As the heat of the summer continues, and Mother Nature's faucet decides to either constantly run, or remain shut firmly tight, it's easy to focus on the golf course and the immediate tasks at hand. University field days offer a respite from the course, with first-class research and valuable takeaways.

Recently the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association hosted their annual Summer Field Day. It did not disappoint. With advanced research on traffic, disease and pollinators, to name a few, there easily was something to bring back to your facility. The tradeshow and hospitality offered by the WTA on the day, allowed opportunities to connect with vendors, fellow superintendents and industry professionals during an especially important time of the season. Drs. Paul Koch and Doug Soldat, along with Bruce Schweiger, have gone above and beyond to offer an exceptional program each year.



The Kentucky Turfgrass Field Day also offered innovative research. Perhaps the foremost place in the world conducting trials on Bluemuda (Kentucky bluegress and Bermudagrass mix), Dr. Gregg Munshaw is a treasure trove of information for any turf manager in the transition zone. As Bluemuda blends continue to gain traction, Dr. Munshaw and his team have quickly become an invaluable source. Their research will continue to develop this viable option for golf course superintendents in the transition zone, and advance the industry of turfgrass management.



The Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day continues to be on of the largest field days in the region, with over 500 turf and landscape professionals attending each year. The field day offered four tours in the morning, including, golf, sports turf, landscape and lawncare. Including disease, fertilizer and insect research, along with information on calibrating and cleaning sprayers, the event caters to all types turfgrass professionals. Following the morning tours, classroom education on various topics, including pollinators provided great insight. Elcona Country Club superintendent Ryan Cummings challenged superintendents to become involved with pollinators as golf courses provide ideal environments for their growth. Drs. Doug Richmond, Cale Bigelow, Aaron Patton and Rick Latin continually offer attendees takeaways which will make an immediate impact on the course. 

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation most recently held their Michigan State Turfgrass Field Day, and included information on the following:

• Managing diseases on golf courses
• Annual bluegrass control on fairways
  
• Rolling fairways and rolling during establishment
• Putting green renovation practices including Basamid and fraze mowing
• Update on Japanese beetle and other turf pests
• Using drones for predicting stress

Afternoon workshops included the famed Week Walk, now in its 18th year, as well as the Disease Walk, Insect Walk and Athletic Field Tour.



The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation also held their Turfgrass Research & Technology Field Day in early August. Along with the afternoon Technology Field Day, information available to attendees included through research tours included:

• Herbicide Updates for Golf, Sports and Lawns
• Insect updates for Golf, Sports and Lawns
• Disease Field Trial Review
• General Disease Review
• Pigment Updates for Golf Courses
• Turfgrass Establishment
• Sports Turf Review (hybrid systems, bluemuda, field covers)
• Spreader and Sprayer Technology and Calibration

A huge thank you to all the university personnel conducting turfgrass research, and the board members of the turfgrass foundations throughout the region. Through their tireless work, the industry continues to progress not only playing conditions for the golfer, but improves the natural habitat and environment, as well.