INDUSTRY NEWS
Nominate a Rising Star
Help recognize the next generation of sports field managers by nominating a Rising Star today.
SportsField Management magazine will once again profile the best up-and-coming young leaders in the sports field management industry for its
Rising Star Awards.
Rising Star nominees must be under the age of 40 or, if over the age of 40, must have been new to the sports field management industry within the last 10 years. Candidates are evaluated based on professional accomplishments, leadership, community and industry involvement, philanthropic efforts and other exemplary qualities.
Nominate a Rising Star at https:/ form. jotform. com / 233533766280156 or by visiting the“ Programs” page on SportsFieldManagementOnline. com.
Questions about the program? Please email John Kmitta at jkmitta @ epgacceleration. com and include“ SportsField Management Rising Star” in the subject line.
John Deere partners with Major League Baseball
Deere and Company( NYSE: DE) announced a new multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball( MLB), connecting two legacy brands rooted in everyday American life, from ballfields and backyards to farms and green spaces across the country.
As the Official Tractor of MLB, Deere’ s marketing assets across digital and linear media will highlight the work that goes into every season, from maintaining backyards to caring for ballfields across communities where the game is played.
Together, John Deere and MLB recognize the people whose care and consistency make these places ready for play, work, and everyday life, which will be further illustrated through a new creative campaign developed by Deere.
“ For nearly two centuries, John Deere has stood alongside the hard-working, dedicated people who care for the land and who build our communities,” said Jon Chase, John Deere’ s head of turf and utility equipment.“ Now, through our partnership with Major League Baseball, we’ re able to celebrate America’ s favorite pastime, America’ s favorite teams, America’ s favorite players, and the people who show up every day to build and grow America.”
Throughout the season, a 360-degree multimedia advertising program will showcase the new partnership, including experientially on the ground at both the iconic 2026 MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa and MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“ Baseball has always been deeply connected to America,” said Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB CMO and senior vice president, global corporate partnerships.“ As we celebrate America’ s 250th anniversary, partnering with John Deere brings together two brands that are truly woven into the fabric of this country. Deere represents the individuals who shape our communities where baseball is played every day and we’ re proud that we can celebrate the people who keep America moving forward.”
Additional details on programming, community engagement and in-stadium experiences will be announced throughout the year. Follow along for details by visiting JohnDeere. com / MLB.
Turf Trade joins United Turf Alliance
United Turf Alliance( UTA) announced that Turf Trade, a New Jersey-based distributor, has joined its growing network of premier independent distributors. The addition strengthens UTA’ s position in the Northeast and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions and supply chain excellence to the turf professionals it serves.
38 SportsField Management | May 2026 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com