Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode spotlights the Alabama Turfgrass Association incoming president Lee Fillingim – Golf Course Superintendent at Cherokee Pines Golf Course in Centre, Alabama. With 30 years in the golf course and turfgrass industry and 11 years as a member of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, Lee Fillingim has built a career defined by dedication, leadership, relationships, and a genuine passion for the people who make up the turfgrass industry. Lee earned his B.S. in Operations Management from Auburn University and began his golf course management career at The Fields Golf Course in LaGrange, Georgia. He later returned to Auburn to earn a second degree in Agronomy and Soils before moving to Macon, Georgia, where he began his career as a Golf Course Superintendent. Lee and his wife, Lagina, originally planned to spend only a year and a half in Macon. Instead, the community became home for the next 18 years. From there, the family relocated to Anniston, Alabama, where Lee served as Golf Course Superintendent at Anniston Country Club for 11 years. Today, he leads the turfgrass operation at Cherokee Pines Golf Course in Centre. Throughout his career, Lee has embraced opportunities to serve and give back to the industry. His leadership experience includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association, serving as President of the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association, and now preparing to serve as incoming President of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. The Influence of Mentors When Lee reflects on his three decades in the industry, one of the things he values most is the many people who have influenced his career. “Mentors come in many forms,” Lee says. “Whether coworkers, sales representatives, fellow superintendents, sod farm owners, landscapers, or educators, each has played a role in shaping us in the everyday moments of our work.” While he is grateful for the lessons learned from countless people along the way, one mentor has had a particularly lasting influence: Wade Thomas, Superintendent at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon, Georgia. “Wade has been and continues to this day to be my most influential mentor,” Lee says. More Than an Association For Lee, the Alabama Turfgrass Association represents something much bigger than an industry organization. “What stands out most about the ATA—and about this industry as a whole—is that it’s never been driven by money,” he says. “Of course, we all work to support our families, but the way we treat one another goes far beyond business. We operate like family.” Lee believes that spirit is what makes the ATA special. Its committees, programs, and initiatives are built around education, guidance, and a genuine commitment to helping others. “Our goal is to help every member succeed, no matter the situation or opportunity,” he says. As he prepares to take on the role of ATA President, that commitment to education, service, and fellowship will be at the heart of his leadership. Looking Toward the Future Like many who have spent decades in the turfgrass industry, Lee has witnessed tremendous changes in technology and equipment. He believes the next major transformation may be the biggest yet. “Autonomous technology and AI will no doubt be the biggest game changer in the industry,” Lee says. “It is amazing to see how, in theory, one can operate an operation from a smartphone and game controller just sitting at a desk. Just drop off a mower and hit start from your iPhone. It reminds me of George Jetson!” While technology will continue to change the way turf is managed, Lee believes the relationships within the industry will remain just as important as ever. Family First Behind Lee’s career and many years of service are his wife, Lagina, their four children, and two grandchildren—all of whom have played an instrumental and supportive role throughout his professional journey. When he’s away from work, Lee enjoys spending time with his family and, of course, playing golf. His favorite rounds? The ones where he manages to break 100. With three decades of experience behind him and a new chapter of leadership ahead, Lee Fillingim brings to the Alabama Turfgrass Association not only extensive industry knowledge, but also a deep appreciation for the people, relationships, and shared commitment that make this industry special. As he steps into the role of ATA President, members can look forward to leadership grounded in experience, service, and—most importantly—the belief that we are better when we work together. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Member Spotlight on Lee Fillingim appeared first on The Turf Zone .
September 9, 20269 min
Landscape and Groundskeeping Safety – Managing the Industry’s Most Common Hazards
Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “Landscape and Groundskeeping Safety – Managing the Industry’s Most Common Hazards” written by Michael E. Clem, Environmental, Health & Safety Consultant. Landscape and groundskeeping professionals face a unique combination of hazards every day. From operating powerful cutting equipment and handling chemicals to working outdoors in extreme temperatures, the job requires a constant focus on safety. While these risks are often viewed as part of the job, injuries and illnesses are not inevitable. Through proper training, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and effective workplace controls, employers and employees can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious incidents. The need for strong safety programs is supported by industry statistics. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), grounds maintenance workers experience approximately 189 injuries per 10,000 full-time employees, which is more than twice the injury rate for all occupations combined. NIOSH also reports that the fatal injury rate for grounds maintenance workers is about five times higher than the average rate across all industries. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor documented more than 1,000 work-related fatalities in the landscaping and groundskeeping industry between 2011 and 2021. These numbers reinforce the importance of addressing the hazards that workers encounter most frequently. Chemical Exposure: Knowledge is the First Line of Defense Chemical exposure is an everyday concern in landscape and groundskeeping operations. Employees regularly work with fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fuels, cleaners, and other products that can cause health problems if not handled correctly. Exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion, or contact with the eyes. Depending on the chemical involved, workers may experience anything from minor irritation to serious respiratory issues or long-term health effects. Training plays a critical role in preventing chemical-related injuries and illnesses. Employees should receive Hazard Communication training and understand how to access and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The SDS provides valuable information about a product’s hazards, safe handling procedures, required PPE, storage requirements, and emergency response measures. Workers should never use a chemical product without first understanding the precautions outlined in both the SDS and the manufacturer’s label. Proper PPE is equally important. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or splash goggles, long sleeves, and protective clothing can significantly reduce exposure risks. When mixing concentrated chemicals or applying products that may generate airborne contaminants, additional protection such as face shields or respirators may be required. By combining training, SDS knowledge, and proper protective equipment, employees can safely perform chemical applications while minimizing health risks. Lacerations and Amputations: Preventing Life-Altering Injuries Many of the tools used in landscape work are designed to cut, trim, chop, or shred vegetation. While highly effective, equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, and wood chippers can cause severe lacerations and amputations within seconds. OSHA identifies moving machinery and cutting components as some of the most significant hazards faced by landscaping workers. Most serious injuries occur when workers attempt to clear debris, perform maintenance, or bypass machine guards while equipment is still energized. Preventing these incidents begins with comprehensive equipment training. Employees should be instructed on proper operating procedures, machine guarding requirements, pre-use inspections, and the importance of shutting equipment down before servicing or clearing jams. Supervisors should also ensure that workers understand the hazards associated with rotating blades and moving parts and follow manufacturer recommendations at all times. Appropriate PPE provides an additional layer of protection. Safety glasses, face shields, sturdy work boots, gloves, and long pants help protect workers from both direct contact hazards and flying debris. However, PPE is not a substitute for safe work practices. The most effective prevention strategy is ensuring that machine guards remain in place, equipment is maintained properly, and workers resist the temptation to take shortcuts that could result in permanent injury. Heat-Related Illness: A Growing