May/June 2022 Turf News

July/August 2021

May/June 2022

Turf News A publication of Turfgrass Producers Internationall

The only magazine devoted exclusively to turfgrass production

Protecting Your Investments IN THIS ISSUE 2022 Conference Recap New and Updated Membership Benefits Meet the TLI Scholarship Recipients

... And Much More

May/June 2022

Turf u Ne News ews A publication of Turfgrass Producers Internationall

The only magazine devoted exclusively to turfgrass production

Protecting rotecting Your Investments IN THIS ISSUE 2022 Conference Recap New and Updated Membership Benefits Meet the TLI Scholarship Recipients

... And Much More

Cover: Drone shot of TPI 2022 Field Day Photo by BE Videography TURF NEWS Vol. 46 No. 3 May/June 2022 Published by Turfgrass Producers International 444 E. Roosevelt Road #346 Lombard, IL 60148 U.S. & Canada Tel: 800-405-8873 International Tel: 1-847-649-5555 Fax: 1-847-649-5678 Email: info@TurfGrassSod.org Website: www.TurfGrassSod.org TPI Contact Information Executive Director Casey Reynolds, PhD creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org Membership & Marketing Manager Allie Shriver ashriver@TurfGrassSod.org Advertising Sales/Classified Ads Geri Hannah ghannah@TurfGrassSod.org Co-Editors Steve & Suz Trusty stevetrusty@TurfGrassSod.org suztrusty@TurfGrassSod.org Art Director Jane Tomlinson jane@inkumbrella.com Director of Meetings Liz Lonsbrough liz@TurfGrassSod.org Policy Consultant Jonathan Moore jonathanm494@gmail.com Editorial Advisors John Sorochan, PhD University of Tennessee (warm-season grasses) sorochan@utk.edu Aaron J. Patton, PhD Purdue University (cool-season grasses) ajpatton@purdue.edu Turf News is published bi-monthly (January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December) with a $25 subscription fee from Membership dues, by Turfgrass Producers International 444 E. Roosevelt Road #346, Lombard, IL 60148 Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO POSTMASTER Please send address changes to Turf News 444 E. Roosevelt Road #346, Lombard, IL 60148 USPS no. 003 255; ISSN 0899-417K Canadian Post: Publications agreement No. 1479148

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURE ARTICLES

FOCUS: Protecting Your Investments

10 Invest in Your People In today’s market we need to invest in our people and there are many ways to do that.

11 Introducing the First Cohort of the TPI Future Leaders Fellowship The first group of individuals have committed to this 24-month TPI program.

14 Agricultural Industries Coping with Increased Costs There are many things to consider when determining how you should price your products.

16 Sod Checkoff Updates from the Road Dr. Casey Reynolds travels the U.S. to get the word out and gather input to share with the committee.

20 Introducing TPI’s New Publication—Turfgrass Sod as Agriculture Use this new TPI Member benefit to assure regulatory exceptions and exemptions.

22 Updated for 2022 TPI’s Publication— Weed, Insect, and Disease Control for Turfgrass Production This award-winning member’s only publication has been updated with the most current information.

24 TPI Association Health Insurance FAQs Answers the questions you might have about the new Health Insurance Program for TPI members.

26 TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day Recap Over 15 pages of highlights from this year’s TPI Main Event in San Diego.

46 Andrew James Smith Awarded Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship Meet the newest recipient of the four-year scholarship administrated by TLI. 48 Krystal Dixon Awarded Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship Meet the newest recipient of the one-year scholarship administrated by TLI. 50 Update on Lanie Carl—TLI 2018 Scholarship Recipient Catch-up on the latest progress by the 2018 four-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship recipient.

52 John Addink Named TPI’s 2022 Honorary Member Learn more about the newest TPI Honorary Member.

53 2022 Brouwer Female Leader Award Honors Sarah Nolte To celebrate 50 years of business Brouwer Kesmac introduces its first Female Leader Award.

54 Rooted in Research—Plants as Architects of Soil Dr. Bigelow wants to pique your interest in Rhizosphere Ecology.

57 TPI on the Road at the GCSAA Conference Highlights from the GCSAA Conference in San Diego the week before the TPI Conference.

