Fresh Cut Grass

Jeff and Tanner chat for the final time on Fresh Cut Grass. Each is moving on to different roles within the industry this year. After 150 episodes, a lot of laughs, and a ton of knowledge, the end has arrived for Fresh Cut Grass. Jeff and Tanner share their thoughts on the podcast and some parting words on this final episode.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State E...

Tanner and Jeff have Joe Churchill, a sales representative with Reinders Inc., on the show. We discuss how (and why) to build relationships with your vendor representatives. Joe has nearly 40 years of experience in the turf business, fostering relationships with countless turf managers over this time. Joe talks about the different types of buyers and vendors.    Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (...

Tanner and Jeff have Steve LeGros on the show to talk about grow blankets.  We discuss timing, seeding, fertilization, how to keep them in place, and orientation. Steve shares his experiences through trial and error on using growth blankets and mound tarps properly.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Steve LeGros , LeGrow’s Inc (guest) Steve and...

Tanner and Jeff sit down and talk with Jon Cuny. Jon has been in the turfgrass industry for many years. We discussed many topics, ranging from interning at Augusta to managing people. We also share a lot of laughs on this episode.   Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Jon Cuny, Helena Products Pittsburgh Branch Manager Episode sponsor: The TORO Com...

Tanner and Jeff host their monthly “Tractor Cab Trivia.” Each person asks five questions. Answers are given on the air, some discussion ensues, and the winner is decided! It’s 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) Pete Cipolla, New Castle Lawn &...

Tanner and Jeff have Dr. Chrissie Segars and Dr. Jeff Marvin from PBI Gordon on this episode to talk about "the journey" of a new active ingredient (AI) from the lab to the shelf.  Getting a new chemical registered for use is no easy task. In many cases, it can take over ten years to get a new product to the market, and there are many hurdles along the way. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extens...

Tanner and Jeff discuss the turf industry with a current turf student. During this episode, we have Trevor Sheets from Ohio State University join us and discuss the turf industry from his perspective.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Trevor Sheets, Ohio State University Episode sponsor: The TORO Company You can find information on turf issues i...

Tanner and Jeff have Zachary Longenecker on the show. Zachary is one of only two groundskeepers in the United States to manage a field that is managed outdoors and played on indoors! The Las Vegas Raiders play at Reliant Stadium, which is a natural grass surface that moves outside during the week and moved inside for games. He talks about the turf management challenges that most people wouldn’t co...

Tanner and Jeff have Paula Sliefert from The Toro Company join them on this episode.  Paula has been with the company for 16 years and is currently a senior marketing manager. Paula is a passionate person when it comes to the turf industry. She represents turf professionals nationwide, helping them find a seat at the decision-making table. She advocates for every turf manager and supports the dive...

Tanner and Jeff have Sun Rosselin with Jeffco Schools, Logan Strong with the Carolina Panthers, and BJ Thomas with the University of Georgia join the show and talk about women in turf and taking the Little League Softball World Series by storm. The three ladies talk about their experience of working with an all-female crew in Greenville, NC. Women in Turf: Little League World Series 2023 Jeff Fowl...

Tanner and Jeff have John Turnour with the Washington Nationals on the podcast. John is one of the best field managers in the country , and he shares his approach to managing 81 home games and countless special events throughout the year. John shares how he gets the field and skinned areas ready to handle and recover from non-baseball events. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvall...

Tanner and Jeff have two turf management students join them on this episode. During this episode, we have Hailey Tucker of Texas A&M and Bill Hilderhoff from Penn State join us and talk about the turf industry from their perspective.  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Hailey Tucker , Texas A&M William Hilderhoff , Penn State University Ep...

Tanner and Jeff have Alpha Jones from the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on this episode.  We discuss turf management and, more specifically, professional development and becoming a great leader in the industry.  Listening is a key component to success, and Alpha has some tips and tricks for being an effective listener. Alpha shares several interesting stories about his life and career and how we can al...