Seasonal Threat For landscape and groundskeeping workers, summer temperatures can create dangerous conditions. Employees often spend long hours performing physically demanding tasks in direct sunlight, making them particularly vulnerable to heat stress and heat-related illness. NIOSH has identified grounds maintenance workers as a high-risk occupational group due to the combination of heavy physical activity and prolonged exposure to outdoor heat. Heat-related illnesses may begin with muscle cramps, fatigue, or excessive sweating, but can quickly progress to heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in permanent injury or death if not treated immediately. Because symptoms may develop rapidly, workers and supervisors must be trained to recognize warning signs and know how to respond. Training should emphasize hydration, acclimatization for new or returning employees, and early symptom recognition. Workers should be encouraged to monitor one another and report signs of heat illness immediately. In addition to administrative controls such as water and rest breaks, employers can implement engineering and mechanical controls that help reduce heat exposure. Portable fans, shaded rest areas, misting stations, cooling trailers, and air-conditioned vehicles can provide valuable relief during hot weather. Cooling towels, cooling neck wraps, and cooling vests are also effective tools for helping workers regulate body temperature and maintain productivity throughout the day. When combined with lightweight, breathable clothing and adequate hydration, these controls create a comprehensive approach to heat-stress prevention and can significantly lower the likelihood of a heat-related emergency. Noise Exposure: Protecting Hearing for the Long Term Unlike many workplace injuries, hearing loss develops gradually and often goes unnoticed until the damage is permanent. Landscape equipment such as leaf blowers, chainsaws, chippers, string trimmers, and riding mowers can generate noise levels capable of damaging hearing after prolonged exposure. According to CDC and NIOSH data, approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to potentially harmful occupational noise each year, and roughly one in five noise-exposed workers experiences material hearing impairment. Protecting workers from excessive noise begins with education. Employees should understand the effects of noise exposure, recognize symptoms such as ringing in the ears or muffled hearing, and know how to properly wear and maintain hearing protection devices. Hearing conservation training should emphasize that hearing loss caused by workplace noise is irreversible but entirely preventable. Employers can further reduce exposure through engineering controls, including purchasing quieter equipment and maintaining engines and mufflers to minimize unnecessary noise. Administrative controls, such as rotating employees between high-noise and lower-noise tasks, can also help limit exposure. When noise cannot be reduced to safe levels, hearing protection such as earplugs, earmuffs, or a combination of both becomes essential. Consistent use of hearing protection allows employees to preserve their hearing throughout their careers and well into retirement. Building a Safer Landscape Workforce Landscape and groundskeeping work will always present challenges, but a proactive approach to safety can dramatically reduce injuries and illnesses. Chemical exposure, lacerations and amputations, heat-related illness, and noise exposure remain among the industry’s most significant hazards, yet each can be effectively controlled through training, hazard awareness, PPE, and engineering solutions. When employees understand the risks, know how to access critical information such as SDSs, wear the proper protective equipment, and utilize workplace controls such as machine guards, cooling devices, and hearing protection, they are better equipped to perform their jobs safely. Safety is not simply a requirement of the job. It is a commitment to ensuring that every employee returns home healthy at the end of each workday. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Landscape and Groundskeeping Safety – Managing the Industry’s Most Common Hazards appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 17, 20261 min
VTC’s Lawn and Landscape Short Course
Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. VTC’s 2026 Lawn and Landscape Short Course will be held at Belmont Recreation Center (1600 Hilliard Road, Henrico, Virginia) December 1–3, with space limited this year due to demand. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge from expert instructors and, in the words of Aristotle (probably), “those who attend the Belmont Short Course will make excellence a habit.” He totally, definitely said that. But seriously, members and guest attendees applaud the high quality instruction and credit the course with enhancing their career growth and trajectory. Held on the sacred grounds of Sam Snead’s 1949 PGA Championship victory, Belmont Recreation Center (once the home of Hermitage Country Club) provides a fantastic venue for this annual gathering. Don’t miss this chance to get an upper hand on your competition and network with industry leaders and select vendors. We value our member and guest attendee feedback on this event. If there is something you or your company would like to see added to this course or one of our many educational offerings, please do let us know. Contact Beck Stanley at 540-871-9001 to provide feedback or join the VTC today. Registration opens soon at https://vaturf.org/short-course/ You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post VTC’s Lawn and Landscape Short Course appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 14, 20261 min
TGCSA and TTA Welcome Christy Rose
Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. Please join us in welcoming Christy Rose as the new Membership & Events Coordinator for the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association (TGCSA) and Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA). Christy recently relocated to Franklin, Tennessee, from Overland Park, Kansas, where she taught English and History in the Special Education Department. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and brings a passion for building relationships, serving others, and creating meaningful experiences. Christy and her husband, Pat, superintendent at Belle Meade Country Club, are excited to be part of the Tennessee golf and turfgrass community once again. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Crimson Tide. “We are thrilled to welcome Christy to our team,” said Melissa Martin, Executive Director of the TGCSA and TTA. “Her enthusiasm, organizational skills, and passion for serving others make her an excellent fit for our associations. I am excited about the energy and ideas she brings, and I know our members will enjoy getting to know and working with her.” Christy is excited to begin working with both associations and looks forward to meeting and getting to know our members in the months ahead. Be sure to introduce yourself when you see her at an upcoming event! If you would like to connect with Christy, you can do so by emailing christy@ttaonline.org. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post TGCSA and TTA Welcome Christy Rose appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 12, 20262 min
Stars of the Industry Awards Nominations
Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode covers the Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards nominations due on October 1st 2026. The Stars of the Industry Awards recognizes outstanding individuals in the turf industry. Please try to keep in mind any operations or individuals that make a statement to you or the industry and nominate them for a Stars Award. You do not have to be a member to nominate someone for an award. Nomination Categories Tom Samples Professional of the Year Award One of the most prestigious and highest recognitions bestowed on a Tennessee turfgrass professional by the Association is the Tom Samples Professional of the Year Award. TTA members are given the opportunity to nominate those who they feel have made contributions to the turfgrass industry. Environmental Stewardship Award This award recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and agencies for successful projects or activities designed to improve the environment through wildlife habitat preservation, water and resource conservation and reduction, and educational outreach. Sports Field of the Year Award High School, Municipal, Collegiate & Professional The TTA recognizes that our members make personal and professional contribution to our industry and to the organization you serve. This award is presented to a sports field which has demonstrated those qualities. Golf Course of the Year Award Public and Private The TTA recognizes that our members make personal and professional contribution to our industry and to the organization you serve. This award is presented to a golf course which has demonstrated those qualities. Submit your nominations at ttaonline.org You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Stars of the Industry Awards Nominations appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 10, 202621 min
Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants For Fine Turf — What’s the Difference?
Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants For Fine Turf — What’s the Difference?” written by Richard E. Schmidt, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. Read from the July / August 2026 issue of Virginia Turfgrass Journal. Introduction, written by Mike Goatley, Jr., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Professor Emeritus Richard E. Schmidt passed on December 31, 2025 at the age of 94. Upon the passing of his wife, June, in 2022, Dick’s son, Stephen, asked me to please “keep Dad active and engaged by involving him in a project”. Well, the project I asked Dick to work on for me was to summarize what he considered to be some of the most significant findings of his research of biostimulants as compared to more traditional plant growth regulators. Dick literally continued to review articles and write from that point until he was prepared to pass, calling me on December 30 to let me know that he did not have much more time and it was up to me to complete this article. There was little that was needed for me to “complete” this article, but it was my pleasure to provide the final review and edits to Dick’s last scientific publication for the turfgrass industry. I decided I can’t give you everything Dick was exploring… he went into areas of literature review on gene regulation and expression in plant hormone production, the chemistry and production of phytosiderophores, and a host of other topics that I simply am not qualified to discuss. My effort focused on refining Dick’s article in a way that I felt would most benefit you, the turfgrass manager. Dick is referred to by many as “the Godfather of turfgrass biostimulants,” but his recognition for his efforts in better understanding these compounds did not come without professional challenges. He was often confronted by scientific peers that he should not be wasting his time doing “snake oil research”. But Dick remained resolute that these compounds had the potential to play important roles in managed turfgrass, especially turfgrass that was likely to encounter environmental stress. Dick, along with research scientists like VT’s Dr. Xunzhong Zhang (and a number of graduate students such as myself studying under him at Tech) slowly but surely progressed in the understanding of why and how these compounds might work (or not) rather than just practicing the approach of “spray and pray”. VT Turfgrass alum and Purdue University Turfgrass Professor Dr. Cale Bigelow made a comment about Dick’s legacy that I thought was very astute: “I dare say that almost every high-profile golf course or sports field anywhere in the country likely has some formulation(s) of a biostimulant in their chemical room that the manager is applying as a standard tool in their management program.” I hope you will take a few minutes to read Dick’s final article on this subject matter as a way to pay tribute to his lifetime of research efforts, and to learn a little more about how to use these compounds to improve your turfgrass management program. Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants For Fine Turf — What’s the Difference? Are you confused concerning the use of plant growth regulators (PGR’s) or biostimulants? First a couple of basic definitions of these compounds to set the stage for this discussion. For the purpose of this paper, I will define a PGR as any compound that alters plant growth or development and a biostimulant as an organic substance derived from plants and animals that, when applied in small quantities, may enhance plant growth and metabolism to enhance turfgrass tolerance to environmental stress. There is definitely some overlap in these definitions, so it’s understandable if you are confused by the distinctions between these two classes of chemistry. Conflicting information concerning the efficacy of newly introduced materials occurs frequently. Dr. Bill Kreuser (2015) points out the advantages of using plant growth regulators for fine turf. Subsequently, VT alum Dr. Jordan Booth (2023) advocates managing bentgrass putting greens in the transition zone without plant growth regulators. Here are two highly regarded scientists with quite variable viewpoints on this subject, and I think both are correct in their findings and recommendations, depending on the situation. To get a perspective on the subject let us briefly review the history of the use of compounds that fall outside the category of fertilizers but are known to affect the growth and development of plants. Prior to World War II, a growth hormone in the form of the herbicide 2,4-D, was introduced to selectively control broadleaf weeds in turfgrass populations. Reports of effectiveness varied. Its application for weed control did not become widespread until sufficient research was conducted to show that applications made during the winter months were not effective until warmer weather in the spring when broadleaf weeds were actively growing. Once it was established that this chemical effectiveness was influenced by the environment, its use became standard. This is a reminder that from the beginning of the use of synthetic chemicals that environmental condition must be considered in obtaining desired results when applying chemicals to turf. 2,4-D and similar compounds later became standard components in tissue culture research in the selection and development of new turfgrass cultivars through callus culture. This ‘positive’ growth response of 2,4-D clarifies something that we have long known for pesticides, hormones, fertilizers etc. – concentration is very important. In Search of Compounds for Faster Growth Responses Other factors and compounds must also be considered when discussing the initial research into the possible use of these compounds. During the 1980’s the first synthetic gibberellic acid (GA) compounds became available. Research by Dr. Felix Juska (1958) detailed how gibberellic acid stimulates plant growth by elongation of stems between the nodes. This was originally thought to be a miracle compound for turfgrass culture. However, by the late 1980s use of GA as a plant growth accelerator was basically terminated except for specialty uses such as pre-germinating perennial ryegrass seed for sports field surface recovery uses, a standard practice by many sports field managers still today. When delving into the reasons cited by scientists and turfgrass managers alike why GA use essentially ceased outside of seed treatments, it seemed that the general consensus was that once a dense turf was established, most managers desired that the grass grew more slowly to decrease maintenance cost! Perhaps Compounds for Slower Growth? To obtain slower turf growth, there was also a lot of interest in the 1980s in the development and testing of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) as a component of turfgrass management, with initial compounds mostly being used on unimproved turf for radical reductions in foliar growth or seedhead development. Emphasis for fine turf management was placed on synthetic gibberellic inhibitors, such as compounds still widely used today in paclobutrazol and trinexapac-ethyl, to control foliar growth of turfgrasses and improve turfgrass density and playability. One common theme with their use that was first somewhat surprising to end users was the surge of foliar growth when the regulated turf was removed from the treatment program- a phenomenon often referred to as the “rebound stage” of growth and