DEPARTMENTS President's TURF…...…..................…………2 Executive Director's TURF …...................... 4 TPI News…………………….…................…6 The Lawn Institute News …..........................8 Association Updates..............................58-60 Happenings..........................................64-65 Turfgrass Industry News ................. 66 & 68

Classified Ads.........................................70 Advertisers Index.....................................71 Welcome New & Returning Members......71 Turfgrass Industry Calendar..................72

BONUS TLI Helpful Hints….............................9 Weather Watch…................................56

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2022

PRESIDENT’S TURF

TPI Board of Trustees Officers

Protecting Your Investments

Jim Keeven

First, thank you to ALL who attended the TPI 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day! Getting together with over 500 attendees coming from 95 farms, 38 states, and 11 countries was wonderful and felt even more special as our first in person gathering since Covid hit. Taking part in the Conference is not only a much-appreciated commitment to your association, but also an important investment in the educational and networking opportunities that benefit your company, your people, and yourself.

We all make investments in our farms to maintain and grow our businesses.

Every farmer loves kicking tires, buying equipment, learning about new processes, and adapting them to our farming and business operations. Of all the investments we make, Kathy and I have always stressed the investment in our people as our top priority. We determined from the beginning that if we didn’t have employees, all we’d have is a really big lawn.

We’re thankful to have long-term, double-digit employees with us, some for 15 or 20 years or longer. We want to make sure they are well taken care of, and we work to create the conditions that motivate them to keep coming to work. We want to know what they need to help make their jobs go more smoothly and try to give them the resources they need to make that happen. While that increases their job satisfaction, it also results in a more efficient and productive operation, which is even more important in today’s tight labor market.

As Dr. Scott Brown of the University of Missouri emphasizes in his article in this issue, agricultural input costs are going up so fast farmers must pay attention to how that affects their bottom line. Like other farmers now, I’m closely watching my purchasing costs and allocating my resources to get the best benefit from every dollar spent. For example, rather than making full farm fertilizer applications, I’m calculating fertilization on a field-by-field basis.

While I can cut back in specific fields, I’ve quickly learned I must hit the right balance to maintain the quality our customers expect. It’s a more cost-effective way to operate and I’m planning to get better at it moving forward.

Despite the challenges, I’m optimistic. The demand for sod is strong and growing. Many of our landscaper clients told me early this spring that if they didn’t book another job, they’d stay busy until next year. They are bidding on new projects, but with the understanding the price probably will change when they are able to do the job.

As sod producers, we need to do the same by watching our input costs and determining when we can tolerate them and when we need to raise our selling prices to compensate for them. That’s essential to protecting our investments in our primary asset—our business.

President Jim Keeven SelecTurf, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-573-634-3444 jim@selecturfsod.com Vice President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms - U.S.A. +1-731-692-3515 mccurdysodfarms@gmail.com Secretary-Treasurer Diane Mischel DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-810-653-2201 office@debucksodfarm.com Past President Steve Griffen Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-518-664-5038 steve@saratogasod.com Executive Director Casey Reynolds, PhD Turfgrass Producers International – U.S.A. +1-847-649-5555 creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org Trustees Daniel Huggett Columbus Turf Nursery – U.S.A. +1-740-983-6580 danielh@columbus-turf.com Albrecht Knigge Rasenland – GERMANY 495 101 915361 knigge@rasenland.de Larry LeMay A-G Sod Farms, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-559-289-2302 llemay@agsod.com Lindy Murff Murff Turf Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-281-328-2812 lmurff@murffturf.com Ron Schiedel Greenhorizons Group – CANADA +1-519-778-7500 ron@greenhorizonssod.com Cliff Stewart STEC Equipment, Inc. +1-864-225-3666 cliff@stecequipment.com Wade Wilbur Sod Shop – U.S.A. +1-913-814-0044 wade@sodshops.com

Warmest Regards,

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF Turfgrass Sod As Agriculture Casey Reynolds, PhD

It has long been the policy of federal and state governments to grant farmers and agriculture various exceptions and exemptions to regulations. The terms farming, agriculture, and horticulture can be found dispersed throughout legal codes in a wide variety of applications such as labor, transportation, insurance, tax preparation, and more. While it may seem obvious to us that sod is agriculture, I can count maybe up to a dozen instances in my brief time at TPI where it has been called into question at either the federal, state, or even local level.

