In this episode, Josh talks with Dr. John Dempsey an independent turfgrass researcher with years of experience both as a greenkeeper and a superintendent who has dedicated his career to understanding phosphite’s role in turfgrass health. He delves into how phosphite enhances plant defence mechanisms, suppresses common turf diseases, and can be integrated into an existing IPM or fertility program. Dr. Dempsey shares best practices and surprising insights from his research, empowering turf managers to keep their playing surfaces in optimal condition.

In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, Joshua Thomason is joined by Dr. Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sportsturf Academy at Leicester City Football Club. Together, they explore how the Academy is shaping the future of the sports turf industry through innovative training and education. Jonathan discusses the Academy’s comprehensive approach to supporting turf professionals from delivering industry-recognised qualifications such as BASIS and FACTS, to providing practical learning opportunities through their upcoming courses. The conversation also highlights the Academy’s dedicated disease diagnosis service, which offers vital support for turf managers in diagnosing turfgrass diseases.

Courses can be found www.lcfc.com/pages/en/sta-courses

In this episode of The Turf Hub Podcast, host Josh Thomason speaks with Dr. Richard Binks from Koppert to explore how nematodes can provide an effective, sustainable approach to controlling leatherjackets and chafer grubs. The conversation centers on two key products: Sportnem T (Steinernema carpocapsae) and Sportnem H (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). Dr. Binks shares best practices for application timing, soil preparation, and monitoring, along with insights into future innovations in biological pest management.

Join us for an insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity TurfHub Podcast (Disease Series) as we delve into Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) a prevalent and increasingly challenging disease affecting sports turf, particularly within football stadium environments.

Host Joshua Thomason is joined by Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist with deep expertise in turf disease management. Deborah shares practical strategies for identifying and diagnosing Grey Leaf Spot, providing valuable insights into its biology and behaviour.

Josh also speaks with Head Groundsmen Gareth Abernethy Fulham FC (Craven Cottage) and James Williams London Stadium, who share their first-hand experience managing the disease in elite stadiums. Together, they discuss cultural practices that can help reduce disease pressure, as well as both fungicidal and non-fungicidal control options available to turf managers.

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Dollar Spot, a prevalent disease impacting sportsturf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specialising in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and treating Dollar Spot. Additionally, Dan Kendle, has been working in the industry for over 25 years and is Head Greenkeeper at Newquay Golf Club, he sits down with Joshua and shares the best management practices he uses to keep Dollar Spot under control throughout the season

CPD points reference code: CP/148463/2425/k

In this episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast, host Josh Thomason sits down with molecular biologist Dr. Deborah Cox to unravel one of the most under-discussed yet significant aspects of sportsturf management: nematodes. Although these microscopic roundworms typically go unnoticed, their influence on turf health is profound some species can enhance soil quality and nutrient cycling, while parasitic varieties can undermine even the most diligently maintained grass surfaces.Together, Josh and Debs explore how to recognize common parasitic nematodes, the differences between endo- and ecto-parasitic types, and the importance of proper soil testing. You’ll learn about the typical symptoms of a nematode infestation, practical turf management strategies, and how factors like climate and venue type (stadium vs. golf course) can shape nematode populations.

CPD point ref code: CP/148461/2425/k

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Microdochium Patch, a prevalent disease impacting sports turf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specializing in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and identifying this turfgrass disease. Josh discusses the cultural practices that can be implemented to reduce the virulence of the disease, along with the non-fungicidal and fungicidal options that can be used.

CPD Points: CP/140743/2425/k

In this episode , Matt, a life long Swindon Town fan and now head groundsman talks us through the summers renovations at The County Ground. We discuss how he got into the industry, his career highs so far and find out more about his approach to maintaining top class playing surfaces in a stadium environment.

