Green Start Academy Registration Open

Source: John Deere Ag and Turf Division

Cary, N.C. (May 21, 2012) - John Deere Golf and Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP, today opened the application process for the 7th Annual Green Start Academy (GSA). Assistant superintendents from the United States and Canada are invited to submit their applications to be selected as one of this year's 50 GSA attendees. Those selected to attend the program will be given the opportunity to network with peers and participate in discussions with industry experts on trending topics and key issues relevant to the golf industry.

"The professionalism and enthusiasm we see from GSA attendees has grown tremendously over the years, which underscores for us the demand for continuing education and career development programs," said Jimmy Johnson, fungicide business manager and golf market lead for Environmental Science. "We are pleased to be continuing our relationship with John Deere Golf to provide this unique educational program to assistant superintendents. Programs like GSA are essential to the future of our industry as a whole."

To be considered for Green Start Academy, assistant superintendents are required to complete an online application and respond to one of two pre-selected essay questions. Of the applicants, only 50 assistant superintendents will be selected to attend the sought-after event.

The following panel of industry experts will judge the essays: Ken Mangum, director of golf course and grounds, Atlanta Athletic Club Bob Farren, grounds and golf course manager, Pinehurst Resort Patrick Finlen, director of golf maintenance operations, The Olympic Club Paul Grogan, director of golf course maintenance operations, TPC Deere Run

"Each year we ask event attendees what they find most valuable about GSA, and the amount of responses we receive that call out 'networking' is overwhelming," said Sonya Veasey, associate brand manager, John Deere Golf. "In today's ever-changing golf industry opportunities for assistant superintendents to continue their education and interact with industry experts is invaluable."

The selected winners will attend Green Start Academy on Oct. 10-12, 2012. The GSA will be held at the Bayer Development and Training Center in Clayton, N.C., and John Deere's Turf Care factory in Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

The application phase will be open through June 29, 2012, and persons selected to attend will be notified by Aug. 10, 2012. For more information and to apply, assistant superintendents should visit www.backedbybayer.com/green-start-academy.

About John Deere John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. About Bayer CropScience Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 6.830 billion (2010), is one of the world's leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of 20,700 and is represented in more than 120 countries. This and further news is available at: www.press.bayercropscience.com.