So, is sod agriculture? Sometimes the implications of this question are simply academic, but often I have found that judicial or other legal interpretations of this question have very real and impactful consequences. In a regulatory dispute, courts will strive to discern the public policy intent of the legislature who drafted the statute which authorizes the regulation. They must decide if a certain type of business, land use or product belongs in a list of arguably similar items. Is sod similar to other agricultural crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.? Or is it more similar to specialty or nursery crops such as fruits, nuts, flowers, or Christmas trees? Or does it even matter what the crop is if all the underlying principles of agricultural production are similar? You can see where agencies could have a difficult time classifying hundreds of diverse species of plants and writing them accurately and consistently into various codes and regulations.

Where statutes and their regulations are vague, a solid advocacy approach should focus on how sod/turfgrass production has all the characteristics of farming as other agricultural products. This is where TPI is here to serve our industry. In the last six months alone, I have personally been involved in two separate cases where TPI members have reached out to us with local agencies who did not consider them to be farmers growing an agricultural product. One is working with a tax assessor and the other with an attorney in litigation. In each case, the answer to the question of “is sod agriculture?” has profound and meaningful impacts.

It is the premise of this new edition of Turfgrass Sod as Agriculture that turfgrass and sod production do in fact fit into the definition of agriculture, horticulture, farming, and farms. As a result, they also fall under all broad definitions of farming and agriculture in well-established and legally tested public policies of supporting family farms. This new TPI member benefit details the many instances where courts and legislative bodies have ruled on turfgrass sod’s status as an agricultural product, and we are proud to bring it to our members. I hope it serves you well!

See pages 20-21 to learn more.

Cheers,

So, is sod agriculture? Sometimes the implications of this question are simply academic, but often I have found that judicial or other legal interpretations of this question have very real and impactful consequences.

Please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

@TPITurfTalk @TheLawnInstitute

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@TurfgrassProducersInternational @TheLawnInstitute

@TheLawnInstitute

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TPI NEWS

MARK TO WHAT YOUR KNOW CALENDAR EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR TPI MEMBERS TPI has launched an Employee Health Insurance Program for TPI member farms in the U.S. Many details can be found in the article on page 24. You can also go to https://www.associationpros.com/tpiinquiryform to start the application process and obtain the program details that will pertain to your operation.

NEW EDITIONS OF 3 TPI PUBLICATIONS HEAD TO MAILBOXES TPI members should keep an eye on their mailboxes for the new or newly updated versions of three valuable TPI publications. New is Turfgrass Sod as Agriculture, a book that contains many important legal rulings on sod’s role as an agricultural commodity. More information can be found beginning on page 20 of this issue.

The 2022 TPI Membership Directory and the NEW 2022 Weed, Insect, and Disease Control for Turfgrass Producers are the newly updated publications. More information on the latter can be found on pages 22-23.

TPI MEDIA KITS NOW AVAILABLE The 2022 TPI Media Kit is now available. Please contact Geri Hannah at 847-649-5555 or ghannah@ TurfGrassSod.org. The full media kit can be found at https://issuu.com/tpiturfnews/docs/tpi_media_kit_ updated_2022_2_

TPI WORKING WITH USDA ON CROP INSURANCE FOR SOD Interested in Crop Insurance? TPI is working with the U.S. Farm Service Agency to develop potential crop insurance plans specific to sod production. If you are interested in learning more or willing to serve on an exploratory committee, please contact Dr. Casey Reynolds at CReynolds@TurfGrassSod.org or 847-737-1846 to learn more.

FOLLOW TPI AND TLI ON SOCIAL MEDIA Turfgrass Producers International

The Lawn Institute

Twitter: @TPITurfTalk

Twitter: @TheLawnInstitute

Facebook: @TurfgrassProducersInternational

Facebook: @TheLawnInstitute Instagram: @TheLawnInstitute

FULL U.S. SOD CHECKOFF PROGRAM TEXT ONLINE The full text of the U.S. Sod Checkoff Program proposal is now live at www.SodCheckoff.org/Resources.

Read the full order here to learn more about this initiative and upcoming referendum.

