Upcoming Event

Louisiana Turfgrass Association Joins Deep South Turf Expo as Official Host Partner

10th Anniversary Event to Be Held October 27–30, 2025 in Biloxi, Mississippi

The Deep South Turf Expo (DSTE) is proud to announce that the Louisiana Turfgrass Association (LTA) has officially joined as a host organization for the annual Expo. LTA joins the Alabama Turfgrass Association, Mississippi Turfgrass Association, Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA), Gulf Coast GCSA, and the Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA in supporting and shaping one of the Southeast's premier turfgrass industry events.

This year’s Expo, taking place October 27–30, 2025, marks a milestone 10th anniversary and will be held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. The addition of LTA as a host signifies a strengthening of regional collaboration and underscores the shared commitment to advancing education, innovation, and networking across the turfgrass industry.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Louisiana Turfgrass Association into the host partnership,” said Will Arnett, President of the Deep South Turf Expo. “As we celebrate our 10th year, this new collaboration reflects the growing unity and momentum within our industry across state lines.”

The Deep South Turf Expo has become a cornerstone for turfgrass professionals throughout the region, offering a comprehensive platform for continuing education, applied turfgrass research, exhibitor showcases, and peer networking. Attendees include professionals from golf course management, athletic field maintenance, sod production, landscaping, and lawn care operators.

“We are honored to join DSTE as a host,” said Nick Simoneaux, President of the Louisiana Turfgrass Association. “Our participation represents a strategic opportunity to expand resources and knowledge for our members and elevate the regional turfgrass community as a whole.”

The 2025 Expo promises to be the biggest yet, with special programming to commemorate a decade of excellence and collaboration.

Registration details, hotel accommodations, and exhibitor information can be found at www.deepsouthturfexpo.org.

Preview of Keynote Speakers

Wendell Hutchins, Ph.D., University of Arkansas

Wendell Hutchens is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Arkansas. He will present on “Disease Detection and Control.” With a profound interest in turfgrass pathology, Hutchens has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field. He has published numerous papers and articles, contributing significantly to the understanding of sustainable turfgrass management. Hutchens plays a pivotal role in mentoring young scientists and fostering a collaborative research environment.

Joe Roberts, Ph.D., Clemson University

Joe Roberts, an esteemed faculty member at Clemson University, specializes in Turfgrass Management. Roberts has spearheaded groundbreaking studies on the development of resilient turfgrass varieties, catering to both the agricultural sector and recreational sports industries. His expertise in this niche field of study has propelled Clemson to the forefront of turfgrass research and education. The title of Dr. Roberts presentation at this year’s DSTE is “We Thought You Was a Nematode: Understanding and Managing Turfgrass Nematodes!” Dr. Roberts will demystify turfgrass nematodes by covering their identification, biology, and economic impact on warm-season grasses common across the south. Attendees will learn how to accurately diagnose nematode damage, interpret soil assay results, and select appropriate chemical and cultural control strategies. The session emphasizes responsible nematicide use, label compliance, and integrating nematode management by offering practical guidance for turf managers looking to detect and manage nematodes before they cause serious damage.

Ben Wherley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Dr. Ben Wherley is from Texas A&M University and specializes in Turfgrass Ecology and Physiology. His extensive research portfolio includes studies on turfgrass water usage, environmental stress tolerance, and sustainable maintenance practices. The focus of Dr. Wherley’s presentation at the DSTE is “Irrigation Management and Water Quality in a Changing Environment.” His discussion in this session will explore the connection between irrigation practices, turfgrass health, and pest pressure in warm-season turf systems common throughout the Deep South. Attendees will learn how poor irrigation can contribute to increased disease and weed incidence, and how proper scheduling, soil moisture monitoring, and water quality adjustments can improve pesticide efficacy and reduce unnecessary applications. The session will emphasis the role of irrigation management in promoting healthier turf that is more resilient to pests and less reliant on chemical controls.

Eric DeBoer, Ph.D., Louisiana State University

Dr. Eric DeBoer is an Assistant Professor and State Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Louisiana State University. His research focuses on enhancing the sustainability of turfgrass systems by examining the interactions among plants, soils, water, and cultural practices. He is dedicated to advancing turfgrass science through applied research and outreach that supports turfgrass managers and promotes environmental stewardship.

Dr. De Boer's presentation at the Deep South is titled "Surviving the Shade: Managing Warm-Season Turfgrass in Low-Light Conditions." He will discuss how shade stress is a major challenge in warmseason turfgrass management, often leading to thinning turf, increased disease pressure, and higher reliance on chemical controls. Attendees will learn how limited light availability affects turf health, pest susceptibility, and pesticide performance. Topics include cultivar selection for shade tolerance, mowing and fertility adjustments, and disease prevention strategies tailored to low-light environments. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to maintain playable, healthy turf under shade while minimizing pesticide inputs through improved cultural practices.

J. Scott McElroy, PhD, America's Weed Doctor, Auburn University

Dr. Scott is a professor at Auburn University who has dedicated the majority of his life on earth to killing weeds and making the grass underneath our feet better for all people. Dr. Scott received his PhD from NC State, worked at the University of Tennessee for a brief stint, and has been toiling away at all things turfgrass for the last 18 years at Auburn. He is currently the treasurer of the International Turfgrass Society, a fellow of the Crop Science Society of America, and retains an Alumni Professorship at Auburn. Dr. Scott also has spent way more time than he cares to remember installing, running, repairing, and cursing at almost every type of robotic mower on the market over the last five years, which he will gladly tell you about if you buy him a pint of Guinness.

Round Table Discussion

The final presentation on Wednesday is a round table discussion titled, “Developing and Training Tomorrow’s Turfgrass Professionals.” The Discussion will be moderated by Dr. Dave Han, Auburn University, also a long-standing member of the DSTE Education Committee. Panelists include some of the foremost names in the turfgrass industry in our region and include Will Arnett – Program Director and Instructor at East Mississippi Community College, Larry Cagle – Owner of Cagle Sod Farm, Keair Edwards – Sports Field Manager for the City of Gulfport, MS and L. J. Robinson – Golf Course Superintendent at Hoover Country Club, Hoover, Alabama with Dr. Dave Han of Auburn University moderating.

In addition to Wednesday’s full education program, we will have half a day of breakout sessions on Thursday with an impressive list of topics and presenters. Stay posted for a full schedule coming to the DSTE website soon ( www.deepsouthturfexpo.org ) !