Editor’s Message

Growth and Support

As we enter another busy growing season, the PTC family reflects on the challenges and successes of the season past. While changes in Penn State turf faculty presented a short-term hurdle, the commitment of our organization has been integral to the continuation of the Pennsylvania turf research community. We are proud to have donated funds to a number of avenues for research advancement and support of future turfgrass professionals. These investments benefit our members and our industry by training the incoming workforce and discovering new and innovative products and practices.

PTC thanks you for your continued support not only financially, but through your participation in events, training and sharing your collective experiences on the ground. Your support matters, it is through your commitment that our industry continues to grow and thrive!

PA Turfgrass Council Research and Scholarship Fund provided the following support to the Penn State Turf Program in 2024.

$8,000 – Support PSU Student travel to attend SFMA and GCSAA Travel

$25,000 – PTC Excellence Account through Penn State University to support the PSU Turfgrass Science Program

$55,000 – Watson Scholarship Donation for two- and four-year PSU Turfgrass Science students

$25,000 – Start-UP funds for Dr. Manoj Chhetri

$12,000 – PTC Scholarships for two- and four-year PSU Turfgrass Science students

$101,000 – John Kaminski, Ph.D. Research Account

$216,000 – Ben McGraw, Ph.D. Research Account

$42,000 – Max Schlossberg, Ph.D Research Account

$127,263 – Smithco 300 Gallon GPS Sprayer for Valentine Turf Research Facility and for Teaching in the two- and four-year Turfgrass Science Program (pictured below)