North Carolina Turfgrass - July/August 2020

July/August 2020

2020 SOD PRODUCERS’ REPORT

for North Carolina

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

Plus, Member Spotlight on

SCOTT REEDER

Saving America’s Water In just 4 years, over 500 million square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 9.5 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved. TifTuf is absolutely changing the face of the American landscape!

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

GOAL: Happy Customers

SOLUTION: Use Super-Sod Grasses

TifTuf Bermuda, Drought Tolerance Just Got a New Standard

Zeon Zoysia

h The most drought tolerant turf. h TifTuf uses 38% less water than Tifway and will pay for itself in reduced water bills.

h Dark green and medium-fine textured; it’s easier to maintain than other fine-textured types.

h Maintains acceptable turf quality and aesthetics under drought stress.

h Shade tolerant; a turfgrass that’s widely adaptable to full sun or moderate shade.

h Super-Sod now grows Zeon Zoysia.

h Makes a lawn with a lush, dense growth habit.

We’ve Got You Covered h Pick up sod from more locations than anyone h Full truck loads and small quantities delivered

h Request a Free Quote on supersod.com

1-888-360-1125 Cary 1900 NC Hwy. 55 Cary, NC 27519 919-836-0492

Charlotte 12600 Downs Circle Pineville, NC 28134 704-525-8873

Hendersonville 583 Jeffress Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 828-681-5000

Mooresville 1060 River Highway Mooresville, NC, 28117 980-444-2347

Raleigh 1225 Farmers Market Drive, Box 19 Raleigh, NC 27603 919-836-0492

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18 24 table of contents July/August 2020

Departments:

24 Cover Story

10 Feature Story

2020 Sod Producers’

Member Spotlight

Report

on Scott Reeder

TCNC Deluxe Members Index of Advertisers Calendar of Events

18 Feature Story

A New Season Comes with New Products

From the President

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

Welcome, New Member NCCTP Program NC State Turf Team

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July/August 2020

6 8 9 13 13 14 30

From the President

BUY LOCAL It

is my hope that you, your family and business are getting through this pandemic without too much disruption and everyone is staying safe. As turfgrass professionals, I do feel that we are fortunate to be able to spend much of our day outdoors in the sunshine, which many health experts say is the best place to be during this pandemic.

It has been a challenge and most of us have had to change the way we interact with our staff, co-workers and customers, and how we do business in general. Speaking with other TCNC members, the green industry has not been as severely impacted like many other industries and I am truly thankful for that. I also feel that since our industry has been so blessed this is our opportunity to help those who this pandemic has severely affected. One of the best ways to do that is to “Buy Local.� Support the businesses in your community. Many of these people are your customers, friends and neighbors and many are hurting, so spend your stimulus money in your own community.

I would like to take his opportunity to thank everyone who supports TCNC, we have a great industry so lets keep it strong. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

God Bless

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919.459.2070 Fax 919.459.2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marcy Cottle IMI Association Executives info@ncturfgrass.org 919.459.2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.3718 Fax 615.794.4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

TCNC OFFICERS PRESIDENT Gene Queen Nature's Select Winston Salem, NC

VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC

PAST PRESIDENT Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC

TREASURER Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC

Gene Queen

TCNC President

DIRECTORS Dean Baker Kinston, NC Wilson Sutton Falling Creek Golf Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC

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July/August 2020

TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members.

Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

The Biltmore Company

Fayetteville Technical Community College

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Barefoot & Associates Inc.

Givens Estates

Smith Turf & Irrigation

Green Resource Sod Solutions Inc.

Buy Sod Inc JRM Inc.

Southern Ag

Carolina Farm Credit Keith Hills Country Club

Southern Seeds Inc

Carolina Green Corp.

Leap Frog Landcare Inc. City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation The Club at Longview Country Boy Landscaping Inc

McConnell Golf LLC

Town of Cary Public Works

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Turf Mountain Sod Inc

North Carolina A&T State University

UNCG

Dixie Lawn Care LLC

Vandemark Farms LLC

Duke University

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division

Fairway Green

Quality Turf SAS Institute Inc.