TPI WORKING WITH EPA ON PROPOSED STRATEGIC PLAN TPI is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the proposed 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan to make sure that sod farmers are included in important initiatives.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI NEWS

WHAT TO KNOW

LEARN MORE AT A MEETING NEAR YOU Want to hear more about the proposed U.S. Sod Checkoff program? See the Turf Industry calendar on page 72 of this issue or visit www.SodCheckoff.org for a list of upcoming events.

You can also contact Dr. Casey Reynolds at CReynolds@TurfGrassSod.org or 847-737-1846 to schedule an event near you!

TPI PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENT ON TWO IMPORTANT ISSUES TPI is providing public comment on two new Public Comment Periods in the U.S. Federal Register and is encouraging members to do the same. Comments must be received by May 16. Please contact Dr. Casey Reynolds or log on to the U.S. Federal Register to learn more or provide input.

The first issue is titled, “Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns,” and can be found at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/17/2022-05670/access-to-fertilizer-competition-and-supplychain-concerns The second is, “Competition and Intellectual Property System: Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs,” at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/17/2022-05667/competition-and-the-intellectual-propertysystem-seeds-and-other-agricultural-inputs

DID YOU KNOW TPI MEMBERS CAN VIEW PHOTOS FROM PAST TPI EVENTS ON SMUGMUG? Visit https://tpiphotos.smugmug.com/ to take a trip down memory lane!

WHAT TO MARK YOUR KNOW CALENDAR FEBRUARY 20-22, 2023 Save the date for the 2023 TPI International Education

IINTERNATIONAL NTERNATIONAL

EEDUCATION DUCATION

Conference in Nashville, TN, February 20-22, 2023!

JULY 24-28, 2023 Save the date for the the TPI Summer Convention & Field Day in Detroit, MI, July 24-28, 2023.

We can't wait to see you there!

CCONFERENCE ONFERENCE

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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THANK YOU TO ALL 2022 DONORS The Lawn Institute sincerely thanks ALL members that have already donated to The Foundation in 2022. In recognition of the Forever Green, Platinum Patron, Gold Benefactor, Green Partner, and 500 Club members, the lists below recognize those who donated as of 4/1/2022.

FOREVER GREEN/LEGACY GIVING Hank & Mary Kerfoot (Modern Turf) For more information go to: www.TheLawnInstitute.org/page/forevergreen/

PLATINUM PATRON/over $10,000 Heritage Turf, Inc.—Ron Nixon Hol-Mac—Lon Kraft Hope Plantation—Mayfield McCraw Trebro Manufacturing, Inc.—Gregg Tvetene

GOLD BENEFACTOR/$5,000-$9,999 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc—Linda Bradley

GREEN PARTNER/$1,000–$4,999 A-G Sod Farms, Inc.—John Addink Columbus Turf Nursery—Daniel Huggett Emerald View Turf Farm—Eddie Keeven Heartland Turf Farm—Tom Keeven, Jr. Jasperson Sod Farm—Randy Jasperson Magnum—Steven Dover Newsom Seed, Inc.—Allen Bohrer

500 CLUB/$500—$999

A & W Southern Sod Farm—William Head Advanced Equipment Sales—John Janmaat A-LIST—Jeremy Husen Bentley Turf Farms—Dennis Brigham Bethel Farms—Will Nugent Blue Grass Enterprises, Inc.—Michael Loan Cameron Financial—Darryl Yochem Central Turf Farms, Inc.—Herman Wittig Chickasha Grass Sod Farm—Oscar Nelson Coosa Valley Turf Farms—Donald Coyle Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply—Eric Heuver Evergreen Turf, Inc.—Jeff Nettleton Green Acres Turf Farm—Gary Youmans JB Instant Lawn, Inc.—Mark Tribbett Landmark Seed Company—Larry Humphreys Laytonsville Landscaping, Inc.—Doug Lechlider McPheeter’s Turf, Inc.—William McPheeter Mountain View Seeds—Troy Kuenzi Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc.—Gary Wilber Oregon Turf & Tree Farms—Tom DeArmond Pine Island Turf Nursery, Inc.—Chip Lain Quality Turf, Inc.—Alfred Wooten R & R Products—Tom Rogers R.B. Farms, LLC—Robbie Brady Royal Sod Farms LLC—Brian Shufelt Sales Midwest—Tim Wollesen SelecTurf, Inc.—Jim Keeven Sod Solutions—Tobey Wagner Sporting Valley Turf Farms—Matt Wimer TAMANET (USA)—Angel Lopez Todd Valley Farms, Inc.—Wayne Thorson Tuckahoe Turf Farms—James Betts Tulsa Grass & Sod Farms, Inc.—Richard Stunkard Turf Producers Association—Jenny Carritt TWCA—Jack Karlin Vandemark Sod Farms—Trevor Vandemark West Coast Turf—John Foster Willowlee Sod Farms Ltd—Kurt Vanclief