development. Clipping yields increased drastically during the rebound stage due to a buildup of carbohydrates and stored nitrogen in the plants that accumulated during the suppression phase. This is further evidence of response that is due to concentrations of hormones inside the plants (as well as the interactions with other compounds). I briefly mentioned before how 2,4-D is most commonly thought of as a broadleaf herbicide, but at low concentrations it can trigger very positive auxin hormone-based responses that promote cell elongation. The late biochemical pathway suppression of GA by a Class A PGR like trinexapac-ethyl revolutionized how fine turf is managed with a PGR. The main beneficial claim for using gibberellic inhibitors is the reduction of clipping yield plus the enhancement of color, increased stress tolerance and reduced nutrient requirements. Because of the short growth suppression phase, frequent retreatments are required. It is impractical to visually determine the effectiveness of the gibberellic inhibitor treatment to ascertain when retreatment is necessary. One standard method in golf turf putting green management has been golf ball roll distance; when ball roll is slowed because of faster turfgrass growth rate (as measured by an increase in clipping yield), it is a signal to re-treat. Technology and smart devices have now made it common to have PGR-treatment prediction models that combine data collected over the years with varying rates and sources of PGRs with Growing Degree Day data. This is an example of how technology is helping the turfgrass manager further refine their PGR management programs and maintain consistent ball roll speeds for their golfing public. Growth Inhibitors or Metabolic Stimulators Although classified as a PGR, naturally occurring growth regulators such as seaweed extracts and humic acid are not discussed in the same ways as gibberellic acid inhibitors. This is because the main effect of the natural growth regulators is in metabolic enhancement, and these compounds are commonly referred to as biostimulants. By this definition, some PGR’S also may be classified as biostimulants as they also influence the metabolic activity of plants. Therefore, when a material is used to influence plant growth it often is being used primarily as a PGR. When it is used to affect the metabolism of the plant, it may be referred to as a biostimulant. It has been well documented that turfgrasses under environmental stress have an internal increase at the molecular level in potentially phytotoxic oxygen species (called free radicals) within their cells. Simply put, the plant is incapable of utilizing all of the energy from the sun that it is receiving (something we generally associate with photosynthesis and think of as a “good thing” because it is leading to food production). Under conditions of excessive energy absorption, oxygen molecules accept electrons and become a highly reactive free radical form. These free radicals are capable of damaging cell membranes. Under normal conditions the plant has biochemical pathways in place to neutralize free radical formation, but under stress, the build-up of free radicals exceeds the plant’s capability of quenching that excessive energy by the production of compounds called antioxidants. It has been shown that supplemental applications of biostimulants (particularly before the most extreme periods of stress arrive) can enhance the development of the antioxidant compounds that can mitigate the toxic influence of the free radicals. Whether materials are applied for growth control or development of antioxidants, environmental conditions must be considered. For example, research has shown that adequate nitrogen fertilizers in the fall and early winter (when grass foliar growth is reduced by cooling temperatures), carbohydrate reserves increase and this ultimately favors root production. However, heavy spring nitrogen fertilization stimulates foliar growth at the expense of root production and places the plant under stress, particularly if the summer months prove to be hot and dry. In Booth’s 2023 article, he makes the case that applying PGR’s, such as those that inhibit gibberellin production, can add to the stress associated with the summer weather. Data, however, shows these products do influence the metabolic processes that are reported to negate the effects of environmental stress. Other interacting factors that influence the action of the biostimulant are nutrient balance and/or pest activity that negates the results of the treatment. It is difficult to visually observe changes associated with PGR’s and the opportunity to adjust programs is often missed. Again, one of the best (but time consuming strategies to adjust programs) is to take daily stimpmeter readings to assess ball roll and/or clipping yields to determine the level of plant growth effect of the supplemental PGR treatments. Relation Between Metabolism and Plant Growth Responses As a means to hopefully better explain some of my earliest research findings in terms of PGR/biostimulant concentrations and turfgrass response(s) (and what I have found in my literature review beyond my time as an active faculty member at Virginia Tech), I turn to findings from a scientific publication from the work done by my successor in turfgrass physiology research at Virginia Tech, Dr. Erik Ervin. Ervin at al. (2004) published a paper on the seasonal influence of biostimulants on root growth, metabolic activity, and overall shade tolerance of creeping bentgrass, an article that covers both basic and applied research findings in this area. Root development of bentgrass, as measured by physical root pulls of plugs grown under the first shade treatment sequence of 88% shade from June to 30 October 2001 (summer through early fall) was not enhanced by trinexapac ethyl, iron, or seaweed + iron treatments, but had an approximate 44% increase for treatment with a standard fungicide, propiconazole. When returned to light conditions for the next six months (November to April 2002, late fall through winter), all root pull measurements were much greater than before, with increases of 37, 41, 20, and 17%, respectively for trinexapac ethyl, propiconazole, iron, and seaweed + iron treatments compared to the untreated control. When shade was introduced again from April to November 2002 (spring to fall sequence), root strength once again declined due to the shade, but trinexapac ethyl, propiconazole (the active ingredient in a standard fungicide, shown to have hormonal-type activity in previous VT research), iron, and seaweed + iron treatments all provided root strength increases of 92, 33, 24, and 6%, respectively, as compared to the untreated control. Two factors are at play here. Root development is obviously linked to the plants producing energy in the lighted conditions. Secondly, grass roots tend to develop during the late fall/winter months when foliar growth was impeded. The bentgrass receiving the trinexapac ethyl treatments retained the most root development compared to the control when measured in Nov 2002. This indicates that the benefits of treatment that enhanced root development during the winter period when the bentgrass was exposed to light persisted. Although the treatments that had the largest root development (bentgrass treated with trinexapac- ethyl under full light in the winter, October 2001 to April 2002) because of the root growth response, they also had the largest