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July/August 2020

Vereens Turf Products Wake Forest University

Index of Advertisers Beam Clay.......................................................9 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com Burlingham Seeds.........................................27 www.burlinghamseeds.com Buy Sod, Inc........................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Fresh Farms....................................22 www.carolinafreshfarms.com Carolina Green Corp.....................................17 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...............................29 carolinaturffarms.com Divots, Inc.....................................................17 www.divotssand.com Revels Tractor Co. Inc...................................19 www.revelstractor.com Green Resource............................. Back Cover www.green-resource.com

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc. New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

Kesmac............................................................5 www.brouwerkesmac.com Leading Edge Communications....................17 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Wide Range of Solutions

Jim Brewster Office Phone:

(877) 366-5399 Mobile Phone:

(352) 284-8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net

Mid-Atlantic STIHL..........................................7 www.stihldealers.com Modern Turf, Inc...........................................12 www.modernturf.com Morgan Sand Company................................28 morgansandco.com NC Sod Producers Assn...............................11 www.ncsod.org Phyllom..........................................................23 www.phyllombioproducts.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc...................11 www.progressiveturfequip.com Smith Seed Services........................................9 www.smithseed.com Southern Seeds, Inc......................................12 www.southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment.......................9 www.ssequip.net

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com

Super-Sod........................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group.......... Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc...................................9 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms.........................................13 www.vandemarkfarms.com

STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

email: sales@beamclay.com

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFIELD MIXES, MOUND CLAYS & RED WARNING TRACKS OVER 5,000 INFIELD & SPORTS PRODUCTS

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON

SCOTT REEDER What company do you work for and what is your title?

I am the President/Owner of Barefoot & Associates Inc. How many years have you been in this position?

I began with the company in December 1992 immediately following fall graduation at NC State.

After just a few years, I became a partner and achieved some ownership in the company. In 2008, I became majority owner and president of the company.

How did you decide to pursue a career in turfgrass management?

Honestly, I never really liked school all that much.

In high school, I did the early work release program my junior and senior year and began working at Swift Creek Nursery, so I thought at that time I had a love of plants. After beginning my studies at NC State in the Ag Institute, I double majored with Turfgrass Management and Ornamentals & Landscape Technology with the Agri-Business Concentration. I spent my summers working at The Country Club of Johnston County and was named Assistant Superintendent. It was then I realized I enjoyed the turf world a little more than the plants.

What path led you to your current position?

While working summers and weekends at the CCJC, I met James “Bo” Barefoot and he seemed to take a liking to me and offered me a job once I graduated.

I am happy to say I have been with Barefoot & Associates Inc. all my professional career, now almost 28 years.

What is the best part of your job?

Creating beautiful and healthy lawns and landscapes for homeowners and their families to enjoy is satisfying. Beyond that, working with young employees and helping mold them into young men or ladies, helping them learn from their mistakes and seeing them mature and evolve within the company is maybe just as gratifying.

What inspired you to become a part of TCNC? It is our leading local turf organization. I like the collaboration between the organization and NC State. I also was quick to obtain my TCNC Certified Turfgrass Professional accreditation when it was

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made available. I have always believed in continuing education especially when I probably did not capitalize on my education at a younger, less mature age. I make available to all my employees at no costs any continuing education or accreditations they wish to pursue. Our industry is evolving, and you can keep up with it or get left behind easily.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the turfgrass industry right now?

I feel public awareness and education is something the local organizations and companies will have to do a better job at going forward. There is so much misinformation out there that can significantly impact our industry, we must work hard at putting out accurate information to protect this industry. My biggest fear is what government regulations will do to industry in North Carolina one day.

Do you have a mentor in the industry?

James “Bo” Barefoot has been a great mentor to me in this industry. He first took a chance on me as a young employee, then a business partner. I was young at the time, made mistakes, but he always continued to teach me to turn mistakes into life lessons and what you can learn from them. I have a great father who I

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ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN NORTH CAROLINA,

ONE LAWN AT A TIME. NCSOD.ORG

THE PROGRESSIVE ADVANTAGE Sports field, Park and Estate Mowers

Contour / Rough Finishing Mowers

Turf Grass Production Mowers

Steep Slope Remote Controlled Mower

The Slope-Pro® is a steep slope, rotary mower capable of 50º slopes

Widest range of rotary finishing mowers available from one source

An extensive Dealer network that you can rely on

Features to reduce your cost of operation over the long haul

Proudly designed and manufactured in North America

Tri-Deck cutting widths: 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 36’* Roller Mower cutting widths: 65”, 90”, 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 29.5’* Contour/rough finishing mower: Pro-Flex™ 120B 10’ cut Steep Slope mower: Slope-Pro® 52” cut * available with bolt-on galvanized deck shells