For more information on how you can support TLI and make a donation go to: www.TheLawnInstitute.org/ and click on SUPPORT TLI. Contributions help support tufgrass research, education, scholarships, and the campaign to promote natural grass. Donations made in the calendar year will receive personal recognition in our publications and in The Lawn Institute booth at the following levels:

FOREVER GREEN/LEGACY GIVING

PLATINUM PATRON/OVER $10,000

GREEN PARTNER/$1,000–$4,999

GOLD BENEFACTOR/$5,000—$9,999

500 CLUB/$500—$999

Helpful Hints from The Lawn Institute can be copied to hand out to your customers.

To obtain a pdf version to copy for handouts just contact Turf News co-editor Steve Trusty at stevetrusty@TurfGrassSod.org.

Then print and share with your customers—it’s free!

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

HELPFUL HINTS HINTS HELPFUL FROM THE THE LAWN LAWN INSTITUTE INSTITUTE FROM SOIL SAMPLING essentially a measure of the acidity (<7) or alkalinity (>7) of a soil. This is important because it can impact nutrient availability, plant health, create imbalances or toxicities, and even the performance of herbicides or insecticides.

Most turfgrasses perform best in a soil pH of 6.5 to 7, and soil tests are the best way to determine how to alter it if necessary. Soil tests also provide information on nutrient status, desired ranges, and the likelihood of response from fertilizer application. Savings from the reduction or elimination of even one un-necessary nutrient application will often far exceed the cost of the soil test itself.

There are many things that can be done to improve turfgrass health, quality, and performance but few offer as much return on investment as soil sampling. Often for as little as a few dollars, soil tests can provide a vast amount of information to help make important decisions on the application of fertilizers, lime, gypsum, irrigation, soil amendments, and more. This simple test is one of the most important tools in maintaining dense, healthy turfgrass and can even be helpful in reducing inputs and costs.

Soils are complex systems made up of a vast array of physical, chemical, and biological properties. In turfgrasses, it provides not only nutrients and water, but also serves as the foundation for athletic fields and golf courses where traction, stability, and resiliency are important for events.

Many basic soil tests provide information on soil chemical properties including pH, plant nutrients, soluble salts, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and more. Other, more detailed soil tests can also provide information on soil physical properties such as soil textural analysis (percentages of sand, silt, clay), hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, porosity, water retention, and so on. While these types of detailed tests are typically most utilized in the golf course and sports field industries, basic soil tests can be helpful to any site, including home lawns. This is particularly true in urban or suburban settings where soils have been disturbed, altered, or even removed during construction.

In areas of the world where salts are prevalent in soils and aquifers, soil testing is a great way to monitor salt accumulation and develop a strategy for mitigation. As saline water is applied through irrigation, water is taken into turfgrass roots and transpired through leaves, while leaving damaging salts behind. Salt accumulation can lead to a number of issues in plant health including water deficits, ion imbalances or toxicities, and decreases in soil permeability.

The vast diversity that exists worldwide in soils, groundwater, rainfall amounts, etc. make it impossible to predict the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils. It’s hard to imagine maximizing plant health and performance without knowing the basic information provided by soil tests, and often for a few dollars, euros, pounds, or rubles the vast complexities that exist just below our turfgrasses can be brought to life. Various types of soil tests from university, governmental, or private labs can provide information on each of these factors with little difficulty or costs, so check with one in your area to get started.

Information on soil pH and nutrients is often most commonly associated with soil testing. Soil pH is

For more information on lawn care and helpful “How to” tips, visit The Lawn Institute at: www.TheLawnInstitute.org.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE

By Diane Mischel Editor’s note: This is the TPI Leadership, Innovation, and Technology (LIT) committee’s article focused on “Protecting Your Investments.”

