Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E: Advanced nutrition meets biostimulant technology 

Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E combines the performance of Bio-MAX 4-0-0 with the benefits of Seaweed A+E technology in a single application. The formulation delivers stabilized nitrogen, iron, manganese and potassium along with a proprietary blend of Ascophyllum nodosum and Ecklonia maxima seaweed extracts designed to support plant vigor, root development and stress management.  

“Today’s turf managers are looking for products that deliver more value in every application,” said Raymond Snyder, Ph.D., Harrell’s director of agronomy. “Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E provides nutritional support and biostimulant benefits in one convenient solution, helping turf perform through stress while supporting overall plant health.” 

ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone: Flexible weed control 

ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone is a Group 14 herbicide containing 4 pounds active ingredient per gallon, formulated to control sedges and a broad spectrum of troublesome broadleaf weeds in both cool-season and warm-season turf. The product is labeled for use across a wide range of sites, including residential and non-residential turf, athletic fields, golf courses, sod farms and ornamental production areas.  

Designed to show fast visual activity and efficacy on both broadleaf and sedge weeds, ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone offers turf managers a flexible tool that fits seamlessly into comprehensive weed management programs, according to Harrell’s. The product can be used as a stand-alone application or as a tank-mix partner to enhance the performance and speed of symptom development when used with standard herbicide programs.  

“Harrell’s ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone gives turf professionals another dependable option for managing some of the most difficult weed challenges they face,” said Jeff Atkinson, Ph.D., Harrell’s director of agronomy. “Its versatility, speed of activity and program fit make it a valuable addition to any weed control strategy.” 

<p>The post Harrell’s launches two new additions to lineup of turf management solutions first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

As CEO, Maravich will lead Primera’s strategic direction and work with the board, staff, member-owners and supplier partners to strengthen the cooperative’s value and support growth across its markets.

“Michael knows this industry from several sides of the business, as a supplier, distributor and trade association volunteering. He knows Primera intimately, in the past as a supplier and most recent as a board member representing Ewing Outdoor Supply and the greater membership,” said Anthony Luciano, chairman of Primera’s board of directors. “He understands the opportunities facing independent distributors and the importance of strong relationships with our supplier partners. We look forward to working with him as Primera enters its next chapter.”

During his 2015–2017 tenure at Primera, Maravich led strategic category objectives, managing supplier relationships, product programs and purchasing opportunities for member-owners. He currently serves as director of category management for Ewing Outdoor Supply’s maintenance and agronomics division. His career across distribution and manufacturing also includes roles at Sipcam Agro USA, Arysta LifeScience and Lesco/John Deere. Maravich holds a degree in turf and landscape management from The Ohio State University.

“I’m honored and motivated to join, represent and lead a dynamic group of successful industry distributors and professionals,” Maravich told Athletic Turf. “Our industry is ever changing, and at a faster pace than we’ve seen in a long time, for suppliers, distributors and end-users. Being able to adapt, pivot and expand in this environment requires alignment, sound strategy, communication and collaboration. Primera will continue to stay true to its long legacy and how its achieved success for over 25 years, but at the same time be focused on the future to provide long-lasting value to our member-owners and suppliers.”

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Browning joined BASF in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in turf and horticulture and a master’s degree in entomology from Oregon State University. She began her BASF career in ornamental sales in the Pacific Northwest before moving into technical service, supporting customers in that capacity for more than a decade. 

“I am extremely excited to have Jen join the Western Region in a sales capacity. Jen has worked alongside our sales team supporting countless customers in this territory over the past 12 years in her technical service role,” said Brett Garrard, BASF Western region sales manager. “She brings a rare wealth of technical expertise that will continue to provide a tremendous amount of value to both our distribution partners and end users in California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.” 

Customers can expect a seamless transition as Browning brings her passion and expertise back to sales, according to BASF. Drawing on her technical expertise and years of field experience, Browning aims to create long-term value for customers and the the industry.

<p>The post Jen Browning transitions to new role as BASF Western region turf and ornamental sales rep first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

In this role, Spencer will lead the company’s finance, accounting, financial planning and controller functions, as well as information technology, strategic procurement and administrative support for the firm’s corporate office in Buffalo Grove, Ill.  

“Mark’s financial and operational expertise are a strong addition to Profile’s leadership team,” said Michael Ranchino, chief executive officer of Profile Products. “His robust experience leading financial teams from a range of complex businesses and knowledge in critical business areas will be an invaluable addition as we continue to grow and strengthen our business.” 