percentage root loss the following spring and summer when grown under shade. However, in terms of absolute root numbers as determined by root strength measurements, the bentgrass receiving these treatments still had significantly better root growth than the untreated control. Metabolic Activity Now, how about metabolic activity? Two metabolic variables measured in this shade trial were photochemical efficiency (PE, a measurement of how efficiently plants are utilizing photosynthetically active radiation) and antioxidant activity (a measurement of how the plants were capable of quenching the potentially membrane-damaging energy of free radicals) by way of an increase in an energy-quenching compound, Superoxide Dismutase. PE levels under shaded conditions increased slightly for all treatments compared to the untreated control, but the values only ranged from a 2% increase for Seaweed Extract + Humic Acid to a 9% increase for trinexapac ethyl. While the dense shade drastically reduced all levels of SOD in shaded plants, the relative increases in SOD in the treated bentgrass compared to the untreated control was 39, 74, 78, and 86% greater for seaweed extract + humic acid, trinexapac ethyl, propiconazole, and FeSO4, respectively. Greater SOD levels in the plant impart improved stress tolerance to the bentgrass as it was moved from the shade to sunny conditions. Now, clearly the treatments were no replacement for growing grass in sufficient sunlight, correct? But under such extreme light deprivation, the treatments did trigger the plant’s metabolic responses to improve shade tolerance. What This Might Mean for Future Objective Assessments of Overall Turfgrass Health When combining the metabolic enhancement data from the bentgrass shade investigation trial with that of the root development under altering shade and light conditions, it is evident that in general, there were positive responses to the PGR and biostimulant treatments. Determination of the antioxidant activity to ascertain turf health in “real time” is a wet laboratory process and would be impractical for the average turfgrass manager to use it to measure health of the grass. However, the remote sensing technologies that the research teams of Drs. McCall and Askew at Virginia Tech (and scientists at other universities) are evaluating, coupled with the expanding availability of these types of tools to golf course superintendents and sports field managers, and a summary/evaluation of computations possible through artificial intelligence, I think it is likely that one day soon the turf manager will be determining the PE and SOD levels etc. to assess turfgrass health both rapidly and accurately. While ball roll speed, trueness of roll, and/or clipping yields will always give the turf manager very meaningful data in terms of management decisions that affect health and playability aspects, the use of electronic tools will provide the turfgrass manager real time data to tweak the metabolic activity of the turfgrass by way of a PGR or biostimulant application. Summary Although turfgrass ecology is a science, it also very much remains an art as well. Therefore, we should always respect the observations of dedicated turfgrass professionals that pay such close attention to their grasses on a daily basis. Their judgments and measurements reflect the ideal and the extremes in environmental conditions. And their exploration with the pros and cons of PGRs and biostimulants have demonstrated the possibilities and pratfalls for how these tools can affect metabolic processes within the plant that may (or may not) promote better stress tolerance. For as much progress that has been made in this area from the time I began studying biostimulants in the 1980s, there is no doubt that there is so much more we don’t know. There are an infinite number of plant hormone concentration possibilities inside plants that trigger plant responses, and with the application of the biostimulant the turfgrass manager is trying to effectively and safely manipulate that hormonal balance. Add to the equation the diversity of turfgrass species, climate, soils, pests, maintenance protocol, turfgrass use etc. and you can appreciate the challenges involved in gaining the desired plant responses. I have somewhat alluded to it, but I don’t think I have completely addressed this point: when Dr. Goatley first spoke with me about developing an article about biostimulants and PGRs he made the statement that “in particular one needs to know exactly what is in their biostimulant package if they are on a PGR program”. I agree and it’s a reminder that carefully reading and following the label is no different than for a pesticide. For instance, if a turfgrass manager is on a trinexapac-ethyl regulation program and is simultaneously applying a biostimulant that contains GA, their growth regulation is very likely being affected since they are applying the antidote to the PGR activity. There always will be research that needs to be conducted in this area, and I am pleased that the lab of Dr. Xunzhong Zhang at Virginia Tech continues to expand knowledge in this area. Dr. Zhang has published research showing that turfgrass stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature, exposure to UV light, and shade can be reduced by elevating plant antioxidant levels by way of biostimulant applications. Biostimulants are not and will never be replacements for sound management strategies, but they are tools that when applied at the right time and concentration can enhance stress tolerance and improve the health and performance of your turfgrass system. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants For Fine Turf — What’s the Difference? appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 7, 202610 min
How a near-death experience led to a career in turfgrass
Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “How a near-death experience led to a career in turfgrass” by Matt Duncan, CSFM. Read from the Summer 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Turfgrass. How can the worst thing that has ever happened to you also be the best thing that has ever happened to you? This is a question I ask myself when reflecting on more than three decades in the turfgrass industry. The year was 1995. I was a sophomore majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Then, in April of that year, my life took a turn I could have never expected. On April 6, 1995, I went to the doctor back home in Williamsport and was told I had bronchitis with an infection in my lungs. He put me on some medicine and told me to go back to school. After the appointment, two of my friends and I went to the Old Lycoming County Jail in downtown Williamsport to see the prison. As we walked around, my friends were a little ahead of me. I looked into one of the cells, and jumped back. There was a priest standing in the cell. He had a black suit with white collar, was carrying a Bible, and wore glasses. Not expecting to see anyone in there, I made a bit of small talk then caught up with my friends. I looked back and the priest was gone. I asked friends where he went, and they said there was no one in the cells — they were empty and locked. I was still not feeling well when I went to bed on April 7, and I didn’t wake up for a couple of weeks. I had fallen into a coma, lost the ability to breathe on my own, had a tracheotomy, was placed on a respirator, and lost brain activity. It was during that time that I had an out-of-body, near-death experience. I remember floating above my body and seeing myself lying there. I could hear doctors and nurses talking, and see what they were doing to my body. During this experience, I was able to move around the hospital floor and made my way to the waiting room. I could see and hear my parents, family and friends, but I could not interact with anyone. I then drifted from the hospital to a setting that was white and cloud-like. I was near what looked like a gate, and everyone around me was wearing white religious robes. I was in a wheelchair, which made sense later when I woke up from my coma paralyzed from my neck down. I also could not speak to anyone, which made sense with my trach in my throat. Despite this, I felt comfortable in that surrounding. There were many people there that I didn’t recognize, but eventually a familiar face came to me. His name was Walter Tempesco. He was my next door neighbor growing up, and his wife Mary used to babysit my sister and me until my parents got home from work. He was like a grandfather to me, and I was very close to him. When I was nine years old, Walter fell off of a ladder and died. Being young, I didn’t know how to react to the news, as he was my first experience with death. Walter asked me, “Matt, what do you want? What do you want to do?” As mentioned, I couldn’t speak, but I was very comfortable there and wanted to stay. He kept asking what I wanted. He came back to me later and told me that I could not stay there, and that it was not my time, but I would have a chance again another day. The next thing I remember, I opened my eyes. I’m not sure how much time had passed between that experience and waking up. But it was later suggested to me that I had been pretty far gone. I can’t adequately describe the feeling I had when I opened my eyes. I went from a feeling of comfort in the clouds to one of terror and fear. My eyes were the only thing I could move. I had a trach in my throat, a feeding tube in my stomach, a central line in my chest, catheters, IV’s — tubes everywhere. To make things worse, I didn’t recognize my parents right away, didn’t know where I was, didn’t know what happened to me, and couldn’t understand what the doctors and nurses were telling me. What my doctor missed on April 6 was that I had viral encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. I was told that the particular strain I had contracted kills more than 80% of the people who contract it. Of those who live, more than half end up with mental disabilities. I could not feel my body from my neck down. Over time, the fog that I was in lifted. I remembered my parents, and could understand things, but I could not yet communicate. Feeling slowly came back to my hands, then arms, then legs, and finally my feet. I eventually needed therapy to learn how to walk, how to talk, and how to eat food again. I continued with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy after I was released from the hospital. It was a grueling recovery that took time, tears, patience and prayers. My family and friends were warriors helping me get through it, and I cannot imagine what they went through or how they felt. A New Journey Begins By summer I was well enough to walk, and was released from the hospital. But I was bored back at home while I was recovering. So, I decided to visit my fraternity brother, Roy Silvis, who was working as head groundskeeper at Bowman Field, the Minor League Baseball stadium in Williamsport that was home to the Short-Season Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. It was far enough from my house that I normally would not have walked, but since I just re-learned how to use my legs, I wanted to keep them moving. I walked to Bowman Field just to see Roy, but he asked if I wanted to be his assistant. It would mainly involve game day help watering, lining, moving screens, etc. I gladly accepted. I had played baseball during my freshman year of college, and wanted to be around the game. That summer introduced me to a couple of people who would become mentors to me. First was Don Fowler, a Penn State Extension Specialist who also coordinated all of the volunteer efforts for the Little League World Series, which was played across the river. Don showed me how to work the clay on the mounds and plates, and gave me a lot of advice. The other was Lubie Veal, a former MLB head groundskeeper in Cincinnati, Montreal, and in Chicago at Wrigley Field. The Cubs would send Lubie to all of their minor league parks to ensure the fields were up to par. For the next three summers, I got to continue working at Bowman Field as head groundskeeper thanks to General Manager Doug Estes taking a chance on a hometown kid with a strong work ethic and a desire to learn. I got to spend time with Lubie and pick his brain, and I learned a lot of the basics that I would build upon from there and carry with me to my next stops. I then moved to Ohio to be head groundskeeper for the Mahoning Valley Scrapper, Class-A affiliate for the Cleveland Indians. They are now part of the MLB Draft League; and things have come full circle, as my son Connor is now the head groundskeeper at 17 years old. From there, I went to the Akron Aeros, Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, and I also started working for the Cleveland Browns. Prior to my hospitalization, I had no idea the turfgrass industry even existed, let alone that it would provide me with the chance to have a career in professional baseball. Through it all, the people of this industry have been the best part. They have given me so much, and have expected nothing in return. I would not be working in this industry if it weren’t for those who have taken chances on me. As a result, I always make it a point to give people a chance and stand up for those who are just looking for experience and a shot. A general manager once asked me to recommend someone for his head groundskeeper position. His response about the person I recommended was, “He doesn’t have much experience.” I told him that nobody has experience until given a chance. He hired who I recommended, and that person eventually went on to be a Major League Baseball groundskeeper. Through my experiences, I have learned to be grateful. When everything is taken away from you, you learn to not take life for granted and be appreciative of what you have. I also learned to tell the people around me what they mean to me and that I appreciate them. In addition to Don and Lubie, I am grateful for Darian Daily, Brian Gimbel, Brent Packer, Paul Curtis, Bob Hudzik, Jeff Fowler, R.D. Slingerland, Pam Sherratt, Dr. John Street, Chris Powell and Neal Pate. Some of them are no longer with us, but I hope that they know they were appreciated by me and many others. All of these people taught me not only how to be a better turf manager, but how to pay it forward and help others. I will never fully understand why I was saved and given a new lease on life. What I do know is that I am eternally grateful for my second chance at life and all of the people I have in it. But you don’t have to go through a near-death experience to understand the importance of taking time to appreciate the gifts you have been given and the people who impact you every day. For the rest of my career, I will continue to think back to 1995, how my life took a turn, and how the worst thing that has ever happened to me became the best thing that has ever happened to me, because it brought me into the turfgrass industry. Matt Duncan, CSFM, is a professional turf account manager for DLF, and serves as vice president – commercial on the SFMA Board of Directors. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post How a near-death experience led to a career in turfgrass appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 5, 20264 min
Machine Vision-Guided Targeted Herbicide Applications for Weed Management in Turfgrass
Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features research from North Carolina State University student Brooke Heikkila on machine vision-guided targeted herbicide applications for weed management in turfgrass. In recent years, a variety of new spot spraying technologies have been introduced into agriculture that uses machine vision and artificial intelligence to selectively treat weeds. Targeted spraying opens the door to use nonselective herbicides or novel herbicide admixtures that were previously too expensive or injurious to turfgrass when applied as broadcast treatments. Targeted applications can substantially reduce herbicide use by lowering spray volume and treated acreage, providing both environmental and economic benefits. The first commercial machine vision-guided spot sprayer for turfgrass was recently launched at the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show; however, limited research has been conducted to quantify its benefits or optimize its use for turfgrass weed management. Brooke Heikkila, an MS student in Godara’s Lab at North Carolina State University, is developing practical weed density thresholds and herbicide admixtures to optimize machine vision-guided targeted applications for turfgrass weed management. Brooke received her BS in Environmental Science from the University of Minnesota and recently completed the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program. She is passionate about making meaningful contributions to the North Carolina turfgrass industry and is focused on developing innovative, practical solutions for turfgrass managers. Brooke’s thesis research project, funded by Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, focuses on investigating different herbicide admixtures to control false-green kyllinga (Kyllinga spp.) in fairways, with the goal of improving weed control efficacy and resistance management strategies through targeted applications. In her recent work, they documented that turfgrass managers can use nonselective herbicides like glyphosate or tank mixtures that involve herbicides from different modes-of-action to control false-green kyllinga with minimal injury risk to desirable turfgrass on fairways. These targeted applications reduced the amount of herbicide volume used and treated area by at least 75% compared to traditional broadcast treatments. Although machine vision-guided sprayers require a substantial upfront investment, the magnitude of herbicide reduction has the potential to generate significant annual cost savings for turfgrass managers just in few years. Future work will focus on understanding how these savings will vary throughout a year-long management plan when combating a diverse spectrum of weed including grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, using targeted applications. While these cost savings are encouraging, differences between targeted and broadcast spraying may diminish at higher weed densities. To address this concern, Brooke is conducting an additional study to evaluate how herbicide usage from targeted applications varies across different infestation levels of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) in turfgrass. Even at 30% annual bluegrass cover, which is substantially higher than the typical weed cover observed on managed sites, targeted applications resulted in a 35% reduction in spray volume used compared to broadcast applications. Although many of these experiments are ongoing and require validation across multiple site years, it is exciting to answer these important questions to assist practitioners with the adoption of this new tool and develop application thresholds. These early results are positive indicators of machine vision-guided spot sprayers’ ability to reduce herbicide usage, lowering turfgrass managers’ annual herbicide budget and decreasing environmental pesticide loads. Brooke’s goal is to provide turfgrass managers with the practical evidence they need to see how machine vision-guided spot spraying could impact their budget, flexibility, and long-term turfgrass sustainability. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Machine Vision-Guided Targeted Herbicide Applications for Weed Management in Turfgrass appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 3, 20269 min
Preparing for the Next Poa Control Season
Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Preparing for the Next Poa Control Season” by Scott McElroy, PhD – Professor, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University and and Travis Gannon, PhD – Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Science, North Carolina State University. Quote – “When did Noah build the Ark? Before the Rain.” – Robert Redford in “Spy Game” It is the end of Poa annua’s life span here in the southeast. As this article is being written in late May, Poa is struggling to produce that last bit of seed it can before it dies, perpetuating whatever traits it carries into the future. Likely, if you have been trying to control Poa, you are looking down at a population that has been selected for some form of resistance to the herbicides you have been using. The short-time traveler seeds are going to greet you next November-ish. As warm-season grasses are sliding into dormancy, or at least a state of slowed or diminished growth, those seeds carrying those herbicide-defying traits are going to make their appearance, potentially thwarting whatever attempt you used last year yet again. Before you start making decisions about your management program next year, you need to test your Poa population. Two populations from this year were showing signs of Kerb resistance until we brought them into the lab and realized that it was not resistance, but most likely enhanced degradation due to overuse. Email Dr. McElroy at resistancelab@auburn.edu and get a better picture of what your population is resistant to. For most herbicides, you can get an answer in six weeks. For the southeastern US, there are three distinct application periods for Poa control. This is for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass golf, sports fields, professional lawn care, and general use. Golf and sports fields are the most complicated because they receive the most traffic and use, therefore the greater turfgrass damage, which leads to greater weed invasion. The application scenarios we talk about here are more likely to be used in golf than in other areas, but applicable to all situations except sports, which require special attention to not reduce rooting and traction. The Pre Application- The Basis of Control. In all situations, you want to start off with a general preemergence herbicide. If in golf and non-sports turfgrass areas, this is Specticle (indaziflam) or a standard pre like Barricade (prodiamine), Pendulum (pendimethalin), or Dimension (dithiopyr). In our opinion, this is the optimal application timing for Specticle (indaziflam). Specticle should not be used on sports fields, it is a root inhibitor and can result in poor-performing turfgrass. Regardless of which herbicide, the initial pre application is the basis of all Poa control programs. Skipping the pre puts greater pressure on follow-up postemergent applications. Even if pre-applications only reduce the Poa population by 50%, that is still 50% fewer weeds that follow-up applications have to deal with. Later applications are much more likely to fail if you put all the pressure on follow-up post applications. Adding in a postemergent herbicide at this time is not a bad idea, but it needs to have some residual and some root uptake because your pre needs to be watered in. Monument (trifloxysulfuron) is possible because it can be foliar absorbed, but Revolver (foramsulfuron) has limited root uptake. Others are using Sencor (metribuzin) in this timing. The Winter Transition: Key to Resistance Management. The early winter, or early winter transition application, is the most critical. Skipping this application leads to too much pressure being placed on the initial pre application which can expedite resistance development. This application needs to yield acceptable control in two to three weeks, which eliminates any resistant survivors that may be present and provides further preemergence control. The key to the transition application is choosing multiple herbicides with a minimum of three different modes of action, with at least two having preemergence and postemergence activity. To clarify- Three modes of action with two having both pre and post activity. Triazines – atrazine and simazine – are the starting point for this control. Think of these as your Post/Pre herbicides, they are primarily post but give you some pre activity. Sencor (metribuzin) is also an option, although not as consistently effective as atrazine or simazine. If these herbicides are not available for use or if you have extensive confirmed resistance, ALS inhibitors such as Revolver (foramsulfuron), Monument (trifloxysulfuron), or Katana (flazasulfuron) are useful, as is Scepter (imazaquin). Next, you need a Pre/Post in the mix – a herbicide that gives you primarily pre action but adds in some post control. Kerb (pronamide/propyzamide) and Sureguard (flumioxazin) are good choices at this timing. A second application of Specticle also has potential in this situation, although it has less post activity than the two listed above. Ronstar (oxadiazon) applied as a liquid to provide post activity also has potential in this timing. Last in the mix you need something that can aid control and help prevent resistance. Glyphosate is the obvious choice in this mixture. If you are not completely dormant, a low rate at 5 fl oz/a (of a 4 lb ai gallon) can add some benefit, but if confident in the dormancy, use a full labeled rate on dormant turfgrass. Finale (glufosinate) is a good substitute if glyphosate resistance is present or developing. Neither glyphosate or glufosinate are recommended for zoysiagrass, adding in a Revolver, Katana, or another ALS inhibitor is a better choice due to potential damage from non-selective herbicides. The Spring Transition – Control Any Escapes and Spring Crabgrass Control. Combining any further Poa annua control with spring crabgrass and goosegrass control is an easy way to maximize efficiency. This pushes the herbicide application into late February to early March for the majority of the southeastern United States (time applications to your specific area based on local weather patterns and soil temperatures). Dormancy questions and spring greenup of bermudagrass or zoysiagrass complicate this application timing. Some herbicides are simply too harsh on greenup to be used in this period. First, the standard pre herbicides should be used at this time – Barricade (prodiamine), Pendulum (pendimethalin), Dimension (dithiopyr), or Ronstar (oxadiazon, granular is not dormant, but liquid can be used if still dormant). While Specticle is more effective for Poa annua control and summer annuals such as goosegrass and doveweed, it is equivalent to the standards for crabgrass control. Second, post herbicides that can be used in this transition period are few. ALS-inhibitors mentioned before are definitely safe, but resistance is extensive, thwarting their use. Triazines can delay greenup and cause transition injury. Non-selectives such as glyphosate and glufosinate are out due to spring injury. Final Thought. Herbicides are primary technology we have today to control weeds. We live in a chemical technological age. Unfortunately, weeds, especially Poa annua, have evolved resistance to these herbicides. Our thoughts and ideas we provide herein are meant to reduce the potential for resistance development and all herbicide options are not discussed for brevity. These multi-herbicide strategies now are necessary because herbicide resistance has become so prevalent and it is our goal to strategically use these herbicides to prevent further resistance development and protect herbicide technology for future use. Note: Always read and follow the complete herbicide label before mixing, handling, or applying any product, as the label provides legally required directions for safe, effective use, application rates, precautions, and site-specific restrictions. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Preparing for the Next Poa Control Season appeared first on The Turf Zone .
August 1, 20262 min
2026 Blacksburg Field Day
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Blacksburg Field Day on August 24 – 25, 2026 at Virginia Tech and the Turfgrass Research Center in Blacksburg. This year’s event begins with an elevated kickoff at Blacksburg Country Club, where we are partnering to bring together the fun of Goatley Rules mixed with tradition golf fun for 9 holes of pure entertainment and camaraderie. The Monday program features a 3:00 PM shotgun start followed by a welcome happy hour and dinner at 6:00 PM. On Tuesday, attendees will gather at the Turfgrass Research Center for breakfast and registration at 7:30 AM, field day tours at 8:30 AM, and a networking lunch at 12:30 PM. This annual event offers a chance to learn, network, and support turfgrass research, education, and extension in Virginia — while enjoying one of the most memorable traditions in the turfgrass community. Your participation in Field Day helps the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation (VTF) continue supporting the Turfgrass Research Center (TRC) in meaningful ways. In 2025, that support helped fund a part-time TRC staff position, and in recent years VTF has also provided equipment matching funds for multiple pieces of critical equipment. As research needs continue to evolve, attendance at these events helps fuel the funding needed to keep the TRC moving forward and meeting those needs. The Blacksburg Field Day is more than a showcase of research — it is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen the turfgrass community, and support continued investment in the Turfgrass Research Center. With Goatley Rules returning in a bigger way this year, it’s also a chance to enjoy an unforgettable round of golf while celebrating Dr. Mike Goatley’s lasting impact on the turfgrass profession. Register now at www.vaturfgrass.org You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X , Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post 2026 Blacksburg Field Day appeared first on The Turf Zone .
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