CPD code  CP/139437/2425/k

Join us in this insightful episode of the Agrovista Amenity Turfhub Podcast as we explore Anthracnose, a prevalent disease impacting sportsturf playing surfaces. Host Joshua Thomason welcomes Deborah Cox, a molecular biologist specialising in turf disease management. Deborah brings her extensive expertise to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for diagnosing and treating Anthracnose. Additionally, James Braithwaite, has been working in the industry for over 30 years and is Golf Course Manager at Long Ashton Golf Club, he sits down with Joshua and shares the best management practices he uses to keep Anthracnose under control throughout the season. With a bonus insight from Richard Ponsford, Course Manager at Clevedon Golf Course; Richard gives his invaluable first hand experience in dealing with Anthracnose.

Don't forget to log your CPD point. CPD point ref: CP/139437/2425/k

Inspiring the future generation - The GMA's NextGen is a group of talented young grounds professionals representing the grounds management industry as ambassadors for the GMA with the aim of inspiring young people to join the sector.

In this episode, ambassadors Jack Langley (Bristol City) Beth Gibbs (Wellington School) and Louise Saunders (Premier Sports Surfaces) talk to us about their aims and objectives to promote the next generation of grounds professionals.

Workforce development has become increasingly important over recent years, with research revealing that 20% of grounds staff could potentially leave the sector over coming years due to an ageing workforce, with two in five grounds professionals being over the age of 50.

The GMA's NextGen ambassador group are on a mission to change this trend by targeting young people, including those still at school and those at the start of their careers, and introducing them to the world of careers that can be found in grounds management.

CPD points reference: CP/139251/2425/K

Ep31 - "Sustainability Guidelines for Golf Course Condition & Playability" hosted by Joshua Thomason with guest Dr. Stewart Brown, a Senior Lecturer in Landscape & Sportsturf Management. The episode focuses on sustainable practices in golf course management, highlighting the R&A Golf Course 2030 initiative. Key segments include aligning golf products with market needs, embracing natural course conditions, managing player expectations, and meeting standards for different golfer profiles. The episode concludes with a recap and further resources on sustainable golf course management.

Links

https://www.randa.org/sustainability/research-and-innovation

Golf Course Condition & Playability Study

Golf Course Condition & Playability Template

X - @Advancegrass

X - @AGS_JRT

X - @MyerscoughColl

Design - https://booyeacreative.com/

Music - Artist Spencer Flay, Song Unbreakable

https://www.spencerflay.com/

Ep30 - The "Turfhub Podcast" episode featuring William Boogaarts in conversation with Joshua Thomason discusses critical issues in turfgrass management, focusing on sustainable practices and adapting to changing chemical legislation. Boogaarts shares his greenkeeping journey, his evolved philosophy, and how his workplace, De Enk Groen & Golf, is pioneering sustainability. The episode delves into the impact of Holland's stringent chemical regulations on greenkeeping strategies and innovative responses. It explores market trends, differences between managing turf for golf and football, and the balance between reducing chemicals and maintaining quality. We highlight biological control methods for diseases and the role of TurfTroniq in advancing turfgrass management. The conversation also touches on preparing for future technological shifts and climate impacts

X - @Advancegrass

X - @AGS_JRT

Design - https://booyeacreative.com/

Music - Artist Spencer Flay, Song Unbreakable

https://www.spencerflay.com/

Ep29 - The Turf Hubs first live episode, recorded infront of a full house at Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City & Bears. The theme is turf management in a sustainable world. Joe Hendy kicks off with 'The Wonders of Grass' incorporating origins, photosynthesis, light and temperature requirements. Sam Honeyborne discusses 'The Value of 'true' Organic Fertilisers. In this very informative section, Sam covers the basics of fertiliser, the value of composted organics, soil microbes, sustane, nematodes and more. Josh Thomason looks into the rise of non fungicidal solutions. Looking into microbial applications, specific diseases, grass plant selection and non fungicidal best practice options. Grey leaf spot also comes uner the microscope. Special guest speaker Dan Sparks is our final contributor. Group Grounds Manager at Ashton Gate, Dan gives us an excellent insight into the trials and tibulations he comes up against managing the the Turf at BS3. Its Dual use, hosting Bristol City aswell as Bristol Bears and did we mention its also a concert venue! a fascinating insight, covering renovations, pitch constructions, surface selections and much much more!

