By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) will host its annual Turfgrass Field Day on August 12, 2026, at the MSU Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in Lansing, Michigan. The event will bring together turfgrass professionals, researchers, students, and industry participants to learn about the latest developments in turf management, research, and technology.
Attendees will have the opportunity to choose between two specialized morning research tours focused on golf turf management or lawn care and athletic fields. These sessions will provide valuable educational content and offer MDARD credits for participants.
The golf turf tour will feature presentations on disease identification and control, wear tolerance on putting greens, satellite imagery technology, annual bluegrass weevil management, turfgrass physiology, soil moisture and root disease relationships, and innovative approaches to managing organic matter accumulation. Researchers will discuss the latest findings related to turf quality, disease prevention, and sustainable maintenance practices.
The lawn and athletic fields tour will focus on practical turf management topics. Participants will learn about the effects of irrigation scheduling on lawn health, the use of plant growth regulators for traffic tolerance, perennial grass and weed identification methods, autonomous mowing technology, pesticide application strategies, and the management of common lawn pests. These sessions are designed to help turf managers improve turf performance while using resources efficiently.
Several Michigan State University experts will share current research findings during the event. Dr. Ruying (Wrennie) Wang, Dr. Thom Nikolai, Dr. Jackie Guevara, Dr. Max Helmberger, Dr. Emily Holm, Mike Rabe, Dr. Kevin Frank, Dr. Trey Rogers, Ryan Bearss, Dr. Erin Hill, and Zach Flink will present information on topics ranging from disease management and pest control to remote sensing technologies and mowing practices.
The afternoon session will feature Agronomic Alley, vendor demonstrations, and a Ride-On Sprayer/Spreader Calibration Workshop led by Jesse Sholl. This hands-on training will help participants better understand equipment performance, product application accuracy, nozzle selection, and calibration techniques. Proper calibration is important for maximizing efficiency while meeting pesticide application standards.
The event highlights MSU's commitment to advancing turfgrass research and providing practical solutions for professionals responsible for golf courses, lawns, parks, athletic fields, and other managed turf areas. Through research-based education and live demonstrations, attendees will gain knowledge that can be directly applied to their operations.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education