Contact us for more info or to find an Authorized Dealer near you. progressiveturfequip.com info@progressiveturfequip.com

(800) 668-8873 (519) 527-1080

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Member Spotlight | continued

credit my strong work ethic and why I am the person I am today, but I also give Bo much credit because we spent so much time together. He is 10 years older than I, but he was also kind of a father figure for me. I give Bo much credit also for how I turned out and where I am today. Bo taught me about being LOYAL. I could have jumped shipped several times, but I remained loyal to Bo and to Barefoot & Associates which is the biggest reason I am where I am today, owner and president of Barefoot & Associates Inc. Loyalty is an outstanding trait, but hard to find these days.

What do you do in your free time?

I work all the time, but recently have begun enjoying life just a little more. My family and I enjoy spending time at our condo at Little River, SC overlooking the marina. I just enjoy sitting on the porch relaxing and enjoying the view. God has afforded me many great things in life and sometimes it is just nice to stop and take it all in and give thanks to the Lord above.

Tell us about your family.

I am married to Jennifer Reeder and we celebrated our 20th anniversary in June.

We have an 18-year-old daughter, Darby, who will be attending NC State this fall of 2020. There is nothing more important to me than family.

What would your advice be for people entering the turfgrass industry now?

Think about what you see yourself doing not just out of college, but lifelong. Invest in your career and make the most of education dollars. College education is expensive. The turfgrass industry has come a long way as far as financial stability. This industry now offers great career choices.

Educate yourself and surround yourself with great like-minded people. Take the job seriously and try and be the very best at what you do. Most importantly, learn to listen effectively, you can learn so much from professors, industry leaders with experience and your peers. Learn to work together with your peers and your competition with less division amongst each other. We are fortunate here in NC to have survived the financial crisis of 2007– 2008 and have seen so much growth across the state which in return has created many new industry jobs. The future of our industry looks pretty good right now.

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July/August 2020

Upcoming Events & Welcome New Member

THE NC STATE TURF FIELD DAY is moving to a virtual platform to be held July 29 and August 26.

Stay tuned to www.ncturfgrass.org for more information!

TN TURF TUESDAYS* – Webinars hosted by the UT Team Tuesday, August 4 – Zoysiagrass for Golf and Sports Turf: What’s Possible Tuesday, September 1 – Disease Control Overview 2020 Tuesday, October 6 – Herbicide Programs for TN: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead * Since the University of Tennessee has closed all facilities to the public, the Annual U.T. Turf Field Day will be replaced by a series of online webinars held on the first Tuesday of each month from May through October of 2020. You can find more details about the webinars online at: www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.

November 16 – 18, 2020 Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC

New TCNC Member Chris VanLandingham Williamston, NC

— OVER 30 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE —

From highest quality products, impeccable service and 75 years of combined turfgrass knowledge and experience, Vandemark Farms has the solution to any landscape situation. Located in Nash County, North Carolina, Vandemark Farms offers a wide assortment of sod varieties that will work with all landscape designs, including:

Tall Fescue

TifTuf Bermuda

Common Centipede

CALL VANDEMARK FOR YOUR NEXT SOD JOB!! 252-437-1501 9390 NC 33 • Whitakers, NC 27891

Farm Fresh Locally Grown Sod • Quality Products • GO GREEN BUY LOCAL

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NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

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old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Curriculum and Exam: urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

July/August 2020

NCCTP Certification Program

ENROLLMENT APPLICATION Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*____________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.

PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state).

EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months.

DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title______________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) TOTAL $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

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NCCTP Program | continued

CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL

CODE OF ETHICS Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

DUTY TO THE PUBLIC Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I AGREE

DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I AGREE

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 16 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

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July/August 2020

DIGITAL MARKETPLACE Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com

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A

Feature Story

NEW SEASON COMES WITH NEW PRODUCTS

By Devon Carroll and Jim Brosnan, Ph.D.

A

new season often brings new technology to the turfgrass industry and 2020 is no exception.

Six new herbicides are available to turfgrass managers in 2020 including Coastal, Cheetah Pro, Crew, GameOn, Manuscript, and Vexis. These products contain

active ingredients from seven mode-of-action groups with several combined in pre-packaged mixtures. A mode-of-action group indicates the physiological mechanism a herbicide uses to control weeds and can be easily identified on product labeling using the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) group numbering system [e.g., dithiopyr (the active ingredient in Dimension) belongs to WSSA Group 3].

