Fresh Cut Grass

Tanner and Jeff host Sports Turf Manager of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, Tony Leonard on the show. Tony discusses maintenance practices he uses at Lincoln Financial Field and the practice facility, the NovaCare Center.  Tony will be utilizing bermudagrass year-round this season. Tony talks about the challenges of managing the stadium for two teams; the Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls, as...

Tanner and Jeff have Dr. Ben McGraw and Dr. Pete Landschoot back on the show. In this episode, they discuss the recent outbreak of fall armyworms in Pennsylvania. They discuss the effects it has had on turf, as well as what can be done after damage occurs. A discussion is also had about preventative options. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host)  Dr...

Tanner and Jeff speak with Alex Steinman, Director of Grounds for the University of Maryland Department of Athletics. Alex talks about the performance and maintenance of Bermudagrass on athletic fields in Maryland. He discusses cultural practices including verticutting, fertilization, and overseeding. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host)  Alex Stei...

Tanner and Jeff have Kristen Althouse on the show. Kristen is the Education Manager for the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA). She has been working with KAFMO and Penn State University to build a circulmulmn for high school agriculture teachers that can be used to teach students about the turf industry. Kristen has video training clips, lesson plans and all of the teaching aids needed to pre...

Tanner and Jeff have Madison Manos on the show. Madison has 200 acres of grounds to maintain and she juggles all of the responsibilities as the ONLY full-time staff member dedicated to the fields. Though young, she brings lots of interesting experiences to the industry. Madison talks about entering the field that she has loved since a young age, as the daughter of a golf course superintendent, and...

Tanner and Jeff have Dan Douglas, Head Groundskeeper for the Reading Fightin’ Phils and President of the Pennsylvania STMA chapter, KAFMO (Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization) . Dan talks about how the chapter started and the benefits of being a member. He continues with the chapter's plans post-pandemic, and he discusses what his role is at First Energy Field. Jeff Fowler, Penn Sta...

Tanner and Jeff invite Dr. Michael Fidanza, Professor of Plant and Soil Science, to talk about Fairy Ring, a turf fungal disease. Growing up on a mushroom farm in Pennsylvania, Mike has always been interested in the fungi. Mike talks about causes, control and discusses some interesting facts about fairy rings, and the location of the largest rings in the world! Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Ex...

Tanner and Jeff invite Chris Ball with Profile Products to join them for this episode to discuss the Little League Softball World Series.  Chris is heading up the volunteer grounds crew for the event that, for the very first time, is being held in Chris’s hometown of Greenville, NC.   Chris talks about the field conversion from baseball to softball, coordinating the volunteers, and a lot more! The...

George Peters, Supervisor of Grounds at Penn State University joins Jeff and Tanner on the podcast. George supervises all sports venues at Penn State except for baseball. During this episode, turf management of different fields is discussed, including changes made during the COVID pandemic. Beaver Stadium turf management is also discussed. Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Dr. Doug Linde, professor of Turf Management at Delaware Valley University. They discuss the DVU turf program and give tips to making the most out of your student interns. Doug is also the golf coach for the University and conducts research at DVU in Doylestown, PA.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host)  Dr. Doug Linde, D...

Tanner and Jeff host Dr. Pete Landschoot back on the show to talk about naturalized areas. Dr. Landschoot has been doing research on these areas for almost 5 years. We cover everything from establishment to fertilization to mowing and even weed control.  While these naturalized areas are lower input, they are not areas that can be forgotten about and still need some attention. Listen to Dr. Landsc...

Tanner and Jeff host special guest, University of Connecticut Extension Educator Vickie Wallace. The trio talk about managing turf areas with reduced pesticide inputs. In Connecticut, pesticides use is restricted on most school grounds, so pest management is discussed in these scenarios. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host)  Vickie Wallace, Extensi...

Tanner and Jeff host Dianne Petrunak, academic advisor for turfgrass science students at Penn State. During this episode, you will hear about the programs that Penn State offers; several of which can be obtained through the World Campus. Dianne is also involved with the student challenge competitions that students take part in at the national level, which is also discussed. Episode Hosts/Speakers:...

Tanner and Jeff host Rob Guthrie, Sports Field Manager at Little League International Headquarters in Williamsport PA. Rob is responsible for the care of 2 stadium fields and 3 practice fields that are used during the Little League World Series. Rob talks about his maintenance practices on the fields. Additionally, Tanner talks with the man in charge of the volunteer grounds staff (Jeff Fowler) ab...

Tanner and Jeff host Dr. Andy McNitt, Professor of Turfgrass at Penn State. Andy is a well-known figure in the sports turf industry. He consults with the NFL groundskeepers and has instructed worldwide audiences on topics including topdressing, drainage, and soils. This episode is one you will not want to miss!   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host...

Tanner and Jeff speak with Brad Jakubowski, Turfgrass Instructor at Penn State.  Brad gives listeners some tips on making sure they have their irrigation system ready for spring.  He also discusses how to perform an irrigation audit, diagnosing most common irrigation mistakes, and how to irrigate properly.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) Brad...

Tanner and Jeff discuss turf insect pests with Dr. Ben McGraw, Turfgrass Entomologist at Penn State. Dr. McGraw discussed control options for white grubs, craneflies, and other turf pests. Dr. McGraw also provides information about the 17-year periodical cicada emergence that will occur in 2021. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) Special Guest: Dr...

Tanner and Jeff discuss fertilizer production and blending.  Additionally, the hosts talk about sources of the different nutrients that make up fertilizer. They go on to talk about the differences between homogenous and blended as well as how fertilizers in turf are impregnated with different chemicals that help to control weeds and insects. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner DelValle...

Tanner and Jeff discuss preparing natural turf areas for special events.  We welcome Steve LeGros, an expert in turf protection, to the show.  Steve takes our listeners through the steps that he recommends turf managers use to prepare for a festival, graduation, concert, or other event that is going to put excessive amounts of wear on your turf.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Del...

Tanner and Jeff discuss the spring of 2021 weather and growing degree days. Tanner talks about the switch for pre-emergence applications for annual grass control and Jeff highlights the need to get soil testing done—Now! Finally, a discussion on the bluemuda research plots finishes up the episode. Episode Hosts: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension  Photo Credit:...

Tanner and Jeff discuss the latest research of manufactured baseball infield mixes. Evan Mascitti talks about his Ph. D. research which includes the search for what makes perfect infield soil. Evan describes characteristics that field managers are looking for and how they are measured. Be sure to listen for cutting-edge information! Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)...

Tanner and Jeff welcome special guest Bobby Piccolo, Assistant Director of Public Works and Superintendent of Athletic Fields in Derry Township (Hershey, PA). Bobby talks about how the COVID pandemic affected his budget and his approach to field care!  Bobby also discusses his approach to field renovation and field maintenance. Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanne...

Tanner and Jeff talk MLB baseball with the Head Groundskeeper at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Matt Brown.  They discuss the process of getting the field ready for play at the professional sports level.  Additionally, the three talk about the importance of a safe and consistent playing surface.   Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (hos...

Tanner and Jeff discuss spring homeowner questions with Dr. Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State.  They talk about new chemistries and new combination products on the market that help control weeds. Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host)  Dr. Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science, Penn Stat...

Tanner and Jeff, along with Dr. Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State, speak with Matt Duncan, with DLF Pick Seed.  They discuss the seed outlook for the 2021 season after an interesting growing season in 2020.  They talk about seed supply and the challenges this year may hold. Episode Hosts/Speakers: Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host)  Tanner DelValle, Penn State Ex...