“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>

The event marks the continued growth of a program based on the premise that military veterans possess the technical skills, leadership and determination that employers seek.

Participating in the ceremony were Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada; Yoshi Murakami, chairman and CEO of Isuzu North America Corporation; and Marek Laco, acting assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.  

“Veterans have already answered one of the greatest calls anyone can answer — the call to serve their country,” said Skinner. “When that service ends, we believe they deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve opportunity. IVAP gives talented veterans a path to build a rewarding second career while helping our dealers develop the skilled technicians they need to serve Isuzu customers today and for years to come.” 

From service to a civilian career 

IVAP connects transitioning service members and veterans with technician career opportunities at participating Isuzu dealerships across the U.S. 

Working with ERS Elite, the program combines paid dealership employment with on-the-job learning, mentorship, Isuzu technical training and a structured apprenticeship pathway. The program is designed to recognize and build upon the considerable mechanical and technical skills many service members develop while maintaining military vehicles, equipment, aircraft, power-generation systems and other complex machinery. 

For veterans, the experience gained in uniform isn’t left behind when military service ends. Instead, their skills become the foundation of a new career with opportunities for professional development and technical certification coupled with long-term earning potential.  

Disciplined veterans, structured training and stronger shops 

These three small phrases capture IVAP’s mission, but its purpose extends beyond filling open positions. The program is designed to create a repeatable career pathway for veterans to successfully make one of the most significant transitions of their lives while providing Isuzu dealerships with access to individuals accustomed to working as part of a team, solving problems under pressure and taking responsibility for completing a mission, according to the company.  

“Isuzu vehicles in America spans more than four decades due to strong relationships with our dealers, our customers and the communities they serve,” said Murakami. “Our commitment to the U.S. is a long-term commitment, and that includes investing in people. IVAP reflects the values we want to carry forward — respect for those who have served, the creation of opportunities for future generations and continued investment in the people who will support our customers today and in the future.” 

Strengthening the Isuzu dealer network 

For dealers, recruiting and retaining qualified commercial vehicle technicians is increasingly difficult as vehicle technology advances and the technician shortage grows. IVAP helps bridge the gap by connecting highly motivated candidates to Isuzu dealers. This enables dealers to expand service capacity, improve shop productivity, reduce recruiting and turnover and develop individuals who can grow a career with their businesses. 

As commercial vehicl

<p>The post Isuzu and US Department of Labor host signing ceremony for Veterans Apprenticeship Program first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Today, through Paramount Advertising, he’s reconnecting with his Bobcat roots, bringing the competitive spirit of professional football to the turf as he showcases his passion for perfect grass in the ZT7000 zero-turn mower.  

“Landscaping was my first job growing up, so that makes this partnership genuine to me,” said Mostert. “I remember seeing on jobsites how much of a difference the right equipment could make. Whether it’s on the football field or on a worksite, performance matters — and Bobcat’s commitment to performance is what makes them the best in the business.” 

The collaboration pairs Mostert’s athletic power with Bobcat’s engineering in an agility-centered campaign, showcasing that the ZT7000 has the breakaway speed, power and “turn-on-a-dime” precision worthy of a champion running back, according to Bobcat. 

“Partnering with a powerhouse athlete like Raheem, who has a genuine history with our brand, feels like landing the No. 1 overall pick,” said Laura Ness Owens, chief marketing officer for Bobcat Company. “This campaign is about the shared spirit of toughness and high performance that defines both elite athletes and our equipment.” 

The match-up marks a natural collision of sports culture and high-performance equipment, highlighting the shared attributes required to be successful on the football field and the work field: power, precision and toughness. For Mostert, he said getting back on a Bobcat machine was a full-circle moment that goes beyond a traditional endorsement. 

The new campaign, created by Paramount Media Labs, Paramount Advertising’s full-service branded content studio, will run through December 2026 across CBS Sports and Bobcat’s digital and social platforms. 

<p>The post NFL star Raheem Mostert returns to landscaping in new Bobcat campaign first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Ignite Attachments is expanding its lineup with new land levelers designed to meet those essentials. Available for mini and full-size skid-steer loaders, the lineup combines practical, productivity-focused design with strong performance, according to the company. Visitors can see the new land levelers, along with Ignite’s portfolio of landscape solutions, at Equip Exposition. 

“At Ignite, we’re focused on building attachments that solve real challenges for our customers,” said Darin Gronwold, product manager for Ignite Attachments. “The new land levelers are a great example of that approach. They deliver the features landscape professionals need while expanding a lineup that helps them tackle more jobs with confidence, regardless of the equipment they’re running.” 

The expanded lineup includes a 78-inch land leveler for site preparation and finish grading. Standard ripper shanks loosen compacted soil, and laser-cut screens separate rocks and debris or break up soil clumps for a smoother finished surface. An optional hydraulic scarifier kit lets operators engage or disengage the ripper shanks from the cab, helping to improve efficiency by eliminating unnecessary stops. 

