Willadsen brings to the role nearly two decades of experience in turfgrass management, irrigation systems and agronomic operations. 

As farm manager, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of Aura Farm while contributing to product development, field trials and agronomic research focused on advancing soil health, water efficiency and plant performance. 

Bringing 17 years of turf management experience, he most recently served as the golf course superintendent at Back Creek Golf Club in Middletown, Del. He brings deep expertise in irrigation, plant health, water conservation and leading maintenance teams.

“Mike’s background in turf management and agronomic operations makes him a strong fit for Aura Farm,” said Matthew Fleetwood, Ph.D., director of R&D. “His experience in managing complex growing environments will be invaluable as we continue advancing product innovation through real-world testing.” 

<p>The post Aquatrols taps Michael Willadsen to lead Aura Farm research facility first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Hebrard recalls standing on the sidelines of the Rose Bowl as a memorable moment in his career. He was invited to work alongside a crew that did things a little differently, but he says he’s never struggled with adaptation and switching gears.

“In this line of work, there’s no playbook. Every time a client asks, ‘Can you do this?’ I say yes, then figure it out. I’ve built my whole career by adapting to challenges no one else has solved before,” says Hebrard.

After managing the basketball team at his alma mater, Portland State University, he was invited to be an assistant coach at West Texas State. Part of this job was selling tickets, and one buyer was John Dittrich, the owner of the Amarillo Gold Sox. Learning of Hebrard’s baseball background as a college catcher, Dittrich invited him to be a bullpen catcher for the team. Hebrard obliged but needed work, so he was hired to help the field manager.

Traveling with the team and speaking to different groundskeepers was integral to building Hebrard’s expertise. Working for the team and practicing with them gave him insights into the quality of the fields and their playability. With this experience, he returned to Portland to start a family. He worked for a seeding business for eight years until his 40th birthday, when he launched Athletic Field Design.

Thirty years ago, Hebrard began using a disc prototype that increased the precision and quality of field painting. The company moved in a different direction but gave Hebrard permission to proceed with it and enhance the device. His innovation, passion and meticulous work set a new standard in the world of field design.

Hebrard stands out in his industry, as he freehands many of the field designs he creates rather than using a stencil. His method is to draw a grid, mapping out the proper sizes, then painting logos using the improved disc design, which has revolutionized athletic turf painting.

“Most of my work doesn’t come out of a stencil. Every job is different, so I freehand the logos and adjust as I go,” says Hebrard.

Hebrard’s process has been to learn through experience; he has become a master at his craft over the past 40 years. His findings on how to create sharp and vibrant field paintings are passed down to his son, Andy, who has also made a name for himself in the world of athletic turf design.

Andy runs his own business in Arizona, Athletic Applications. Although they are in different states, they manage to work on a project together each year and travel to see major league stadiums across the country together.

Both father and son freehand and operate a website, wedontneednostinkinstencils.com, where they have photos of more than 250 designs freehanded by the pair.

When he’s not being called to consult various athletic directors and field professionals, Hebrard enjoys wine tasting with his wife, Kim. And turf painting is truly Hebrard’s passion — he has done yard designs for friends, engagements, holidays and more. Despite having no art background, he has an impressive portfolio of paintings and an understanding of the science and technical skills required to maintain the turf.

“In the end, the easiest and hardest thing in business is the same: just do what you say you’re going to do,” Hebrard says.

<p>The post Get to know Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Schuette brings more than two decades of dedicated green industry experience to the role, with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, substantial sales growth and cultural transformation, according to the company. Currently, he is Ewing’s Western Territory turf and ornamental sales manager, where he has been instrumental in growing and expanding the agronomic and sports turf sales teams in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Washington. He also has been working closely with Ewing’s procurement and inventory teams in building Ewing agronomic positioning in the western markets.

He joined Ewing in 2023 after a highly successful tenure at SiteOne Landscape Supply, where he held multiple senior leadership roles, including regional agronomic manager, area manager and branch manager. Throughout his career, Schuette has excelled at turning around underperforming markets, expanding gross margins and pioneering best-in-class training experiences for green industry professionals.

