With John Deere’s new enhanced self-repair solution, customers can now remotely download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers on their compatible 4G-connected John Deere equipment. Released earlier this week, the solution is available initially in the U.S. through the company’s Equipment Mobile app. This latest update follows a March 2022 announcement that expanded the availability to purchase Customer Service ADVISOR directly from John Deere. “This is the latest example of how John Deere continues to lead by innovating, developing, and bringing to market the latest soluti ..read more

Last month, Turf asked its readers to “Show Off Your Stripes” by sending in photos of their most spectacular mowing designs. After viewing many amazing entries, we narrowed it down to the Top 10 Finalists. The winner will be determined by who receives the most number of “likes” on on the Turf facebook page! The top choice will then be interviewed by the Turf editor and featured in an article in the February issue! So make sure to cast your vote and spread the word. Deadline for voting is Wednesday, January 3, 2024. CLICK LINK TO VOTE ON THE TURF FACEBOOK PAGE ..read more

Landscape Management Network (LMN), a leading business management software built by landscapers for landscapers, has launched LMN Crew – a new app to ensure landscape teams are getting jobs done efficiently and accurately every day. Crew was developed using input from landscapers across North America, and further refined with hours of on-hand use under real-world conditions. Available for download on any smartphone app store, Crew can be used in Spanish or English and is an easy-to-use time and job-tracking platform. It connects seamlessly with LMN to drive accountability and productivity, all ..read more

Did you receive an Inflation Reduction Act award letter in September? Are you positioned to take advantage of incoming funding opportunities from states and regranting organizations? Now is the time to prepare so that shovels can hit the dirt as soon as the money hits the bank account, say experts at PlanIT Geo, developers of  TreePlotter™ Software Suite. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program encourages projects that plant trees and increase the benefits of tree canopy, create and support long-term and sustained urban and community forestry program ..read more

World Soil Day (WSD), a program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is held on December 5 every year (since 2014) in order to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. Over 95% of our food originates from soil and water, which is vital for nutrient absorption by plants and binds our ecosystems together. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing w ..read more

STIHL Inc. has announced the winners of its 2023 Hearts of STIHL program, an initiative to care for the environment through the preservation of America’s state parks. The 2023 winners, representing the nation’s six state park regions, were each awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund sustainability, recovery, conservation, or environmental education programs. The grants are managed by the America’s State Parks Foundation, ensuring that all funding will support environmental efforts and educational programming. “While the Hearts of STIHL Program directly impacts the scenic appearance and sust ..read more

Envu is reintroducing its Lawn Care Advisory Board, a group of influential lawn care operators from across the U.S. who will partner with Envu to create a stronger, better industry by providing expertise and critical feedback on important turf topics and products. The Envu Lawn Care Advisory Board represents a cross-section of the lawn care industry with members from companies of different sizes, locations, and service offerings. This diverse group of board members meets and communicates with each other several times throughout a two-year term. They focus on emerging trends, developing new bes ..read more

On November 1, 2023, the facility formerly known as the IRA Civic Center was renamed Yanmar Arena. Grand Rapids-based Yanmar Compact Equipment North America — which includes Yanmar Compact Equipment and ASV brands — entered into a partnership with the Minnesota city to secure naming rights of the facility. Among the inspirations for the partnership is Yanmar’s foundational ethos of hanasaka, a Japanese word meaning “let the people and the future bloom.” Through hanasaka, Yanmar envisions a future where young talent is nurtured and inspired through sports and arts, contributing to a thriving, c ..read more

As 2023 draws to a close, lawn professionals can take advantage of one of the last opportunities of the year to earn CEU credits during FMC’s 1st Friday turf webinar. This Friday, December 1 at 2 pm ET, the topic will be “Turf Weed Identification” presented by Dr. Andrew Osburn, a Technical Service Manager with FMC. (Photo: Adobe Stock/ jnsepeliova) The free 60-minute webinars are part of the FMC True Champions end-user loyalty program. The FMC 1st Friday program provides monthly webinars with CEU credits typically offered in 30-40 states. In this month’s webinar, Dr. Osburn will discuss the i ..read more

Fecon LLC, the global manufacturer of heavy-duty site preparation attachments and forestry accessories, has acquired TREEfrogg LLC, a manufacturer of tree trimming saw attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders. The acquisition expands the right-of-way clearing solutions offered by Fecon in the forestry mulching and vegetation management industry. Designed to fit small to midsize carriers, TREEfrogg’s patented tree trimming saws allow landscapers, landowners, and DOT’s to perform tree maintenance with machines they already have quickly, safely, and economically. Fecon will rebrand t ..read more