Spencer has more than 30 years of experience working in finance, most recently serving as CFO of Ventek Solutions, a leading manufacturer of engineered shape molded foam components. In this role, he was responsible for finance and accounting across the company, in addition to providing critical support with procurement, information technology and legal functions.

Spencer has previously served as CFO at General Electric within its power, water and energy segments, CFO of Club Car and vice president of Finance at Ingersoll Rand. 

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Pendi MicroCap delivers preemergence control of 25 broadleaf weed species and more than 20 grassy weed species in a range of labeled use areas, including residential, golf course, commercial and other non-residential turf and landscape applications, and can be used on both cool- and warm-season turfgrass species. The low-odor, microencapsulated formulation offers reduced staining potential, along with excellent handling characteristics including improved storage stability, mixing compatibility, and equipment clean-up compared to traditional emulsifiable concentrate formulations.

“With the registration of Pendi MicroCap, Albaugh Specialty Products continues to expand its portfolio of high-performance solutions for turf and ornamental professionals,” said Justin Watts, director – Albaugh Specialty Products. “This formulation provides dependable residual weed control while delivering the handling and application benefits customers expect from today’s professional-use products.”

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The agreement is effective immediately, with products available to selected distribution partners in time for the upcoming application season. The agreement significantly broadens a longstanding working relationship between the companies and aligns complementary strengths: Sipcam contributes its owned portfolio of established technologies, proven U.S. specialty-market performance, and continued innovation pipeline, while Amguard contributes an active field sales organization and long-standing distributor relationships to expand the portfolio’s commercial reach.

Brent Marek, chief executive officer of Sipcam Agro USA, said, “As the innovator and owner of these technologies, Sipcam is committed to advancing differentiated solutions for specialty customers. This agreement allows Sipcam to significantly expand market penetration and customer access while maintaining ownership and stewardship of our differentiated technologies and accelerating the commercialization of our innovation pipeline.”

“The United States is a strategic market for Sipcam Oxon, and turf & ornamental is an important part of our long-term growth ambitions. This agreement reflects our commitment to investing in innovation, strong partnerships and the continued development of our U.S. business.” Nadia Gagliardini, president, Sipcam Oxon Group.

Shayne M. Wetherall, Amguard president, added, “We’re excited to broaden our relationship with Sipcam Agro. By bringing Sipcam’s innovative technologies to market through our specialty sales and distribution network, we can offer customers a stronger portfolio of novel products and chemistries.”

Dak Kaye, chief executive officer of American Vanguard, said, “I have had a relationship with Sipcam for many years. This agreement pairs Sipcam’s owned, differentiated technologies with Amguard’s commercial reach and distributor relationships. It expands our specialty offering in a capital-efficient way, immediately increases our new product offering, and supports our broader strategy of focusing on highervalue markets where we can win.”

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The fund aims to bolster UF turfgrass operations as financial pressures mount at turfgrass programs at institutions across the country. Some, in Arizona, Kentucky and Washington, have already closed, and others are under stress as federal funding becomes more difficult to obtain. 

UF turfgrass scientists welcome the fund, which they say will help ensure the university’s own commitment to the turfgrass program.

“We strongly believe that having this industry-led and funded endowment ensures that UF will retain its globally recognized turfgrass program far into the future,” said Kevin Kenworthy, Ph.D., professor and graduate coordinator at UF. “This endowment doesn’t just make the future of the program more secure, it brings the industry and UF closer together.” 

 The endowment comes as the golf and turfgrass industry also faces increasing scrutiny of its performance in areas such as water use, water quality, land use and its impact on pollinators and wildlife in general. 

“The industry must be responsive to the current concerns and get ahead of anticipated future issues,” Kenworthy said. “This endowment makes sure the UF turfgrass science program is taking on the issues of greatest importance affecting the industry.” 

Researchers from UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences command a strong national and international reputation for cutting-edge science on resource use, sustainability and disease and pest management. Some of that work is already funded by industry contributions through programs like the annual Rounds 4 Research online auction of donated tee times. 

Critically, the new endowment will bolster UF’s capacity to attract and retain the talent to perform that research. 

“The endowment will help UF continue to attract the best trained and experienced PhDs, help them to achieve tenure and reduces the possibility of losing good scientists,” said Kenworthy. “When current faculty retire, the industry now has a good foot in the door to make sure those people are replaced with individuals that have the talent to meet current and future needs of the turfgrass industry.” 