These new herbicides have been researched for several years at land-grant universities, such as the University of Tennessee, to determine how they can be optimally used to control weeds of cool- and warm-season turfgrass while minimizing environmental impact. This article will outline attributes of these new herbicides to aid turfgrass managers considering incorporating them into their weed management programs this year.

Coastal Coastal is a new herbicide mixture from Sipcam Agro that contains prodiamine (WSSA Group 3), imazaquin (WSSA Group 2), and simazine (WSSA Group 5). This mixture can be applied preemergence to control many grassy and broadleaf weeds including crabgrass (Digitaria spp), annual bluegrass (Poa annua), and goosegrass (Eleusine indica). Coastal is labeled for use in many turfgrass systems including golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns and sod farms; Coastal can be applied to several turfgrass species including bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) as well. Coastal offers early-postemergence control of several weed species, particularly annual bluegrass. Depending on geography, Coastal should be applied between September 15th and May 31st at rates of 48 to 64 fl oz/A. Researchers at the University of Tennessee observed 100% control of annual bluegrass 24 weeks after treatment of Coastal applied twice at

Continued on page 20

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July/August 2020

You never get a do over when purchasing equipment. That’s why you need John Deere. Our fairway mowers bring meticulous consistency and precision to every pass. And thanks to our passcode-protected TechControl, you can lock-in every operators’ mower speed, turn speed and transport speed, so they hit the sweet spot every time.

Learn more about the full line of John Deere golf turf equipment at Revelstractor.com or Finchinc.com

Feature Story | continued

32 fl oz/A (Figure 1). If used at an early postemergence timing, a single application of Coastal at 60 to 64 fl oz/A is recommended. Coastal can hamper spring transition of warm-season turfgrasses. Therefore, use as turfgrass is emerging from dormancy is not recommended.

The herbicide is labeled for control of nearly 200 weed species including common winter annual weeds such as annual bluegrass, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), and common chickweed (Stellaria media). Cheetah Pro is rainfast within four hours and has low soil residual, making it an excellent product for use preplant in landscape beds. Cheetah Pro is labeled for both commercial and residential turfgrass use. Research at the University of Tennessee has shown that herbicides containing glufosinate can control certain populations of annual bluegrass that have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Sequential applications of Cheetah Pro may be required to control certain weed species and can be applied as early as five days after initial treatment. In a field trial conducted at the University of Tennessee in 2020, applications of Cheetah Pro from 56 to 82 fl oz/A resulted in greater annual bluegrass control (93 to 95%) two weeks after treatment than either Monument (trifloxysulfuron) or Certainty (sulfosulfuron; Figure 2).

Cheetah Pro Cheetah Pro is a new herbicide from NuFarm that offers an alternative to glyphosate on select weeds. Cheetah Pro contains 24.5% glufosinate (WSSA Group 10), the same active ingredient in Finale. However, Finale (11.3% glufosinate) is less concentrated than Cheetah Pro, so turfgrass managers must carefully read product labeling to identify optimal Cheetah Pro application rates. As a non-selective herbicide, Cheetah Pro can be applied postemergence to dormant bermudagrass at rates of 24 to 82 fl oz/A based on weed size and growth stage.

FIGURE 1: Annual bluegrass control 24 weeks after initial treatment with Coastal applied twice in fall at 32 fl oz/A in Knoxville, TN. FIGURE 2: Annual bluegrass control two weeks after treatment with Cheetah Pro at 56 fl oz/A in Knoxville, TN during February 2020.

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continued | Feature Story

Crew

GameOn

Crew is a new herbicide mixture from Corteva Agriscience that contains isoxaben (WSSA Group 29) and dithiopyr (WSSA Group 3) labeled for preemergence control of many broadleaf and grassy weeds including crabgrass, goosegrass, and annual bluegrass. Additionally, Crew can be used for post-emergence control of newly emerged crabgrass through the one-tiller growth stage. Crew is labeled for use in both residential and commercial areas comprised of bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), or tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). However, the herbicide should not be applied to turfgrass stands that have been sodded, sprigged, or reseeded until they are fully established.

Additionally, turfgrass managers should delay seeding or sodding areas treated with Crew until 8 to 12 weeks after application.

