Every day, the Cornell Turfgrass Extension Team sparks a dozen conversations. Here are a few standout, top preforming moments from across our platforms during April and May.
Insects Mash-Up Episode
From “No Mow May”, annual bluegrass weevil, golf course scouting, and the potential for automation to solve earthworm casting issues, this is the season’s go to golf course pest update. On youtube, this conversation starts at 0:5:30 on the video.
Agronomy at the Masters
For Masters week, this episode pulls back the curtain on Augusta National’s legendary greens from the Cornell Clippings Podcast. We break down mowing heights, investigate real-world putting green performance, and highlight the specialized equipment that shapes the course’s flawless transitions. Plus, USGA data reveals how mowing direction affects ball rollout. Listen here.
Traffic, Rolling & Organic Matter
This Turf Show episode covered seasonal staples like broadleaf herbicide applications and the importance of monitoring soil temperatures. A key highlight was discussion of the Ohio State Organic Matter Model, which uses climate and topdressing inputs to predict thatch accumulation—helping turf managers make more informed cultural practice decisions.
Equity, Data, and the Future of Sports Facilities
What makes a great field—and who gets to play on it? This episode explores the intersection of sports turf management, public health, and equitable access. From synthetic vs. natural turf debates to the role of mapping tools in facility planning, we talk about how better data can lead to better—and fairer—fields. Dr. Chase Straw of Texas A&M joins as a guest of the Cornell Clippings Podcast.
The Science of Surface Firmness & Traction
Field firmness isn’t just about feel, it’s physics. Dr. Evan Mascitti from Biocore unpacks how soil and turf properties influence traction, drawing from Biocore’s cutting-edge testing data (including from “The Beast”). Learn how NFL teams use these insights to improve player safety, simulating athlete-specific force loads often exceeding 200% of body weight in the Cornell Turf Show from early April.