I attended TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference this past February and had the pleasure of listening to Bruce Vincent’s keynote presentation “With Vision There is Hope.” He made many great points, but there was one thing that cut deepest for me. He told the story of when his dad sat him down and told him that he was “too smart” to go into the family logging business and that his talents would be better applied somewhere else. As I sat in that session, I flashed back to my own, similar experience and a lightbulb clicked on in my brain. Not only are we collectively doing a poor job of telling our natural grass story to consumers but, at times, we also are doing a poor job of telling our story within our own families. We need to stop turning our best and brightest towards other industries and instead find a way to use their talents and interests to grow our own industry.

The natural grass industry has room and need for a wide variety of talents and interests. The founding generations did not know that someone with a computer engineering degree would have a fulfilling career supporting the sod industry. Most of the equipment specialized for our industry didn’t start at a huge manufacturer—it was developed by ingenious sod farmers using their talents to find a better way.

As the pace of business speeds ever faster, it is driving the need for a more diverse group of talents. If we are not using our best and brightest to expand our industry, the alternative is that we will shrink and risk becoming a dying industry.

What is the long-term vision for our industry? We need a succession plan to ensure that natural grass has a legacy. Often when I think of the term “succession plan,” how to transfer a business comes to mind, but that is actually “business exit planning.”

The definition is clearly divided into two parts. The first is defining the critical needs and tasks. Don’t get boxed in by what exists now. Just because a task is currently being completed by one position doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be transferred to a different position in the future.

The next step is evaluating the people you have, and/ or the people you need to recruit, and determining how they can become successful in those tasks. Review your training system. Is there engagement between leadership and the next level of development? Are you building a network that you can utilize when you need to fill a position?

In today’s market we must invest in people, but we must move beyond the traditional benchmarks of compensation, healthcare, etc. These benefits are essential and must be competitive, but the heart of valuing people is putting them and their needs first. Leaders who go above and beyond to find what motivates or stresses their workforce are rewarded with engaged employees.

Healthy communication is key for succession planning and investing in people. There are two parts: compassionate listening and information sharing. We must care about employees’ concerns, demonstrate empathy, and consider their opinions. We also must keep them “in the know.” Usually, in the absence of information, people think “worst-case scenario.”

It is especially important to make a deliberate communication effort when dealing with relatives as we often assume that “they know” or that they “feel engaged” simply because they are family.

It is time for the natural grass industry to tell our story inside our families and businesses—we are farmers, but also so much more. We need to engage the best and brightest and communicate about the opportunities and progress in our industry.

Succession planning is the process of identifying the critical positions within your organization and developing action plans for individuals to assume those positions.

Succession planning should be evaluated constantly, not just thought about when someone wants to retire.

Focusing on a succession plan is a way to invest in the people at your business now and for the future.

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Diane Mischel, owner of DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Inc. in Davison, Michigan, is currently serving on the TPI Board of Trustees as Secretary-Treasurer and is a member of the LIT committee.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

INTRODUCING THE FIRST COHORT OF THE TPI FUTURE LEADERS FELLOWSHIP

By Allie Shriver Turfgrass Producers International is excited to announce the first cohort of our newest members-only program—the TPI Future Leaders Fellowship. This program is the result of the TPI Leadership, Innovation and Technology (LIT) committee’s collaboration on developing a small group leadership experience to bring together new and current leaders in the natural grass industry.

With a balance of dynamic classroom and virtual presentations, experiential learning opportunities, in-depth leadership text analysis paired with travel, service projects, and teamwork, this cohort will learn new skills and enhance existing leadership characteristics to contribute to the long-term success of their career and organization.

Throughout the immersive 24-month program, each member of this cohort will become a more robust and better leader with new skills and relationships to become effective advocates for the natural grass industry.