Crew is labeled for use at 150 to 200 lbs/A. Research conducted the University of Tennessee in 2019 highlighted that by late August, single applications of Crew in mid-March (150 or 200 lbs/A) controlled smooth crabgrass greater than Specticle G (indazaflam) or Freehand (dimethenamid + pendimethalin) at rates of 150 lbs/A.

Another new Corteva Agriscience product, GameOn, is a mixture of 2,4-D choline, fluroxypyr, and halauxifen-methyl (Arylex™). All of these active ingredients are synthetic auxin herbicides (WSSA Group 4) with efficacy for postemergence control of broadleaf weeds such as plantain (Plantago spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Similar to Crew, GameOn is labeled for use on many turfgrass species including bermudagrass, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. GameOn can be used on bermudagrass; however, the height-of-cut must be greater than 0.5 inches and application rate is capped at 3 fl oz/A (compared to 4 fl oz/ A on other grasses). GameOn is rainfast within two hours of application and unlike other 2,4-D containing herbicide mixtures, the product is formulated to reduce odor. Turfgrass managers should be advised that GameOn should not be applied to bermudagrass when breaking dormancy in the spring.

Additionally, seeding areas treated with GameOn should be delayed for a minimum of three weeks after application.

Lastly, turfgrass managers should be aware that the product is currently not labeled for use on residential turf.

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Manuscript

Vexis

Manuscript is a systemic herbicide from Syngenta with the active ingredient pinoxaden (WSSA Group 1). Manuscript is a postemergence product labeled for use on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass golf courses, home lawns, sports fields, and sod farms.

On sod farms, Manuscript may be applied to St. Augustinegrass.

Manuscript is labeled for both broadcast and spot treatment application. However, spot treatments 9.6 fl oz/10,000 ft2 (applied twice) or 19.2 fl oz/10,000 ft2 (applied once) are recommended for maximum weed control. Manuscript must be applied in combination with the spray surfactant Adigor.

Manuscript is only effective on grassy weeds such as large and smooth crabgrass or tropical signalgrass (Urochloa subquadripara).

Manuscript is a fast-acting herbicide on susceptible weeds with symptoms typically manifesting within a few days after treatment. Researchers at the University of Tennessee are actively exploring Manuscript use for control of common grassy weed species in warm-season turfgrass.

Vexis is a new granular herbicide from PBI Gordon that contains the acetolactate synthase inhibiting herbicide pyrimisulfan (WSSA Group 2). Vexis is labeled for postemergence control of sedge (Cyperus spp.), kyllinga (Kyllinga spp.), rush (Juncus spp.), and select broadleaf weeds on nearly all cool and warm season turfgrasses used for golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns. Initially, Vexis will be available to turfgrass managers in a 2 lb shaker can designed for spot treating individual weeds (rather than broadcasting across an entire area). One shaker can supplies enough product to treat an area as large as 500 square feet. Turfgrass managers must delay seeding or sodding for three weeks after Vexis treatment; when using the product on newly established turfgrass a three-week delay is required as well. Unlike most granular herbicides, Vexis can be applied to wet or dry foliage, but will require irrigation (or rainfall) within 48 hours after application.

*This article was modified from a piece drafted by the same authors for publication in SportsTurf Management.

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Cover Story

2020

SOD PRODUCERS’ REPORT for NORTH CAROLINA

By Grady Miller, Professor, Crop and Soil Sciences | AG-809 Publication date: May 2020

In

March 2020, North Carolina State University conducted the sixth annual survey to examine inventory and pricing of North Carolina sod.

Overview • Supply of bermudagrass sod is up compared to 2019, with most suppliers saying they have adequate supplies for their expected demand in 2020. There still may be some shortages.

• Supply of zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass are expected to be worse in 2020 compared to 2019, with more than 40% of surveyed producers expecting shortages.

• This was the third consecutive year that about one-third of the producers predicted they could have shortages of centipedegrass sod.

• No shortages for tall fescue and tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass sod were predicted for 2020.

• Only four North Carolina growers reported growing pure stands of Kentucky bluegrass, but half of those growers anticipated shortages.

• There are expected price increases for all the turfgrass species in 2020 except for centipedegrass (same) and St. Augustinegrass (7% decrease). Of the actual prices reported for early 2020, zoysiagrass and Kentucky bluegrass had the greatest increases.

• There was a 30% increase in growers reporting that they grew proprietary grasses but a slight reduction in certified sod growers. This reduction was not expected because most proprietary grasses require certification.

