John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director jkmitta @ epgacceleration . com 763-383-4405

This month turned out to be the ideal time for our focus on turfgrass science , as so many things related to turfgrass research and education are taking place .

As depicted on the cover , the upcoming SFMA Conference and Exhibition will be the site of the 2025 SFMA Student Challenge , which features students from 2- and 4-year colleges and universities throughout the country . Students will compete in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field management industry , and the winning teams receive a cash award , a plaque and medallions for each team member . The prize money benefits the institution ’ s turfgrass program and creates opportunities for students pursuing a career in sports field management .

This issue also includes a recap of the 2024 ASA , CSSA , SSSA International Annual Meeting ( now called CANVAS ), which brought together approximately 4,000 of the brightest minds in their fields to share their research . My thanks to SFMA Education Manager Jennifer McLendon , M . Ed ., for her report on the event and its impact on the turfgrass industry .

We also look ahead to the inaugural National Turfgrass Science Invitational , which will take place next month during the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America ( GCSAA ) Conference and Trade Show in San Diego ( and which will alternate with the

SFMA Conference beginning in 2026 ). This competitive event for high school agricultural education students will emphasize skills in turfgrass science .

Carson Letot , Ph . D ., National Turfgrass Science Invitational event superintendent , not only shared information about the event , but also spoke with me about the future of turfgrass science education .

Speaking of the future , Toro recently partnered with Brentsville District High School to cultivate the next generation of turfgrass managers . This issue shares the news of Brentsville District High School rebranding its turfgrass program to be named the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy .

And in case you missed it , last month we shared news regarding students from the Turf / Field class at Atwater High School ( Atwater , California ) teaming up with students from Golden Valley High School ( Merced , California ) and experts from West Coast Turf for a field renovation project .

Please continue to keep us in the loop on similar programs and events in your area , or feel free to reach out with information regarding current research initiatives .

As we head to the SFMA Conference , what better time to build excitement regarding industry research and education ? I look forward to seeing you in Palm Springs .

Happy New Year ! SFM

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SportsField Management | January 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com