Tanner and Jeff talk turf management in Los Angeles, CA, with Lauren Lasocha, Senior Agronomist at the Bel-Air Country Club. We discuss maintenance practices at an exclusive country club west of Los Angeles. Lauren has volunteered on the grounds crew for several US Opens and other PGA events. She talks about the experience and what goes into preparing a course for large televised events.  Jeff Fow...

Tanner and Jeff have Dr. Chase Straw from Texas A&M on the show to discuss irrigation technology. He discusses the research he has done on precision application of water. He then discusses the turf program at A&M, and we conclude with the SFMA conference education, of which Chase chairs. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Chase Straw,...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Laura Simmons, CEO of the Sports Field Managers Association. Laura came to SFMA this year and has had a steep learning curve. We talk about the present and future of the association as well as her vision for the group.  If you aren’t a member of the association, you can check it out here: Sports Field Managers Association Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner De...

Season 3 Episode 27: Summer Wrap-Up, 2023 Little League World Series, and Fall Renovations Tanner and Jeff look back at the summer of 2023 during this episode. Jeff talks about the Little League World Series in 2023 and how the series went. Jeff also talks about his skin examination and what he did because of a guest we had on the show.  (Hint: Season 3 Episode 18: Protecting Yourself from the Sun...

Tanner and Jeff host Ryan Nagy, Sports Turf Manager with the Seattle Mariners. Ryan talks to us about the experiences he had during the MLB All-Star game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. He talks about the foot traffic on the turf during the week of the all-star game. From celebrity softball, Home Run Derby, Futures game, and the actual All-Star game itself. He also discusses how the intricate logo wa...

Tanner and Jeff host Dr. Leah Brillman and Matt Duncan from DLF Pick Seed. Dr. Brillman has been a plant breeder for over 35 years , and she shares a wealth of knowledge about the industry, and we have great conversations about what it takes to develop a new variety of grass. Additionally, she shares information about this year’s seed and harvest. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner De...

Tanner and Jeff host Ed Gross, Golf Superintendent at Northampton Country Club. Last year, Ed converted his driving range tee to Bermudagrass for better in-season turf recovery. Ed explains how the Bermudagrass was installed, managed, and winterized. Finally, he offers suggestions and tips for people who are interested in using Bermudagrass on their turf surfaces in the Northeast. Jeff Fowler, Pen...

Tanner and Jeff host Jamie Mehringer from Advanced Turf Solutions.  Jamie leads the field care team in Whitestown, IN, home of the Central Region Little League Headquarters and the associated tournaments.  Jamie discusses the process that he and the crew of JD Turf will perform after the regional softball tournament so they can host regional baseball six days later.  Additionally, Jamie talks abou...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Extension Educator Danny Kline. Danny spent his early years at Penn State with the late Dr. Paul Heller and, more recently, with turf Entomologist Dr. Ben McGraw. Danny is now an Extension Educator focusing on pesticide education.  This episode discusses turfgrass insect pests, including grubs, webworms, chinch bugs, and crane flies. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (hos...

Tanner and Jeff host their monthly  “Tractor Cab Trivia” with two former guests on the show. Each person asks 5 questions. Answers are given on the air, some discussion ensues, and the winner is decided! It’s a 20-question round-robin quiz show won with correct answers from the participants or your hosts!  Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Erin W...

Tanner and Jeff talk with Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Pete Landschoot about two common diseases: anthracnose and gray leaf spot. Both turf diseases can be devastating, and control of each is discussed. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University Episode sponsor: EH Griffith You can find information on turf...

Tanner and Jeff talk with two former major league sport field managers that now work in sod production. We discuss all things sod, including site preparation, installation, and watering.  We also discuss the most common mistakes of sod installation. Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension (host) Chris Ecton, Carolina Green Evan Fowler, Green Valley Turf Episo...