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Field Day Unveils a New Look This Year

This year, Field Day introduced an exciting new format, beginning with MTF Board Member and Field Day Committee Chairman, Adam Palmatier, (Above) addressing attendees from an innovative location. He stood atop the system the FIFA World Cup was played on, reminiscent of those used on the world stage during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following this, MTF President Scott Rettmann (Below left) commenced the presentations by expressing gratitude to Jesse Sholl, Mike Rabe, and the entire Hancock Turf team for their unwavering dedication and hard work in preparing for the event.

Damon Rensing, Head Coach of MSU Mens Soccer, discussed the impact of the turf program at MSU and its significance to the team.Dr. Sidney Everhart, Chair of the Plant, Soil, Microbial Sciences Department recognized Nancy Dykema for her years of dedicated service and congratulated her on her announced retirement.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz talked on the importance of the turf program at MSU and it's global impact.

President Guskiewicz (Above right) also surprised Dr. Trey Rogers (Above left) by presenting him with the inaugural Trey Rogers Legacy Award, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university and the turf grass industry.

Adam Palmatier (Left), Dr. Trey Rogers (Center) and Dr. Kevin Frank (Right) address the Field Day crowd before the morning research tours begin.

Morning Research Tours:

Morning research tours highlighted current MSU work across golf, lawn, and athletic field turf. Presentations covered disease identification and management, wear tolerance and traffic impacts, satellite/drone imagery for nutrient and moisture decisions, emerging insect concerns, turf physiology under winter and heat/drought stress, and strategies to reduce organic matter and manage complex root diseases.

The afternoon continued with a practical calibration session focused on getting accurate, consistent output from ride-on sprayers and spreaders—helping applicators select the right nozzles/patterns, improve overlap and deposition, and meet Michigan standards requiring properly calibrated application equipment.