• Production acreage was projected to increase in 2020.

• The primary market for North Carolina sod producers continues to be landscape contractors.

• There was an uptick in sales directly to homeowners with a slight decrease in sales to the sports/athletic field sector of consumers compared to previous years.

• There was a 30% increase in the average number of fulltime employees per producer.

• Total sod sales was reported to be 65% greater than the previous year.

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Survey Details Twenty-three producers representing the following farm sizes completed the anonymous online survey: • less than 200 acres (11 participants) • 201 to 500 acres (4 participants) • 501 to 800 acres (4 participants) • more than 800 acres (4 participants) North Carolina Sod Producers Association (NCSPA) records suggest the number of completed surveys represents about 55% of the sod farms in North Carolina. The number of farms for the respective farm sizes suggests that this survey represents an overwhelming majority of the sod production acreage in the state.

Inventories We obtained inventory estimates for bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass as well as a tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass mix. These estimates were based on estimated sales and the availability of sod as being excellent (more than 10% of demand), adequate (equal to demand), or poor (more than 10% shortage).

Pricing information included the farm price as well as the price for truckload orders delivered to the closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farms. All costs were reported as price per square foot of sod.

Bermudagrass is being grown by 19 (83%) of the surveyed producers. This is currently the most popular turfgrass species grown by NC sod producers. Seventy-four percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate this year; 11% indicated their inventory was excellent. For 2020, 16% of all bermudagrass producers projected having less than adequate supplies.

July/August 2020

Projected inventory levels of bermudagrass have improved over the last five years (Figure 1) after significant shortfalls were predicted for 2015.

Zoysiagrass is being grown by 17 (74%) of the surveyed producers, making it the second most popular turfgrass species grown by NC sod producers. Fifty-three percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate this year and 6% indicated it was excellent. For 2020, 41% of all zoysiagrass producers projected shortages (Figure 1).

Of the producers surveyed, 14 (61%) are growing centipedegrass. Sixty-four percent of these growers reported they had adequate to excellent inventory. Thirty-six percent of all centipedegrass growers anticipate a shortage during 2020.

Nine (39%) of the surveyed producers are growing St. Augustinegrass. Fifty-six percent of these growers reported they had adequate inventory, and 44% anticipated a shortage during 2020. The increased numbers of growers reported

growing St. Augustinegrass in 2020 versus earlier surveys, combined with an anticipated shortage of St. Augustinegrass sod, suggest that interest in the turfgrass species has increased.

Of the producers surveyed, six (26%) are growing tall fescue by itself. One-hundred percent estimated they would have adequate to excellent inventory and no grower anticipated a shortage for 2020 (Figure 1).

A mixture of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is being grown by 11 (48%) of the surveyed producers. One-hundred percent of these producers rated their inventory as adequate to excellent this year.

Four producers surveyed (17%) reported growing Kentucky bluegrass by itself. Of the group that responded to this survey, 50% anticipated adequate supply during 2020, and 50% anticipate a shortage during 2020.

Table 1 provides a sod price perspective for all grass species in 2020.

FIGURE 1: Projected Sod Supply, 2015 to 2020

TABLE 1: Sod price averages.

Turfgrass (No. of growers responding)

2020 Average (price/sq. ft.)

On-the-farm

Delivered*

Bermudagrass (19)

$0.30

$0.35

Zoysiagrass (17)

$0.48

$0.49

Centipedegrass (14)

$0.27

$0.32

St. Augustinegrass (9)

$0.42

$0.46

Tall Fescue (6)

$0.37

$0.44

Tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass (11)

$0.34

$0.40

Kentucky bluegrass (4)

$0.37

$0.44

*Delivered to either closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farm

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The average price per square foot was $0.30 for a truckload of bermudagrass sod at the farm and $0.35 delivered to the closest urban market or within 100 miles of the farm. The farm price ranged from $0.23 to $0.51, whereas delivered prices ranged from $0.25 to $0.58. This is about a 7% increase in on-farm prices compared to 2019.

Zoysiagrass prices were among the highest of all turfgrasses.

The average price on the farm was $0.48 per square foot and ranged from $0.38 to $0.93. The average price delivered to an urban market or within 100 miles of the farm was $0.49 and ranged from $0.40 to $0.73. The average on-farm price of zoysiagrass increased by 9% from 2019.

