INDUSTRY INSIGHTS same load costs $ 4,800.00 this fall . That ’ s an increase of $ 2.50 / bag .
Second is material availability . Many products used in our industry are simply not available , or won ’ t be available for a long time . For example , Triplex ryegrass is not available in New Jersey , and most alternatives have doubled or tripled in price . This will affect sod prices and field quality , because many fields simply won ’ t be overseeded . Additionally , other products – such as field tarps , mats , pitching rubbers , home plates , base sets – are all in short supply .
As an industry we need to do a better job finding future potential sports field managers . We need to get more kids into two- and four-year turf programs , then get them into schools and municipalities . The program going on in Arkansas is a great start . – Scott Bills , CSFM , Sports Field Solutions , LLC
The rise of robotics and battery-powered equipment / tools ( pros and cons , as there are plenty of benefits and pitfalls with both ). We currently use a small assortment of battery-powered trimmers and blowers . I recently purchased an automower to use on a area of campus that ’ s less than a quarter an acre .
Also training and retaining employees . We are a workbased college ( our students work for their tuition ). Training is vital to what we do , but it ’ s also difficult to properly train all the students because they all have different class / labor schedules .
With managing both the main campus and our athletic complex , it is difficult to fully train our new students in all that we do throughout the year . Retention is a primary focus to help offset the training of so many new students every year .
– Eric Harshman , grounds superintendent , Berea College
The past 19 months have disrupted every aspect of manufacturing , supply chain , and logistics . On top of the disruptions , the demand for products and supplies has skyrocketed due to federal funding and increased revenues for spending .
Manufacturers are months out being able to supply the products and supplies to customers . Commodity pricing has skyrocketed with many doubling , tripling , or even worse . Many manufacturers and suppliers are trying to manage the astronomic increases in costs , and are being forced to take multiple price increases . Logistics for moving products has impeded the ability of manufacturers and suppliers to get the product as expected . For example , air freight items taking up to two weeks , containers waiting months to get offloaded at the port , and over-the-road trucking struggling to get drivers to haul product . The outlook now for improvement on availability and pricing is anticipated to last well into the fall of 2022 or early 2023 .
It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find people to fill open positions in the sports turf industry . There seem to be several circumstances that are contributing to this . The life of a sports turf manager continues to be a “ thankless ” job . Long hours , increasing workloads , and lack of recognition all contribute to growing stress for many sports turf managers . The work / life balance continues to be stretched , and many are trying to figure out how to juggle their career and families . Another factor is the fact that wages are not increasing at the rate that attracts new sports turf managers into the industry . A look around many communities will show that many , if not all , industries are struggling with labor . Many turfgrass programs continue to struggle to attract new students into their programs , which contributes to a lack of educated sports turf managers to fill open positions .
Product interconnectivity is growing , and electrification is helping advance that . Smart connected products will be the future where machine maintenance and operation will change from a “ reactive ” to a “ proactive ” approach . Autonomous products continue to gain interest as labor shortages and advancements in technology improve . Products such as autonomous line painters and mowers are beginning to hit the market . Many communities are facing increasing regional regulations requiring the need to switch their fleets to electric options . A focus on reducing carbon footprint , utilizing “ green ” technologies , and noise reduction are driving these regional regulations . Battery technology continues to advance as lithium batteries continue to replace lead-acid batteries .
– Boyd Montgomery , CSE , CSFM , regional business manager , sports fields and grounds , North America , at Toro
The issues I hear the most are the following : Labor shortage : How do we get people to want to work in the industry , and how do we keep people ? Stagnant budgets : How can we increase budgets as more is asked of athletic field managers ? Sustainable turfgrass management : Using fewer chemicals , having more natural areas ( in parks and high schools ), lower nitrogen rates , etc ., due to city / school regulations .
– Adam Thoms , Ph . D ., assistant professor specializing in commercial turfgrass management , Iowa State University , Department of Horticulture . SFM
Editor ’ s Note : This is the first in a planned series identifying and discussing various trends in the industry . If you would like to share your insight , please contact John Kmitta at jkmitta @ epgmediallc . com . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2021 | SportsField Management
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