Grass Clippings

In this engaging conversation, industry experts discuss the multifaceted world of turf management, sharing insights from their experiences, particularly in relation to the World Cup. They emphasize the importance of relationships, education, and community engagement in the turf industry, while also addressing challenges such as athlete safety and the future of turfgrass research. The dialogue high...

In Episode 9 of Grass Clippings , we sit down with Justin to hear his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm Illinois and working on golf courses at a young age to becoming a superintendent, innovator, and founder of The Turf Tank Foundation . Justin shares the realities of golf course management, the balance of art and science behind high‑quality courses, and how innovation is shaping the f...

In this engaging conversation, Robin Wilson, the Sports Field Manager of the Year, shares her journey in turf management, the challenges she faces, and the importance of community support. She discusses her experiences with field management, the significance of quality seed, and the role of mentorship in her career. The conversation also highlights the growing presence of women in the turf industr...

In the 7th episode of Grass Clippings, Crystal travels to Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA, for a site visit with Tony Lee, the Director of Grounds. Tony shares his experiences and insights on turf management, particularly focusing on the transition to new grass and the benefits it has brought to the stadium. He discusses the challenges faced with the previous native soil field, the improvements made...

In the 6th episode of Grass Clippings, host Crystal Rose Fricker interviews BJ Thomas, grounds foreman at the University of Georgia . BJ shares her inspiring journey from being a college athlete to becoming an award-winning turf manager. The conversation covers the hard work and dedication required to maintain elite sports fields, the importance of mentorship and teamwork, and the challenges faced...

In this episode of the Grass Clippings podcast, Crystal interviews Ava Veith, a former Virginia Tech soccer player and current graduate student researching field safety for athletes. Ava is also a former recipient of the Bill Rose Foundation travel scholarship to Pure Seed's Field Day. Ava shares her journey from being an athlete to pursuing a career in turfgrass management, discussing the importa...

In this episode, Crystal discusses the current state of the grass seed industry with Kelly Lynch. They explore the challenges faced by growers and seed dealers, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the impact of overproduction on market dynamics. They also delve into the significance of quality control, the role of technology in seed testing, and the global perspective on seed regu...

In this episode, Crystal Fricker interviews Nick Erwin, the groundskeeper for the Canby School District, discussing the intricacies of turf management, the challenges faced in maintaining high-quality sports fields, and the benefits of natural grass versus synthetic turf. They explore the importance of quality grass, maintenance practices, and the future of sports fields, emphasizing the need for...

In this episode of Grass Clippings, host Crystal Fricker interviews Jim Culley, president of Seed King Enterprises, about the vital role of turf grass consultants in the golf course industry. They discuss the importance of matching grass varieties to specific environments, innovations in grass breeding, and the challenges of sustainability and water conservation in golf courses. The conversation a...

In this episode of Grass Clippings, Crystal Fricker interviews Justin Balich, discussing the NFL's efforts to expand its global reach through international games. They explore the challenges of hosting NFL games in foreign venues, the importance of turf management and field preparation, and the logistics of equipment distribution. The conversation also touches on player safety, consistency in prac...