John Deere Green Demos in Land of Cardinal and Gold

Van Wall Turf Equipment hosted its first product demonstration day in the state of Iowa. The demo day featured an assortment of John Deere turf equipment and was hosted at the Iowa State University's Horticulture Research Station.

"This is our first equipment demo in Iowa," said Jon Francis, Golf and Turf sales manager for Van Wall Turf Equipment. "We wanted to show as many people in the golf industry as many products as we could in one setting and take advantage of the current rise in enthusiasm in Iowa with Van Wall, VGM and John Deere."

Product Demonstrations

These product demonstrations ranged from the GPS-guided HD300 sprayer to the 7500A PrecisionCut fairway mower.

For John Temme, superintendent at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, events like these are ways to enjoy comradery and see in-person the industry's newest turf equipment before making capital purchases for the next golf season.

"Events like these help you connect with your peers," said the 16-year veteran. "I follow Alex Stuedemann of TPC Deere Run on Twitter. The demo day was the first time I was able to meet him in-person, and we plan to work together by sending our interns to help with each other's tournaments."

Temme continued, "We just ordered three pieces of John Deere equipment from Van Wall, including a large rough mower and Gator Turf, and were able to easily finance them all through VGM."

Lunch Time

After a few hours of demos, it was time for a lunch break in the shade. The team at VGM Club grilled enough burgers, brats and hotdogs to feed the hungry group that included superintendents, Van Wall representatives and ISU's Turf Research staff and students.

Van Wall, which has a turf equipment dealership in Urbandale, Iowa, hosted the demo day at The ISU Horticulture Station. Located four miles north of the main campus, ISU's research center includes 300 acres of land, 10 of which is dedicated to turf grass research.

ISU Research Relies on John Deere Equipment

Under the direction of ISU alum Adam Thoms, students assist in conducting varying trials including putting green management, chemical application, athletic field safety and testing turf equipment.

"We train the next generation of superintendents in turf management," said Thoms. "Before products are ready for golf courses, we provide the research and solutions and share with superintendents across the U.S."

According to Thoms, John Deere helps their program by donating a greens mower each year. His team also benefits from cost savings by using the HD300 sprayer.

Following the hearty lunch, several more product demonstrations took place. The event was capped off by superintendents and students alike getting the opportunity to take the equipment for a 10-acre test drive. Others spent time networking and discussing product features with Van Wall representatives.

"Our first demo day in Iowa was a success, and Van Wall greatly appreciates the partnership we have with VGM Club. They have a great team of experts that we enjoy working with. Even Cam," Jon Francis said jokingly.

VGM Club members receive special pricing and rebate opportunities on all new equipment purchases. For more information on who your distributor is, how to take advantage of this opportunity, or any other questions about the John Deere program, visit their supplier page on VGMClub.com or contact your VGM Club rep.