“Ryan has a rich history of building teams and highly successful organizations, making him the ideal leader to spearhead the Mountain West Division,” said Bill Snider, Western territory president. “He is widely known for his ‘shepherding’ style of leadership — guiding, coaching and developing his people to reach their highest potential. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard to build upon the strong foundation Jack York has established through great processes and consistent messaging.”

A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management, Schuette grew up working on his family’s 5,500-acre farm in Elkton, Mich., a thriving operation that remains fully family-run to this day. Schuette is relocating from California to Colorado to assume his new role.

<p>The post Ryan Schuette becomes new divisional vice president for Ewing Outdoor Supply first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Designed for maximum efficiency, the Sandstorm easily hitches to popular utility vehicles like the Toro Workman, John Deere ProGator, and Cushman Truckster. Turf managers no longer need to rely exclusively on tractors to get heavy work done. Compact yet highly capable, the Sandstorm boasts a self-contained Vanguard 14-horsepower engine.

“With many turf managers relying heavily on utility vehicles and not always having immediate access to tractors, the Sandstorm provides a practical and efficient solution that fits into their maintenance programs,” said Jason Jones, Redexim sales manager North America. “The launch of the Sandstorm Topdresser is particularly exciting for the North American market because it aligns with the day-to-day operational realities our customers face.  

The unit’s design keeps weight low while distributing material evenly, making it ideal for greens and tees where a fine touch is critical. A ribbed belt and hopper shape help prevent build-up, so sand, moist and heavy materials move freely. 

The Vision X Pro digital display provides the ability to control belt speed, spinner speed, driving speed and gate opening from the seat. Operators can save up to 20 profiles for repeatable results across different surfaces and changing conditions. 

<p>The post Redexim launches self‑powered topdresser for UTVs and sensitive turf first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

This automated testing platform is designed to deliver faster, more objective and more reliable insights to ensure products meet or exceed customer handling and use expectations. 

Before products are made available to the market, ATLAS conducts extensive tank-mix compatibility testing, processing 500 to 600 combinations per month — a workload that could take up to six months to complete manually. The robot can go through the entire compatibility process, from sample preparation and mixture imagery to full sample analysis. By removing variability associated with manual assessments, ATLAS produces consistent, repeatable results that help guide product development, stewardship and technical recommendations. 

“ATLAS is another example of how Syngenta is truly innovating through all parts of our R&D process, including application technology,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager for Syngenta. “By automating and standardizing tank-mix evaluations, we can generate meaningful insights faster, reduce subjectivity and provide greater confidence for our customers’ application decisions.” 

Beyond pre-launch testing, the ATLAS robot is a critical troubleshooting tool for unexpected tank-mix challenges. When issues are difficult to replicate, ATLAS uses customer-provided water and adjuvants to simulate specific application environments. It quickly isolates problems like sedimentation, nozzle plugging and improper mixing orders. This helps Syngenta to better understand what is happening within the spray tank while building a historical testing database to support faster, data-driven troubleshooting.

“The ATLAS system is part of the broader Syngenta innovation ecosystem focused on integrating research, technology and real-world insights to support our customers across markets,” said Mark Coffelt, Ph.D., head of technical services for Syngenta Professional Solutions in North America. “It reinforces the Syngenta commitment to delivering science-backed solutions that help customers work more efficiently.” 

Watch a short behind-the-scenes video of ATLAS here.

<p>The post Syngenta unveils ATLAS robot for tank-mix compatibility testing first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The project marked Project EverGreen’s first GreenCare for Communities renovation in the city of Boston and transformed a well-loved but aging field into a safer, more functional and environmentally healthier green space for local families, aspiring athletes and neighborhood residents. 

NE-SFMA members volunteered a day’s work to improve the field. The revitalization of the field included a surveyed and reshaped infield, a new home plate, pitching rubber and bases, as well as improvements to outfield and infield drainage and fertilization. The revived green space highlights how similar projects can help communities by creating a safe space for connection and recreation.