Initial funding of $375,000 came from two chapters of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Seven Rivers GCSA and the Everglades GCSA. It was quickly bolstered by a $25,000 donation from the Hoffman Family Foundation, established by former CEO of The Toro Company, Mike Hoffman and his wife, Tami. 

Jason Frank, Harrell’s vice president of business development, marketing and research and development, is part of a group of senior industry leaders in Florida helping coordinate fundraising.

“We hope and anticipate that other industry parties will get behind this effort that is truly in the best interests of the entire turfgrass industry,” Frank said.

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Its release follows two decades of breeding, research and field evaluation. HighPoint’s story began in 2006 at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where turfgrass breeder Yanqi Wu, Ph.D., and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences began developing and evaluating new bermudagrass lines that would eventually be tested under a wide range of growing conditions. 

In 2016, OSU, A-G Sod Farms and Sod Solutions launched the Turf Research Bermuda California (TRBC) project, a collaborative effort to evaluate more than 100 Bermudagrass selections, including experimental lines from the OSU breeding program and industry-standard varieties, under California growing conditions. 

The objective was straightforward but ambitious: identify a bermudagrass capable of thriving in Southern and Central California while delivering traits growers and turf managers value heavily. Over the next decade, researchers and growers narrowed the field to a single selection that could meet the needs of sod producers, sports turf managers, golf course superintendents and landscape professionals. 

Researchers sought a variety capable of helping meet California’s evolving water-use demands while providing a viable warm-season alternative for landscapes traditionally planted with tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. To achieve that objective, they prioritized improved winter color retention, drought tolerance, dark genetic color, reduced seedhead production and lower vertical growth. Just as importantly, they wanted a grass that could perform consistently across environments and management conditions. 

To begin the search, more than 100 Bermudagrass selections, including experimental lines from the OSU breeding program and industry standards, were planted at A-G Sod Farms in Nuevo, Calif. 

Over the next several years, researchers, Sod Solutions agronomists and sod farm personnel evaluated each entry under California growing conditions and collected data. By 2019, the field had been narrowed to just 11 lines that advanced to a second phase of testing in Nuevo and Fresno, Calif., where the focus shifted to characteristics critical to both production and performance, including drought tolerance, cold tolerance and sod strength. As testing intensified, the field narrowed and four selections advanced to the final phase. Larger trial plots were established in Nuevo and Selma in 2021, allowing researchers to evaluate key production and performance characteristics while generating enough plant material for future expansion. Winter color evaluations and dry-down testing followed. 

Experimental line OKC-09, identified as experimental line 1337 in OSU’s National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials, consistently delivered strong summer performance, excellent drought recovery and the highest tensile strength among the final candidates. Results remained consistent across both trial locations. 

The larger plots also provided an opportunity to evaluate how the selections performed throughout the production cycle, from establishment through post-harvest recovery. Those observations provided valuable insight into the variety’s production potential and generated information future growers can use. According to the final TRBC findings, OKC-09 demonstrated the strongest overall performance among the remaining selections and was ultimately selected for release. That selection would later receive its commercial name: HighPoint Bermudagrass. 

For Larry LeMay, president of A-G Sod Farms and current president of Turfgrass Producers International, the selection represented the culmination of more than a decade of evaluation through the TRBC project. Over the course of the program, A-G hosted and evaluated more than 124 experimental and named Bermudagrass selections, narrowing the field to one commercial release.

“To get it down to one that made the grade after 10 or 11 years, it was quite a process,” he explained. 

Why HighPoint matters 

The bermudagrass market is crowded with proven performers, making meaningful differentiation increasingly difficult, according to Sod Solutions. HighPoint enters that market with a combination of characteristics rarely found together in a single variety. 

Developed as a premium, interspecific hybrid, HighPoint represents the next generation of bermudagrass breeding, bringing together improved cold tolerance, drought efficiency, wear tolerance and sod strength in a single variety. The result is a versatile bermudagrass designed for the Transition Zone and other warm-season growing regions. 

Its fine leaf texture, dense canopy and rich green genetic color contribute to strong visual quality while maintaining the durability required for high-traffic environments. Low seedhead production helps preserve a cleaner appearance throughout the growing season while reducing one of the common aesthetic challenges associated with bermudagrass. 

HighPoint has also demonstrated excellent sod tensile strength, helping improve harvest efficiency while providing durability during transportation and installation. Combined with strong traffic recovery and drought performance, the variety offers a well-rounded option for a wide range of turf applications, according to the company.

“We used nationwide standards, which helped select a grass that could adapt well not only for Southern California, but also for the Transition Zone and beyond,” said Roberto Gurgel, director of research for Sod Solutions.

