Partnership drives turfgrass excellence at MSU

Alex Dardas<dardasal@msu.edu> - June 08, 2026

A longstanding partnership with Spartan Turf Products advances research and education at the MSU Turfgrass Management Program.

Image of a sign at the entrance of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at MSU.

For more than 40 years, a partnership between Michigan State University’s Turfgrass Management Program, MSU Athletics and Spartan Turf Products has powered the daily work of one of the nation’s premier turf research and education facilities.

Through its continued equipment support, Spartan Turf Products has provided the MSU Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC) with Toro equipment essential to maintaining research plots, training students and supporting athletic field operations across campus. The result is a relationship that strengthens academic programs, enhances applied research and prepares the next generation of turfgrass professionals.

Today, that work extends far beyond campus. As MSU turfgrass researchers help shape playing surfaces for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tools and infrastructure supporting their work in East Lansing are playing a role on the global stage.

“The equipment that Spartan Turf annually donates to the HTRC allows us to conduct world class turfgrass research and never have to worry about whether or not we have a piece of equipment we need,” said Dr. Kevin Frank, professor and Extension specialist and MSU Turfgrass Committee Chair. “Our partnership with Spartan Turf has been an integral part of our turfgrass programs success and a model for other industry partners to replicate.”

Turfgrass Toro_750x500_Fairway Mower_2.png — Toro Toro Reelmaster fairway mower being washed at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center.

A partnership built on impact

Since 2019, the value of equipment donations from Spartan Turf Products to the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center has exceeded $2.6 million. Over the course of the more than four-decade partnership, the total value of these contributions is substantially higher, reflecting a long-standing commitment that has supported the program’s growth and success.

Equipment contributions to the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center reflect consistent, high-impact support that keeps operations running at a high level. Over the years, Spartan Turf Products has supplied a range of essential equipment, including large-area mowers, fairway and greens mowers, sprayers, aerators and utility vehicles.

Together, these tools form the backbone of daily maintenance and research activities, ensuring staff and students have access to industry-standard equipment needed to manage turf at a professional level. For the Turfgrass Management Program, the impact is both immediate and long-term.

“Over the past 30 years, Spartan Turf Products has made an incredible impact on our program,” said Jesse Sholl, manager of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. “The cost savings alone are significant, allowing us to allocate our resources to other priorities that directly benefit our students and research efforts.”

Rather than funding and maintaining a full fleet of equipment, the program can redirect those funds toward faculty-led research, student support and facility improvements, ensuring continued leadership in turfgrass science.

Toro Workman utility vehicle in the field at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center.

Equipment that drives daily operations

The equipment provided through the partnership plays a central role in day-to-day operations at the research center. Fairway mowers, greens mowers and utility vehicles are used daily to maintain research plots and teaching areas that must meet precise standards.

“These tools are critical to everything we do,” said Sholl. “This partnership supports the overall maintenance of the center in a holistic way. It’s not tied to one specific project. It really touches every aspect of our operation.”

The impact extends beyond research and teaching into MSU Athletics, where turf managers rely on high-performing equipment to maintain safe, competition-ready fields.

“Spartan Turf Products has been a tremendous partner to MSU Athletic Turf,” said Andy Flynn, MSU athletic turf manager. “Their continued support, exceptional service, and commitment to quality have been unmatched. Our operation would not be able to function at the level it does without their partnership and dedication.”

This collaboration ensures Spartan student-athletes compete on high-quality surfaces while also giving turfgrass students exposure to real-world athletic field management.

A world-renowned program on a global stage

MSU’s Turfgrass Management Program is widely recognized as one of the leading programs in the world, with more than 70 years of research excellence and a global network of alumni working across golf courses, stadiums and professional sports venues.

That expertise will be on full display during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. MSU researchers, working in collaboration with FIFA and the University of Tennessee, have helped develop the natural grass playing surfaces for all 16 stadiums hosting matches across North America. More than 88 miles of natural sod will be used across tournament venues, showcasing MSU-developed systems on a global stage.

The project represents one of the largest and most complex turfgrass efforts ever undertaken, with MSU-led research guiding everything from grass selection to installation and maintenance across varying climates and venues.

This work builds on a legacy of global impact. MSU previously played a leading role in developing natural grass systems for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and has contributed expertise to international competitions including the Olympic Games.

Growing the future together

By providing critical equipment and long-term support, Spartan Turf Products has enabled the Turfgrass Management Program to focus on advancing research, educating students and serving the industry.

“This partnership has been essential to our success,” Sholl said. “It allows us to maintain a high standard across our entire operation while continuing to grow and evolve.”

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins this summer, that foundation is advancing MSU turfgrass excellence on the world’s biggest stage.

About Spartan Turf Products

Spartan Turf Products is a leading provider of turf and grounds equipment across the Midwest and a key distributor of Toro products. The company partners with universities, municipalities and industry professionals to deliver equipment, service and technical expertise. Learn more here.