Education
Everything about FarmLinks is designed to be educational in one way or another. Companies learn how to improve their products and services; golf course superintendents and sports field and grounds professionals are exposed to better techniques; and students, employees and golfers alike gain new insights and know-how. Through the variety of educational offerings, combined with our state-of-the art research and demonstration golf course, conference spaces and Solutions Center, FarmLinks hopes to further promote, develop and support learning and training through current and future programs.
Types of Educational Programs
- Superintendent Program
- Lawn Care Operator Program
- Sports Field and Grounds Program
Superintendent Program
Described by golf course superintendents as “the most beneficial three days of the year,” The Experience at FarmLinks is the nation’s premier source for “hands-on” course maintenance information, offering an unmatched opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the latest and greatest materials and methods available to the industry. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has approved The Experience at FarmLinks’ programs for continuing education units through their distinguished External Education Program. Golf course superintendents who attend The Experience will receive 0.45 education points for the Agrium Advanced Technologies’ fertilizer technologies presentation and 0.30 points for the On the Course Tour, totaling 0.75 CEU points.
Lawn Care Operator Program
The hands-on training lawn care professionals receive at FarmLinks is designed specifically for those who are striving to be the best in the profession. It is a program that offers LCOs the chance to learn firsthand, gain valuable experience, test out an advanced set of technology tools and discover answers to the questions they face daily on the job – whether behind a desk or on a mower.
Sports Field and Grounds Program
The Experience at FarmLinks is a face-to-face learning experience with leading authorities in the Sports Fields & Grounds Industry who will introduce you to new contacts and new strategies and will undoubtedly make you a more efficient manager. The solutions-oriented, educational program combines top SF&G professionals with industry experts in a real-world setting for a 3-day, interactive learning exchange. This program has become the most unique — and effective — training and networking opportunity in the industry. In addition, The Experience is backed by The Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), which offers continuing education credits to certified members in attendance.
An ideal balance of classroom study and hands-on interaction, a typical 3-day Experience may include:
• Networking opportunities,
• Interaction with leading industry experts,
• Hands-on product testing,
• Turfgrass nutrition and fertilizer training,
• Specific care and maintenance instruction,
• Industry trends review and evaluation,
• Product feedback sessions,
• Agronomic tour and
• Research plot demonstrations (including: disease testing, new seed opportunities, fertility methods and irrigation and mowing practices).
