assistant professor-turfgrass pathology for the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee and Jared Hoyle, an extension turfgrass specialist at Kansas State; and Lane Tredway, technical manager for Syngenta Lawn and Garden.

For more information about the event, visit

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agricultureis an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Horticulture Department as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

# # #