“Great fields do more than support play, they help athletes perform safely and communities thrive,” said Tom Barry, CSFM of Greens Farms Academy and a NE-SFMA board director. “This project was a meaningful way for our members to give back, applying their professional expertise to create a field that Roxbury residents can enjoy and be proud of for generations.”

“Healthy green spaces create healthier communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This renovation showcased the incredible generosity of the sports field management profession. Their commitment demonstrates how skilled professionals can make a lasting impact far beyond the facilities they manage every day.”

Since 2008, Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative has renovated parks and public green spaces totaling more than 200 million square feet of living green space nationwide.

ScottsMiracle-Gro’s “Keep it Real” initiative includes partnering with nonprofits to support accessibility to field-based activities for children and advocates for the benefits of green spaces. The initiative has supported more than 2,000 children nationwide by providing opportunities to play on natural turf fields.

“From reducing injuries with a softer, more forgiving surface to supporting overall well-being, real grass continues to outperform artificial turf where it matters most, which is why we’re investing in natural fields for the next generation through ‘Keep it Real’” said John Sass, senior vice president of the lawns business unit and chief creative officer at ScottsMiracle-Gro.

<p>The post Project EverGreen and others revitalize youth baseball field in Roxbury, Mass. first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“Success is built through strong partnerships, and it’s important to recognize the people and organizations who help make that success possible,” said Jason Lovell, vice president of Clay Technologies. “This year’s award recipients have distinguished themselves through hard work, dedication and a commitment to serving their customers. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and thankful for the partnership they bring to the Turface Athletics brand every day.” 
     
The 2025 Distributor Awards recognize top-performing distributors in five categories: 

Grand Slam Growth Award: Recognizing the distributors with the highest volume growth in tons over the prior year. Winners: Helena Chemical, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Advanced Turf Solutions /Atlantic Golf and Turf, Simplot Partners, Kelly Seed Co. 

“Those numbers are truly incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the effort everyone has put in over the past year,” said Scott Mackintosh of Advanced Turf Solutions/Atlantic Golf and Turf. “We sincerely appreciate your partnership, support and the time you spend with us in the field. Success like this is only possible because of strong relationships and collaboration, and we value everything you and your team do for us. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum together and look forward to another great year ahead.” 
 
Ace Award: Celebrating individual representatives who achieved the highest growth based on their sales performance. Winners: Jim Derr, Simplot Turf and Horticulture; Chris Zurcher, American Sports Fields; Trae Brown, Genesis Distribution; Tank Marrow, Heritage Landscape Supply; Matt Levinson, Levinson Athletics.   
 
Grit Award: Honoring second or third-tier distributors who have demonstrated consistent endurance and steady business growth. Winners: Alaska Garden and Pet Supply, AgraTurf, Northern Nurseries, Eckroat Seed, Burnett Athletics. 

“The Grit Award signals Northern Nurseries’ perseverance, hard work and commitment to quality. We are honored to receive the Grit Award and look forward to strengthening our relationship with Turface Athletics as we continue educating schools, parks and Little Leagues,” said Tony Hildreath of Northern Nurseries.

Legacy Award: Recognizing a distributor leader who has exemplified loyalty, commitment and exceptional service to the industry. Winner: Greg Carroll. 

Elite Team Award: Awarded to the distributor with the highest dollar growth over the prior year. Winner: Heritage Landscape Supply. 

 “Our distributor partners continue to be an invaluable member of our Profile Products Team,” said Josh Marden, director of sports fields, Profile Products. “Their loyalty, dedication and efforts are the reason why the Turface brand remains the industry leader in providing safe and playable athletic fields at all levels, for all sports. These awards represent an opportunity to recognize these distributors and the value that they bring to their customers, as well as the entire sports fields industry.”

<p>The post Turface Athletics honors 2025 Distributor Award winners for field excellence first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“Proper identification is essential for effective weed management,” said Matt Giese, technical services manager for turf in the Midwest at Syngenta. “Without it, it’s difficult to select the right approach for control. Our goal with this guide is to simplify identification and provide treatment recommendations to help turf managers confidently take the next steps for control.” 