Joe Hendy: (from start)

Sam Honeyborne: (23mins 30secs)

Josh Thomasson: (54mins)

Dan Sparks: (1hr 25mins)

Basis CPD Points - CP/131857/2324/k

Mycorhizzae - https://youtu.be/v88gbtKBTv4?si=WN95qX4Ge6-WTv7k

Daily Light Integral - https://asianturfgrass.shinyapps.io/global_dli/

Socials,

X - @DanielGSparks

X - @Advancegrass

X - @joeags1

X - @AGS_JRT

Design - https://booyeacreative.com/

Music - Artist Spencer Flay, Song Unbreakable

https://www.spencerflay.com/

Jim talks about his work ethic, knowledge, the time and dedication he and his Team display day in day out and what he has achieved across his career, looking forward to what he has planned for the future.

Mark is a Wiltshire lad who took the gamble to leave the green green grass of home, moving over the Severn Bridge to take a head greenkeeping opportunity in Abergavenny - and he hasn't looked back. The relocation has gone well, family have settled and Mark has set about putting his thumb print on The Monmouthshire Golf Club. Mark has a progressive view on greenkpeeping, gathering and using data to help aid efficiency and decision making out on the course. We discuss clip volumes, growth degree days, compost teas and the use of social media - some of you may you have noticed. An easy listen, where we also hit vital statistics, favourite hole, whats in the shed, favourite bit of kit and needing that bigger boat!

Basis CPD Points - CP/123021/2223/k

Socials,

Mark Simmons - @marksim93794378

Monmouthshire GC - @monmouthshireGC

Joe Hendy AGS - @joeags1

Instagram - mark.simmons324

Facebook - Monmouthshire Golf Club

Design - https://booyeacreative.com/

Music - Artist Spencer Flay, Song Unbreakable

https://www.spencerflay.com/

On this months podcast we are joined by the one and only Keith - USA technical Sales manager and International Technical Sales manager for DPH Biologicals.

With over 30 years of experience, Keith takes us through the important of low salt index growth products, creating healthy soils, rhizobacteria technology, disease defenses and the future of turf management.

This is an extremely well timed podcast with the legislated changes in chemical applications and gives a great overview of technology and biological products that are available.

We celebrate Groundsweek by Deborah Cox joining us on the Turf Hub Podcast. Deb provides the amenity industry with scientific support. Deb, talks through nematodes, soil biology, grey leaf spot and other hot topics. Packed with golden nuggets of information – a must listen!

S3,Ep2  - Dr David Greenshields commercial manager at Barenbrug speaks with Joe Hendy seed product and area sales manager, AGS. It's a niche area of expertise, David has a Master's degree in Environmental Biology and a PhD in Plant Genetics and has served 15 years at one of the UK's largest seed producers in Barenbrug. Joe started in the industry in 1997 as a seed analyst and has 26 years experience, working alongside all major seed producers in the UK. Two guys with a passion for seed take a deep dive into grass seed selection for winter sports usage. We take a look at the BSPB Turfgrass seed book, the french equivilant (Geves List) and how their data can help make an informed seed selection choice. We discuss advances in breeding and research and look at cultivars that have a strong disease resistance profile, in particulair to grey leaf spot. CPD points are avaiable for listening and the code is in the pod.

Joe@advancegrass.com

dgreenshields@barenbrug.co.uk

https://www.bspb.co.uk/turfgrass-list/

https://www.turfgrass-list.org/

Design - https://booyeacreative.com/

Music - Artist Spencer Flay, Song Unbreakable

https://www.spencerflay.com/

With the 6 Nations around the corner, The Welsh Wizard talks life, dedication, determination and adversity with proud Head Groundsman, Lee Evans