That broader approach ultimately helped identify a variety capable of performing across a wide range of environments while meeting the needs of both growers and end-users. According to Gurgel, HighPoint’s rapid regrowth and tensile strength further separated it throughout the evaluation process. 

From research to real applications

Earlier this year, LeMay hosted a small group of sod producers from across the country for a firsthand look at HighPoint as the variety moves toward broader commercial production. The gathering provided an opportunity to evaluate the grass in the field, discuss production considerations and share perspectives on where it may fit within different markets. 

After more than a decade of evaluation, it provided an opportunity to share the variety with producers who may help shape its next chapter. It was also one of the few opportunities in recent years to host a group of sod producers at his farm, something LeMay said made the day especially meaningful.

“You can learn so much by being around other growers,” he said. “To have these top guys out at the farm to see the work we’ve gone through, and have dinner and lunch with them, it was a very special day.” 

Sod Solutions stated producers in attendance complimented the operation and were impressed by what they saw from HighPoint in a production setting. Color, density and low seedhead production were among the characteristics that drew the most attention. Growers also noted the variety’s ability to perform under lower mowing heights, highlighting its potential beyond the residential market in golf and sports turf settings. 

According to LeMay, HighPoint breeder Wu of OSU conducted extensive cold-tolerance research on the selection, evaluating how it responds to low temperatures and recovers as conditions warm. Those findings, combined with years of field observations in California, have helped fuel interest in HighPoint’s ability to perform beyond traditional Bermudagrass markets.

“It has the ability to not only do well in the Sun Belt states, which most bermudas do well in, but it appears that it has good potential and winter hardiness to go up into and maybe past the Transition Zone,” LeMay said. 

Producers are also paying close attention to traits that could help extend seasonal color and reduce the need for overseeding, particularly in areas where winter appearance remains an important consideration. LeMay noted that a nearby California golf course is currently evaluating HighPoint on a tee box as part of that effort. Now, a handful of experienced bermudagrass growers in Colorado, Missouri and Tennessee have purchased plant material for production and evaluation.

<p>The post Sod Solutions launches HighPoint Bermudagrass for increased cold tolerance, drought efficiency and more first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“Our employees drive our sustainability progress through their dedication, collaboration and commitment to continuous improvement,” said Kurt Pedersen Kaalund, chief executive officer. “As we support growers around the world, we are strengthening our safety culture, enhancing environmental performance, maintaining high ethical standards and creating lasting value for our stakeholders.” 

The 2025 Sustainability Report highlights Albaugh’s continued commitment to advancing sustainability across its global operations. During the year, the company expanded the implementation of its behavior-based safety program, continued to strengthen its greenhouse gas management efforts through enhanced emissions quantification and improved data collection systems and continued to reinforce its commitment to human rights, responsible sourcing, ethics, compliance and supplier engagement, helping to promote responsible business practices throughout its value chain. 

Looking ahead, Albaugh will focus on continuous improvement, stronger data and reporting practices and the further integration of sustainability into business decisions and daily operations, according to the company. These efforts support agricultural productivity, resilient communities and responsible long-term growth. 

The full 2025 Sustainability Report is available at the Albaugh Sustainability Reports webpage.

<p>The post Albaugh releases its 2025 Sustainability Report first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Duncan brings more than 30 years of experience in the turfgrass industry, spanning professional sports field management, distribution and turfgrass sales. Most recently, he served as a professional turf sales representative for DLF USA, working with distributors, golf course superintendents, sports turf managers and lawn care professionals. 

“The thing I am most passionate about in the sports turf industry is the people. None of us get where we are alone,” Duncan said. “I look forward to building relationships, sharing knowledge and helping others succeed throughout the industry.” 

Prior to moving into sales, Duncan spent 17 seasons as a head groundskeeper in Minor League Baseball, including with the Williamsport Cubs, Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Akron Aeros. He also served on the Cleveland Browns grounds crew for 16 seasons. 

“Matt brings a unique combination of sales acumen and hands-on sports field management experience across multiple elite sports environments,” said Jason Lovell, vice president of Clay Technologies, Profile Products. “We look forward to seeing him connect with our customers and provide a high level of service to help them with their sports turf needs.” 

Matt studied Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, holds a certificate in sports turf management from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Sports Field Manager. He also serves as vice president — commercial on the SFMA board of directors.  

<p>The post Profile Products hires Matt Duncan as new Eastern regional sales manager first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>