President’s Message

Seasons of Change

If any profession is prepared for the challenges and changes a new season can bring, it is turfgrass managers. From a wet beginning to the summer to anticipated heat waves in the later parts of the season, PTC members have adjusted their staffing, maintenance and management programs to reflect the current conditions.

Likewise, PTC and PSU are making adjustments for changes in leadership and staff. With our new board finally in place (see page 9), PTC is ready to partner with and support the new teaching and leadership staff at PSU. We look forward to introducing you to the new team when all turf positions are filled.

In this issue, you’ll find research from some familiar names at PSU (What’s New with Wetting Agents) and from Dr. Chase Straw (Assessing Application Error on Sports Fields across Varying Levels of Sprayer Technology and Operator Experience). Dr. Straw joined the PSU team in January as Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils and Director of the Center for Sports Surface Research.

Also in this issue, you’ll find information about the 2026 Pennsylvania Turf Conferences. Make sure to get those dates on your calendar! Continuing education, networking and certifications are an essential part of continuing to grow in knowledge and advance your career and the turfgrass community.

As always, your support and involvement in Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council are vital to the success of our industry – get involved and keep our organization growing and thriving!

Tom Bettle

PTC President