4/28/2020 - By Scott Parker

As I sit here and write this in the last full week of April, I can honestly say it’s the strangest time of my life. There’s an incredible amount of information, data, fear, hope, and anticipation that we endure each day. Things seem to be constantly changing daily, if not hourly. There are so many new terms that we have all adopted as well: COVID-19, social distancing, fomite, pandemic, flattening the curve, self-quarantine, asymptomatic, and the list goes on. Although this new language is currently occupying our conversations, the term that I’ve been most focused on is essential.

What is essential? Merriam-Webster defines essential as something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable. If you Google it, you’ll find results like absolutely necessary, extremely important, critical, imperative, integral, and vital. When I read all these definitions and phrases, I immediately think of all the intelligent, hard-working men and women in our turf, ornamental, and agricultural industries. 

Traditionally, professions in America that have been regarded as essential have been those such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, bankers, law enforcement, engineers, or restaurant owners/workers. And there’s no doubt that those folks are indeed essential, but it’s nice that our industry is also now being recognized as essential. Maybe it shouldn’t have taken the coronavirus for that to happen, but that’s for a different conversation. The lawn care owners/operators, golf course superintendents, golf course employees, sports turf managers, nursery growers, and farmers are some of the smartest and most professional people I’ve been around in my life. The ability, ingenuity, and problem-solving skills these professionals have are next to none! These professionals care for and maintain extremely important, valuable assets for homes, clubs, courses, sports complexes, nurseries, farms, etc. It’s good to see that they’re now getting the respect they deserve and are not being taken for granted. There’s no question that our world will look a bit different after we get through this time. Things will change and we will all have to adapt to the “new normal.” But it’s nice to know some things won’t be changing anytime soon; the expertise of the men and women who take care of our turf, ornamental, and agricultural industries will always endure.

All of us at Harrell’s are very thankful to be working with you and to be alongside you during this time. We continuously think of everyone in our industry and hope that all the families are safe and healthy. All of our sites are up and running and are here to serve you. As always, thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you soon!