The lineup also includes a 48-inch land leveler for mini skid-steer loaders. It shares the same design as its larger counterpart and is suited for residential landscaping, hardscape installation and other jobs where compact equipment excels. 

Integrated bucket brackets allow operators to transport a bucket and land leveler at the same time, reducing trips across the jobsite.

“Every design decision starts with one question: How can we make this job easier for the operator?” Gronwold said. “Sometimes that means improving durability through rigorous testing, precision manufacturing and quality materials. Other times it’s a simple feature like the integrated bucket brackets that saves an extra trip across the jobsite. Those practical details are what define the Ignite approach.” 

The new land levelers are one part of Ignite’s growing for landscape professionals. At booth 4041, Equip Exposition visitors can explore attachments and implements for mini and full-size skid-steer loaders and compact tractors, including solutions for grading, site preparation, material handling and land management.

<p>The post Ignite Attachments expands land leveler lineup first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“Ryan brings the ideal combination of technical turf expertise, customer-first sales experience and strong regional relationships to this role,” said Frank Santiago, western district manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions. “We appreciate Randy for his outstanding service and lasting contributions to the industry, and we are excited to welcome Ryan and confident he will continue delivering the knowledgeable, trusted support our customers expect from Syngenta.” 

Wyckoff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture/turf management from Oregon State University. He began his career as an assistant superintendent in Washington and California before returning to Oregon, where he spent 20 years as a golf course superintendent and later served as a general manager. 

Before joining Syngenta, Wyckoff built experience as a turf and ornamental territory manager for BASF in the Pacific Northwest. Based in McMinnville, Ore., he has cultivated strong relationships with existing and prospective customers and is recognized as a trusted resource for product recommendations, according to Syngenta.

“Having spent my career working in turf from multiple perspectives, I understand how important it is for customers to have reliable products, practical guidance and a partner they can trust,” said Wyckoff. “I’m excited to join Syngenta Professional Solutions and support turf and ornamental professionals across the Pacific Northwest.”

<p>The post Ryan Wyckoff joins Syngenta as Pacific Northwest territory manager first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The system works like an autopilot: It holds the line while the operator stays in command of the operation. Priced at an MSRP of $6,000, the system is compatible with new and used Kubota equipment, is backed by a two-year limited warranty and can be financed through Kubota Credit Corporation to qualified purchasers. WorkSmart Autosteer makes its public debut at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, and aims to transform how contractors and turf professionals approach their most demanding tasks.

Most precision guidance products on the market have been engineered for full-size row-crop tractors and sold as third-party kits. Kubota is entering the market with a different approach; WorkSmart Autosteer is engineered for the specific model it is installed on. The unit may be sold, installed, serviced and even warranted and financed through a single dealer relationship. The result is manufacturer-quality integration at a competitive price. 

“WorkSmart Autosteer isn’t about removing the operator from the decision; it’s about helping to remove fatigue and error from the equation,” said Austin Hawkins, senior manager, technology sales and marketing, Kubota North America. “At your command, the machine holds the line, so you stay sharp, cover more ground and still get home with something left for the people who matter most.” 

Two levels of accuracy 

WorkSmart Autosteer offers two correction levels: 

• SBAS (WAAS): 6-8 inches of repeatable pass-to-pass accuracy, no subscription required. 
• PPP: 1-inch accuracy for specialty crops and precision applications, where every fraction of an inch directly impacts yield, quality and marketability. Available with an annual subscription.  

Both system options integrate seamlessly with Kubota’s user interface and maintain consistent accuracy throughout field operations, making adoption simple for first-time guidance users and experienced operators alike. 

Direct impact on profitability 

Kubota’s analysis of a typical operation highlights the value precision guidance can deliver in a single season: 

• Precision that repeats, pass after pass. Guidance holds the machine to a defined line, so each pass registers against the one before it. That consistency is what allows seed, fertilizer and crop protection products to land where the operator planned them to land, rather than where the last pass happened to end. 
• Less ground covered twice. Overlap is work the operation performs and pays for a second time. By holding the guidance line, the system reduces the pass-to-pass overlap that manual steering leaves behind, so more of the day goes to new ground. 
• Repeatability that does not depend on seat time. Holding a straight line across a long field is a learned skill. Guidance carries that skill in the machine, so the line the system holds is the same line whether the operator has one season behind them or 30. 
• One system across the whole operation. The same repeatable guidance runs into turf and grounds work, where the finished pattern is visible to everyone who looks at it. 

Dealer installation, training and support 

Authorized Kubota dealers can install the system in approximately two hours and provide a training session to ensure operators are confident and comfortable with the technology — offering full Kubota dealer support on the product from sale to hands-on training. The system operates through a WorkSmart Autosteer app, available for iOS and Android devices. App tutorials, calibration guides and operational videos to support ongoing learning and troubleshooting are also available.  

Compatible with Kubota tractors, mowers and RTVs 

WorkSmart Autosteer is compatible with select Kubota tractors, mowers and RTVs, making precision guidance accessible to turf maintenance professionals. The system supports seeding and planting, tillage and cultivation, hay operations, spraying and spreading, mowing, road grading and more.

“We installed WorkSmart Autosteer with two different customers,” said Tom Butner of Marshall Service Company in Marshall, Mo. “One is using the system for general row crop farming and the other in his hay production operation, and the steering performance has been excellent. What really sold them is how easy it is to operate, even for operators who have never used precision guidance before.” 

Pricing and availability 

WorkSmart Autosteer carries an MSRP of $6,000, plus dealer installation, for both new and used equipment. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation to qualified buyers. The system is available now at authorized Kubota dealers.

<p>The post Kubota launches WorkSmart Autosteer precision guidance system to broader equipment lineup first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Based in Salt Lake City, Mountain West Power Equipment will provide sales, service and support for Jacobsen equipment throughout Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Under the agreement, the company is also authorized to distribute Ransomes professional turf equipment and Cushman Hauler utility vehicles across the territory. 

Mountain West Power Equipment is an evolution of legacy Jacobsen distributor RMT Equipment, which was recently acquired by Mountain West Utility Trailer. As Mountain West Power Equipment, the dealer will expand Jacobsen’s reach into seven additional retail locations across the territory, as well as a new showroom in Salt Lake City. 

Existing and new Jacobsen customers will benefit from the dealer’s knowledge and experience in sales, service and support of Jacobsen equipment, as well as the increased access created by the expanded network of retail locations, according to the company. Customers can reach Mountain West Power Equipment using the same contact information previously used by RMT Equipment. 

“Mountain West Power Equipment will provide the expert level of service and support that Jacobsen customers expect and deserve while building the brand’s presence across the Mountain West,” said Justin Deputy, president and CEO of Mountain West Utility Trailer. 

<p>The post Jacobsen partners with Mountain West Power Equipment for regional distribution first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Available for qualifying purchases made beginning Sept. 1, 2026, the program features new volume-based rebate tiers and a multiple-brand bonus designed to reward customers who purchase more and incorporate multiple PBI-Gordon brands into their product plans — or combine both strategies for maximum earnings. 

“This year’s Green Dividends Early Order Program gives turf professionals more opportunities to level up their earnings while preparing for the 2027 season,” said Lyndsie Balstad, PBI-Gordon turf and ornamental marketing manager. “Customers can choose the strategy that works best for their business — purchasing more qualifying product, adding multiple PBI-Gordon brands to their plans or combining both to maximize their rebate.” 

The 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program features many of PBI-Gordon’s trusted turf solutions, including Segway Fungicide SC, Pedigree Fungicide SC, Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide for Grassy and Broadleaf Weeds, SpeedZone EW Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf, Arkon Herbicide Liquid and Atrimmec Plant Growth Regulator. 

New for 2027: More ways to level up 

• Volume Tiers: Purchase more qualifying product to move from Tier I to Tier II and earn a higher rebate per unit. 
• Multiple Brand Bonus: Purchase qualifying products across multiple PBI-Gordon brands to earn an additional bonus of up to 25 percent on their Green Dividends rebate. 
• Stack Both for Maximum Payout: Customers can combine higher volume tiers with multiple-brand purchases to maximize their Green Dividends rebate. 

By combining both strategies, participants can significantly increase their potential Green Dividends earnings compared with purchasing a single brand at the minimum volume threshold. 

Program details 

Returning Green Dividends participants are automatically enrolled, while new participants can register online at the PBI-Gordon Green Dividends webpage.

Eligible orders must be placed by Dec. 4, 2026, and invoiced by Dec. 15, 2026, through an authorized PBI-Gordon distributor. 

Turf professionals can learn more about the 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program, review qualifying products and program requirements and enroll at the Green Dividends webpage.

<p>The post PBI-Gordon unveils new ways to save in its 2027 Green Dividends Early Order Program first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

As part of this newly aligned territory, Watson will work closely with customers to provide agronomic recommendations, product guidance and localized support to help maximize turf performance and operational success. 

“Trevor’s strong technical background and passion for customer success make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Joe Cassidy, Northeast district manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions. “Additionally, his experience working with turf professionals throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast makes him well-suited to deliver valuable insights and trusted support to our customers in this region.” 

Based in Philadelphia, Watson brings a diverse background in turfgrass science, technical services and customer education, according to the company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Penn State University and a master’s degree in plant biology from Rutgers University, where he conducted turfgrass weed science research as a graduate research assistant.  

Most recently, Watson served as a mid-Atlantic technical manager for Arborjet | Ecologel, leading market development initiatives and providing technical guidance across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Earlier in his career, he supported more than 270 Lawn Doctor franchises nationwide as a technical operations agronomist, as well as held operational, service leadership and field roles with TruGreen and BrightView Landscapes.  

“Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed translating technical knowledge into practical solutions that deliver results for turf and landscape customers,” said Watson. “I’m thrilled to join the Syngenta

<p>The post Syngenta adds Trevor Watson as new turf territory manager first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>