Centipedegrass prices in 2020 ranged from $0.21 to $0.53 per square foot and averaged $0.27. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.22 to $0.58 and averaged $0.29. The average on-farm prices for centipedegrass was the same as 2019.

St. Augustinegrass prices in 2020 ranged from $0.36 to $0.45 per square foot and averaged $0.42. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.38 to $0.52 and averaged $0.46. St. Augustine on-farm prices were 7% less than in 2019. Last year’s price was a significant increase compared to the previous year, so the price reduction in 2020 still resulted in a sod price well above 2018 prices (Figure 2).

Tall fescue prices in 2020 ranged from $0.29 to $0.55 per square foot and averaged $0.33. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.34 to $0.64 and averaged $0.44. The average on-farm price of tall fescue was the same as last year.

The mix of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass sod prices in 2020 ranged from $0.29 to $0.55 per square foot and averaged $0.34. The price, when delivered, ranged from $0.31 to $0.65 and averaged $0.40. The on-farm prices increased by 3% compared to 2019.

Kentucky bluegrass sod price in 2020 ranged from $0.33 to $0.40 per square foot and averaged $0.34. The price, when delivered was $0.44 for all three growers. This is a 9% increase in the on-farm price compared to 2019.

Figure 2 provides a six-year perspective of sod prices showing fluctuations of particular species since 2015. The data represents the average price. While not shown on this graph, there was a significant increase on the top end of the prices in 2020 compared to 2019 for all the grasses except St. Augustinegrass. The largest percentage change reported for each grass compared to the previous year was as follows: bermuda, 34%; zoysiagrass, 58%; centipedegrass, 47%; St. Augustinegrass, -18%; tall fescue, 38%; tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass, 49%; and Kentucky bluegrass, 14%.

FIGURE 2: Historical perspective of average sod prices in North Carolina, 2015 to 2020.

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For test results check www.ntep.org

www.burlinghamseeds.com

Cover Story | continued

Projected Price Increases Most of the surveyed growers forecasted sod price to remain steady or increase in 2020. The majority of sod producers predict that sod prices will remain steady in 2020. A few producers predict price increases or decreases for particular grasses. The percentages of producers with expectations for price change in each grass is as follows: • Bermudagrass — 16% expect price increases, 79% expect prices to remain steady, 5% expect prices to decrease • Zoysiagrass — 35% expect price increases, 65% expect prices to remain steady, none expect prices to decrease • Centipedegrass — 29% expect price increases, 71% expect prices to remain steady, none expect prices to decrease

• St. Augustinegrass — 40% expect price increases, 60% expect prices to remain steady, none expect prices to decrease • Tall fescue — 20% expect price increases, 60% expect prices to remain steady, 20% expect prices to decrease • Tall fescue + Kentucky bluegrass — 8% expect price increases, 92% expect prices to remain steady, none expect prices to decrease • Kentucky bluegrass — 13% expect price increases, 67% expect prices to remain steady, none expect prices to decrease.

Proprietary Grass In 2020, 61% of the surveyed growers reported that they grew some proprietary

grasses on their farm. This is a 30% increase compared to the last couple of years.

The average percentage of their grasses that were proprietary was 28% with a reported range from 0% to 70%.

Certified Grass In 2020, 64% of the growers surveyed grew some certified sod. This was a 6% decrease in what was reported in 2019.

The average amount of certified grass reported by these farmers was 50% of their total sod acreage. Forty-six percent of these producers charged more for certified grass—$0.02 to $0.05 more per square foot.

Freight Delivery charges are based on a flat rate for 57% of respondents and a per mile basis for 43%. Freight rates per mile shipped to the closest urban market ranged from $3.00 to $5.00 per mile and averaged $3.83 per mile (a 7% increase from the previous year). Eight sod farms reported flat freight rates of $150 to $350 per shipment with a mean of $257 (a 24% increase over the previous year), though these rates could vary depending on other factors. Forty-five percent of the respondents indicated that freight prices are included in price quotes to customers whereas 55% invoiced freight separately.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents indicated they did not charge an unloading fee. One sod producer charged a $75 unloading fee, a second charged $150, and a third charged $3/pallet. Eightyseven percent of respondents indicated they make additional drops on loads. The low-end charge for additional drops on a load was $20 and the high-end charge was $175. The average cost for additional drops was $66. Several reported that the charge was dependent on the distance between drops and that charges may be divided between buyers. Some also added a minimum drop fee (such as, $35) plus a mileage rate (for instance, $4.00/mile).

