10/2/2012 10:10 AM
Red,
You've hit the nail on the head for the most part as I understand it. With what involvement I've had with the University of Missouri, to help fund their programs, the researchers seek out sponsorships if that is the best way to call it, and conduct research for them. The researchers will report the facts, I'm sure the manufacturer will set the parameters of the research, with probably the manufacturer's main concern; will their product work as advertised.
The researches also will hopefully get research dollars and suggestions from the end users, superintendents for example, this will help fund their program as well, it also provides us with research we can use.
I don't know about other schools, but MU with cutbacks, really looks to industry to help provide even basic funding such as money for staff. In the turf and ornamental industry that is tough, as we don't have lots of extra money, and we are also a fragmented industry with many different chapters and organizations in each category of the industry. And of course each one of these groups are hammering the vendors and suppliers too.
We also in Missouri don't have check off systems like Corn, Soybean and others, that can help funnel money to the university for research, that's why I think the Rounds4Research could be a great tool if the local chapters get on board.
I would be interested if other states have been able to develop check off programs to help fund turf and ornamental research programs.
Thanks, Mel
Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO