Fresh Cut Grass

Tanner and Jeff talk with Brooke Breitenbach , Certified Physician Assistant, about skin protection from the sun! In this business, we work outside and are exposed to the sun most of the day. In this episode, Brooke discusses UV clothing, sunscreen, hats, and all other protection from the sun. We also talk about having an annual examination. You can't afford to miss this episode for your peac...

Tanner and Jeff open the mail bag this week and dive into some of the questions they have had from listeners. A variety of topics in this episode from seed selection in heavy wear areas to changing pH. They answer a question from a listener in Alaska about changing soil structure and talk about growth regulators. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host)...

Tanner and Jeff host two former guests on this episode of “Tractor Cab Trivia.” Each person asks five questions in a 20-question round-robin quiz show that is won with correct answers from the participants or your hosts!   Episode Hosts: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension  Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension Speakers: Dan Miller, North Huntington Twp., PA Lee Clinton, Clover School District, Clov...

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff host Tim VanLoo. Tim has been in the turf business for more than 20 years and works for D & K Products. Tim worked at Iowa State before working with D & K. Tim is a past President of SFMA and an all-around great guy. We discuss athletic field turf management, seeding, fertility, annual bluegrass control, and several other turf topics.  Jeff Fowler, Penn Sta...

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff host Rob Guthrie, sports turf manager at Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, PA. Recently, Rob oversaw a complete renovation of Volunteer Stadium. Over time, the infield had risen from the original grade and created issues that needed to be addressed.  Rob discusses the project and the materials they used.    Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner...

Tanner and Jeff host Aaron Ramella of the Buffalo Bills in this episode.  During the show, we discuss the new practice field that was recently installed, Buffalo winters, and field management. Aaron talks about the proposed new natural grass stadium and his challenges since arriving in Buffalo.     Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Tom Butzler, P...

On this episode, Tanner and Jeff host their coworkers who have a podcast called “Keeping It Green.” The “ Keeping it Green ” podcast covers ornamental and landscape questions, which can greatly benefit most professionals. We discuss common lawn and landscape mistakes that people make throughout the year.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Keeping...

Tanner and Jeff host two former guests on this episode of “Tractor Cab Trivia.” Each person asks 5 questions in a 20-question round-robin quiz show that is won with correct answers from the participants or your hosts!    Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension Krystal Snyder, Penn State Extension You can find informat...

Tanner and Jeff have Dr. Andrew McNitt on the show. They discuss his upcoming retirement in August of 2023. Dr. McNitt shares some highlights of his career and interaction with the students and professionals he has interacted with over his 39-year career.  His impact is broad and deep to the turf industry in Pennsylvania and across the country. We wish him well in retirement and thank him for all...

Tanner and Jeff talk with long-time Beaver Stadium grounds crew member Paul Curtis. Paul has spent his career helping to maintain Beaver Stadium at Penn State. As one of the few people to mow Beaver Stadium for many years, Paul discusses what that was like. He also reflects on the changes he has seen in field care, athletics, and coworkers over the years. Finally, Paul talks about his years workin...

Tanner and Jeff have Dr. Dave Huff back on the show to discuss the commercialized production of annual bluegrass seed ready to hit the marketplace.  He talks about the development and value to the golf industry and the University’s assistance in getting it to market. Dr. Huff is a wealth of knowledge and always a joy to talk with!     Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn...

Tanner and Jeff host two former guests on this episode of “Tractor Cab Trivia.” Each person asks five questions in a 20-question round-robin quiz show that is won with correct answers from the participants or your hosts!  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Bobby Piccolo - Derry Township Steve LeGrow- LeGrows Inc. You can find information on turf i...

Tanner and Jeff host Brad Park from Rutgers University to discuss turf-type tall fescue. Brad talks about his research on varieties and establishment, not only in athletic fields but also in lawns. They talk about the seeding rate, mowing height, and nutritional needs of tall fescue.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Brad Park, Rutgers Univers...

Tanner and Jeff host Dr. Gerald Henry, University of Georgia, and his Ph. D. student Erick Begitschke. Dr. Henry talks about the turf program at the university and serves as Erick’s advisor for his Ph. D. research. Erick’s research is focused on researching how turf surfaces have an impact on lower extremity injuries in sports. Erick is working with a kinesiologist to measure the impact on joints...

Tanner and Jeff host Matt Wimer from Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. Matt discuss sod production on native soils and how it is used in various renovation projects throughout the region. Some interesting projects and the challenges associated with each job are discussed. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Matt Wimer , Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. ...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Murray Cook, a long-time consultant for Major League Baseball. Murray talks about what it takes to pull off the special Major League games like those held at The Field of Dreams, Little League Classic, and international games like MLB in Mexico or even the World Baseball Classic.  Murray talks about some of the challenges he has seen, from equipment to maintaining a field...

Tanner and Jeff host their inaugural “Tractor Cab Trivia” with two former guests on the show.  Each person asks five turfgrass-related questions to the group, and a discussion follows. It’s a 20-question quiz show that is won with correct answers from the participants or the hosts!  Play along to see how you fare in this fun turfgrass trivia game! Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner D...

Tanner and Jeff just returned from the National Sports Field Managers Association Conference in Salt Lake City. They do a quick review of the conference and talk about Season 3 of Fresh Cut Grass and what listeners can look forward to in 2023.   National Sports Field Managers Association Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension   Lead photo: Jeffrey Fowler, Penn Stat...

In this episode, Tanner, Jeff, and Nina discuss field safety from a different perspective. Nina Johnson-Pitt works for Little League International as a Senior Strategist and is also a Little League Mom. This episode discusses how field safety goes deeper than player safety on the field. Nina’s daughter is a softball pitcher, and we discuss the mechanics of proper pitching and how unsafe conditions...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Tom Bettle, facility manager of the Joseph Valentine Turf Research Facility in University Park, PA . Tom was a golf course superintendent for 25 years prior to working for Penn State. He works with university faculty to ensure they have space and the proper conditions for field research.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension  Tom Bettle...

Tanner and Jeff talk with their colleague, Brian Walsh, about the spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, PA, and moved as far west as Detroit and as far south as North Carolina. While not a turf pest, it is one that turf professionals do find periodically. Brian talks about the insect and the damage that it will do.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host...

Tanner and Jeff talk with industry expert Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech . He talks about his research and his proudest moments in his 34 years in academia. Dr. Goatley is a world-renowned pillar of the turf industry—you won’t want to miss this one!  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Michael Goatley, Virginia Tech  Lead photo: Tanner Delv...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Jerad Minnick, Founder and Lead Advisor of Natural Grass Advisory Group . There are more than a dozen ways to reduce compaction's effects. In this episode, we discuss several different pieces of equipments that can be used under different scenarios. Jerad is a longtime natural grass advocate who brings years of turf management to the show. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Ext...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Jeff Salmond with United Turf and Track about his personal decision to take better care of himself. A routine physical led to a bunch of tests , and a couple of days later, it led to major surgery! We talk about the impact of stress on our bodies and how to better care of our own bodies for the sake of our loved ones!  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelVa...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Mike Buras, head grounds manager for Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts . The club opened in 1878 , and Mike is only the 5th head grounds manager. On the show, we discuss the agronomic practices used in caring for grass courts. Mike surprises us with a discussion about turf species used for tennis courts. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanne...