Plant Food Company hires Mississippi State turfgrass researcher Jason Eberhard

Plant Food Company, a third-generation fertilizer manufacturer, has added a new face to its team with the hire of Jason Eberhard, a turfgrass researcher and former golf course superintendent.

Eberhard, who will receive a Ph.D. in agronomy this fall from Mississippi State, has spent the past several years studying turfgrass physiology, soil chemistry and microbiological interactions that affect turf health. During his time as a teaching assistant and research associate, he contributed to academic publications, delivered numerous industry presentations and currently has multiple manuscripts under review.

Before entering academia, Eberhard worked as a golf course superintendent in Tennessee and Texas, blending his passion for golf with applied turfgrass management. That on-the-ground experience, combined with research expertise, positions him to help Plant Food advance nutritional and biostimulant strategies at a time when pesticide restrictions are tightening across North America.

In his new role, Eberhard will focus on sales and consulting within Plant Food’s distributor development division, supporting industry professionals seeking solutions that align with shifting regulatory landscapes. Similar restrictions have already accelerated the adoption of alternative inputs in Europe and Canada, trends that many expect to spread in the United States.

Plant Food continues to integrate university partnerships and independent field studies into its product development process. Eberhard said he was drawn to the company’s collaborative culture and focus on progressive approaches, describing it as an opportunity to “build strong relationships while staying on the cutting edge.”

As course managers and turf professionals look ahead, Eberhard’s addition highlights the increasing importance of research-driven strategies to maintain turf health without heavy reliance on pesticides.

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