INDUSTRY NEWS
Seed to STEM 2025 Takes Chicago
Seed Your Future recently hosted the Seed to STEM 2025 Cohort in Chicago for a week of professional development workshops, industry immersion experiences, and networking opportunities.
DAY 1: IMPACT FIELD The 2025 Seed to STEM program launched at Impact Field, home of the Chicago Dogs, where educators got a behind-the-scenes look at professional turf management— from soil science and irrigation systems to turf repair techniques. Highlights included personal stories from Ball Horticultural Company interns whose careers began through Seed Your Future, and insights from Broch Martindale of Corteva Agriscience, who helped connect classroom learning to careers in horticulture. The day set the stage for a week of hands-on experiences linking plant science to real-world opportunities.
DAY 2: BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY On Day 2 of Seed to STEM, educators spent the day at Ball Horticultural Company, touring departments such as plant breeding, logistics and seed production while learning firsthand how innovation and collaboration bring plants to market. They explored topics from genetics and pest management to AI and automation, and were inspired by the campus design and its role in community engagement. A highlight was hearing directly from Anna and Susannah Ball, whose leadership and passion for the industry left a lasting impression.
DAY 3: TOURS AND GALA On Day 3 of Seed to STEM, educators toured Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading, many experiencing a commercial nursery and greenhouse for the first time. They explored largescale plant production from propagation to distribution, gaining insights into irrigation design, soil composition, and how STEM disciplines drive horticultural success.
On the afternoon of Day 3, Seed to STEM participants explored the floral supply chain at Kennicott Brothers, a 144-year-old cut flower wholesaler. Teachers toured climate-controlled coolers, learned about international flower logistics, and gained a deeper appreciation for the science and strategy behind floriculture. Highlights included a surprise visit from NBA star Derrick Rose and a hands-on floral design session.
The third day of Seed to STEM wrapped with a vibrant evening gala at the Penthouse at Hyde Park, celebrating the program’ s second year and the growing reach of Seed Your Future.
DAY 4: ZEN GARDENS AND GREEN INDUSTRY EXPERTS LUNCH The final day of the 2025 Seed to STEM program centered on the healing power of plants, beginning with a hands-on horticultural therapy session led by Kelly Warnick, where teachers created their own Zen Gardens to support student wellness. The day continued with“ Lunch & Learn” sessions, offering informal conversations and presentations from industry professionals that highlighted diverse horticulture careers and classroom connections.
The program concluded with teachers revisiting and refining their career-focused lesson plans, equipped with fresh inspiration and resources from the week.
Registration open for SALTEX 2025
Registration is now open for SALTEX 2025, the flagship event for the European grounds management industry, returning to the NEC Birmingham on November 12-13, 2025.
This year’ s theme,‘ Power Up Your Performance,’ captures SALTEX’ s ambition to energize the sector from smart technology and new skills to expert advice and opportunities to grow.
Organized by the Grounds Management Association( GMA), SALTEX continues to serve the sector with great purpose, as it has done since 1938. It’ s the most influential event of its kind in Europe, bringing together thousands of professionals and volunteers from across the sector.
This year’ s show promises hundreds of leading brands, industry-first product launches and cutting-edge technology on display. Eighty percent of visitors who attend SALTEX are senior decision-makers.
46 SportsField Management | July 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com