Fuel Surcharge Two producers indicated that they add a fuel surcharge. Relative fuel prices each year seem to influence this practice. As last year, no producer reported they used fuel surcharges.

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Price Changes When asked how often producers adjust their sale prices, 61% indicated they adjust their prices yearly whereas 39% make adjustments when needed. No respondents indicated that they adjust prices monthly or quarterly.

Credit Card Convenience Fee Only one producer indicated they charged a convenience fee for credit card purchases.

Sales by Industry Segments Table 2 provides an indication of the industry segments where sod is sold. Surveyed producers estimated that landscape contractors (66.6%) constituted the largest segment. The next highest group was homeowners at nearly 13%, followed by sports and athletics with nearly 10%.

Golf courses were just over 5% with retail garden centers at 3.6% and brokers at 2.3%. The largest changes compared to previous years are the increase in direct homeowner sales.

Acreage in Production Of the survey respondents, 17% indicated that they reduced sod production acreage during 2019. The average decrease was 20%. Both of these responses are a significant increase compared to the previous year. Nine percent indicated that they would have reduced production in 2020.

Seventy-eight percent indicated that they had increased acres during the last three years. The average percentage increase was 33%. The percentage of respondents who expected to increase production acreage in 2020 was similar to last year, but the average percentage increase nearly doubled.

TABLE 2: Ranking of Industry Segments for Sale of Turfgrass.

2020 Industry Segment

Employees Several questions related to employee numbers and sod sales were added to this year’s survey for the third year. These data were collected as a requirement for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant that was awarded to NCSPA.

Rank

Average* (%)

Landscape contractors

1

66.6

Homeowners

2

12.5

Sports/athletics

3

9.6

Golf courses

4

5.4

Retail garden centers

5

3.6

Brokers

6

2.3

*Average percent of total sales

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NC State Turf Team

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The average number of full-time employees at these sod production operations was 17 employees, which is a 30% increase from 2019. Of the 21 operations that responded, the number of full-time employees ranged from one to 100. The average number of seasonal employees ranged from zero to 50, with an average of eight.

Total Sod Sales Total sod sales for the 18 operations that reported data ranged from $121,968 to $20 million. The average sod sales were $2.864 million (a 62% increase from the previous year’s values). Total sod sales reported were $51,561,968. The mean value was influenced by a few larger operations. There were three operations with sales greater than $5 million and four with annual sales less than $550,000. Fiftyseven percent of the producers indicated their sales increased in 2019, whereas 13% had a decrease and 30% reported sales stayed the same.

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES Dr. Richard Cooper Professor 919.515.7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu

Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Associate Professor 919.515.3196 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu

Emily Erickson Lecturer 919.513.2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu

Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu

Dr. Thomas Rufty Jr. Professor 919.515.3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu

Dr. Charles Peacock Professor 919.515.3667 charles_peacock@ncsu.edu

Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rongda Qu Professor 919.515.7616 rongda_qu@ncsu.edu

Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu Matt Martin Extension Associate, Turfgrass 910675.2314 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY

Summary With six years of data, this year provided an opportunity to look at price trends for each of the turfgrass species. Following several years of reducing acreage due to poor sod sales (largely due to minimum new construction), the last five years have been years for good growth in production, which has allowed some increases in sod prices. This last year saw some of the largest increases since the survey was started.

In the past, weather events significantly impacted the region. In general, 2019 was a mild year without the significant tropical events such as we saw in 2018. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has not dampened sod sales to date as construction was deemed an essential function. Annual data provides some indication of sod supply and price in the near future. It is not known at this time how the pandemic will impact the building sector over the rest of year. The total acreage of sod seems steady with a small amount of growth.

Most grasses seem to be in good supply for 2020; however, a high percentage of sod producers anticipate shortages for all the warm-season grasses. The bulk of sod sales (>66%) are to landscape contractors. It may be important to provide sod supply and relative pricing information to this group, especially in years when supply is limited or prices are expected to increase.

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Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu

Lee Butler Extension Coordinator 919.513.3878 elbutler@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rick Brandenburg Wm. Neal Reynolds Professor 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu

Dr. James Kerns Associate Professor 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

HORTICULTURE SCIENCE Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

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The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright Š 2020 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here.

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