Created by the Syngenta turf technical services team with contributions from researchers across the country, this easy-to-use guide provides clear visuals and outlines key identification characteristics. With tips to help distinguish between similar weed species, this guide is a practical resource for golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, sports field managers and sod producers. Additionally, it includes guidance for controlling each weed and insights for developing weed management strategies. 

“We are excited to launch this weed identification guide as a free resource for turfgrass management professionals,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager for Syngenta. “This guide reflects significant collaboration and industry expertise, and we hope users find it to be a valuable tool that helps them be more efficient and successful with their weed management strategies.” 

The new guide can be saved directly to your smartphone or tablet homescreen to easily access this tool in the field.

<p>The post Syngenta launches free online weed identification guide for turf professionals first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“We believe that sustainability is a shared journey — one that empowers our partners, customers and communities to thrive together,” said Richard Olson, chairman and CEO of The Toro Co. “By advancing responsible practices and innovative solutions, we are committed to creating lasting positive impact for people and the planet, today and for generations to come.” 

Organized around product, people and process, TTC’s corporate responsibility strategy enriches the beauty, productivity and sustainability of the land. Following significant 2025 milestones, TTC has announced the following new global impact goals to drive progress:  

• By 2030, reduce absolute scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent from a fiscal 2025 baseline. 
• By 2030, achieve a global zero waste to landfill target, with 90 percent of waste diverted from landfill.
• Maintain a safety culture that keeps the total recordable incident rate (TRIR) at or below 1.0 through 2030.
• Deliver a more sustainable product portfolio every year through integrated new product development sustainability gates. 

TTC’s collaborative innovation process designs customer-driven solutions that prioritize safety, resource efficiency, responsible sourcing and technology. Notable fiscal 2025 achievements outlined by the company include integrating sustainability checkpoints into its NPD process and expanded its autonomous, battery-powered product portfolio to lower emissions and boost labor productivity. The company also introduced the low-impact Ditch Witch JT21 drill, enabling battery recycling across 48 states and launched Toro Spatial Adjust software for data-driven, precise golf course irrigation.

Guided by lean principles and continuous improvement, TTC advances sustainability, prioritizes safety and upholds a legacy of quality across the entire supply chain. In fiscal 2025, the company delivered significant productivity and safety enhancements through energy efficiency, ergonomic design and packaging reduction, while empowering employees to submit more than 2,000 smarter workflow ideas via the AMP initiative’s productivity generator. Additionally, North American operations diverted more than 18,000 tons of waste from landfills, further bolstering sustainability and supply chain transparency.

Notable achievements in fiscal 2025 include driving a 57 percent reduction in TRIR since 202, driven by a focus on proactive hazard reporting, as well as enhanced workforce well-being through expanded on-site medical services at seven manufacturing sites and mentorship opportunities for 60 U.S. interns. The company also championed community and education by awarding nearly 100 academic scholarships and partnering with Habitat for Humanity to provide sustainable housing solutions.

<p>The post The Toro Co. unveils 2025 sustainability report and new climate commitments first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Each territory manager leverages his or her industry expertise to deliver support to Harrell’s customers, while providing direct access to agronomic guidance, product knowledge and solutions tailored to each customer’s specific needs. 

“Our growth is driven by the people who serve our customers every day,” said Jack Harrell III, CEO of Harrell’s. “Bringing new territory managers onto the team expands our reach and reinforces our commitment to delivering knowledgeable support and strong customer partnerships across the markets we serve.” 

The new territory managers (commonly known as Harrell’s reps) are strategically positioned to provide coverage across the United States. The new representatives include Kelly Barker, Christian Munoz, Brent LeBlanc, Grayson Clark, Scott Thayer, Hayes Martens, Rick Partain, Chase Norris, Chris Marra, Brian Powers and Matt Snyder. 

<p>The post Harrell’s appoints 11 new territory managers first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>