GCM’s Industry News Digest: September 2025

Editor’s note: The GCM team will be doing our best to maintain an up-to-date feed of announcements on this page. If you have news you think belongs here, please email Andrew Hartsock.

Thursday, September 18

• The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation is offering a $5,000 scholarship to graduate students in turfgrass-related study. To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled in a Master’s of science program or received a Master’s of science degree in the current calendar year, with research objectives relevant to turfgrass science and management. They also need to have maintained at least a 3.4 GPA over the last two years of undergraduate study. To learn more, and to submit an online application, visit the foundation's website.

Tuesday, September 16

• Audubon International announced the winners in three categories for its 9th Annual BioBlitz competition, ponsored by BioBoost Nest along with support from Seed King Enterprises LLC. Taking top honors for Community Engagement is Glencoe Golf Course in Glencoe, Ill., with 83 participants identifying 113 species. Ironwood Golf Course in Byron Center, Mich, won the Biodiversity Award with an impressive 409 species counted, while Naples Lake Country Club in Naples, Fla., scored Best Photograph for Mike Powers’ stunning shot of an Eastern Blue Bird with Golden Polypod Fern on Sabal Palm.

Thursday, September 11

• Syngenta announced significant updates to its GreenCast® Connect (GCX) platform, GCX Mobile 1.1.0 and Web 2.4.0. These updates bring substantial improvements to both the mobile application and web-based dashboard, enhancing the platform's functionality for turf management professionals. For more information, visit the company's website.
  

Wednesday, September 10

• LebanonTurf announced that Kathy Bishop, President and CEO of Lebanon Seaboard Corporation, has been awarded the 2025 E. Allen James Leadership Award by RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). RISE is the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors, and other leaders in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry, and advocates for science-based policies that support innovation and ensure access to tools that protect public health, food, property, and green spaces.

• PBI-Gordon announced that its multi-year strategic growth plan is delivering exceptional results, including an increase in sales of nearly 60 percent, an increased investment in research and development of nearly 150 percent, and more than a 50 percent increase in the number of employee-owners to over 630. As part of the strategic growth plan, Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Applegate, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Steve Clifford as President and CEO on November 1, 2025. 

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