MEET THE FIRST COHORT Listed below, are the fellows and the companies they represent: Ben Boehme – Landmark Seed Company Melissa Clark – DLF Pickseed USA Inc. Matthew Duncan – DLF Pickseed USA Inc. Mark Graf – Tri-Tex Grass, Granbury, TX Ryan Menken – Jasperson Sod Farm, Union Grove, WI Greg Mischel – DeBuck's Sod Farm, Inc., Davison, MI Sarah Nolte – Blue Grass Enterprises, Inc., Alburnett, IA Adam Russell – MVP Genetics Kelsey Sandbothe – SelecTurf, Inc., Jefferson City, MO

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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FOR THE FELLOW F

F

t

BENEFITS FOR THE EMPLOYER

LOOKING FORWARD Watch for exciting developments to unfold as this cohort invests their time and talents toward fulfilling their vision for their careers, their companies, TPI, and the natural grass industry Allie Shriver is membership and marketing manager for Turfgrass Producers International. She is the coordinator for the TPI Future Leaders Fellowship program.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES COPING WITH INCREASED COSTS

By Scott Brown, PhD Today’s headlines are dominated by the increased costs facing all parts of the world economy. The sod industry is no exception, with significantly higher and sometimes record prices for many of the inputs used in the industry. In these times of skyrocketing input prices, it is imperative for all farmers to better know and manage their costs, and the sod production industry is no different. Although the last few years have been a period of growth, increased demand, and better returns for the industry, bottom lines have become increasingly squeezed in recent months.

One well-documented, but rather un-widely publicized tool for tracking selling prices is the Producer Price Index (PPI) reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ppi/). The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a family of indexes that measures the average change over time in selling prices received by domestic producers of goods and services. PPIs measure price change from the perspective of the seller. This contrasts with other measures, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), that measure price change from the purchaser's perspective.

Chart 1: Final Demand Producer Price Index

percent. Over the year, prices for final demand services increased 7.8 percent in February. Within the final demand services category, prices for final demand transportation and warehousing services increased 16.6 percent, while final demand trade services were up 14.4 precent. What’s the common trend? They’ve all gone up.

Another benchmark is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (USDA-NASS).

USDA-NASS conducts five surveys every year in midMarch to collect information from agribusinesses on the prices producers paid for recent sales of approximately 450 key agricultural inputs. The prices paid surveys collect information on agricultural chemicals (including fertilizer), farm machinery, feeds, fuels, and retail seed.

USDA data shows the marked increase in costs facing agriculture in 2022 (Figure 1). The total fertilizer index is nearly 40 percent above a year ago, and components of the overall fertilizer index, like nitrogen, have more than doubled. Labor costs continue their upward march, with labor availability being an additional issue. Diesel fuel has increased from $3.15 per gallon in April 2021 to $5.20 per gallon in April 2022, with the war in Ukraine responsible for about $1.00 per gallon of the increase.

Of course, most producers don’t have to look at a survey to know their costs have increased when they can just look at their bottom line. TPI has heard from members all over the world who have shared their experiences locally. One sod producer states “We have a lot of line items on our spreadsheet, but only six of them make up 90 percent of our expenses: Payroll, Fertilizer, Fuel, Chemicals, Rent, and Supplies (such as pallets and netting). Keep in mind that capitol items like depreciation, taxes, and some others are not in this variable list. The big changers for us are fertilizer up 96 percent, fuel up 78 percent, and pallets and netting up 60 percent. When I calculate the cost changes, (or the expected changes) and compare them with a three-year average of those same expenses I estimate an 18 percent increase in my expenses for 2022.”

As reported in Chart 1, producer prices for final demand increased 10.0 percent during the 12 months ending February 2022. Prices for final demand goods increased 14.4 percent over the year ending February 2022. Final demand energy prices increased 33.8 percent, while final demand food prices were up 13.7 percent. Final demand prices for goods less foods and energy increased 9.6 14

The uncertainty of when inputs will arrive and the extreme volatility in input prices have also made planning much more difficult. Supply bottlenecks that appeared with the Covid-19 outbreak have been persistent, with relief not expected soon for inputs shipped from overseas. Input cost and availability issues have provided multiple reasons to keep a sharp pencil at hand when examing your production costs.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

Figure 1:

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture: National Agricultural Statistics Service

For many agricultural products, producers find themselves unable to influence the price they receive for the product they produce. For instance, farmers who sell agricultural products into commodity markets. In that case, it is virtually impossible to pass along cost increases to a buyer. In some cases, the only path that returns profitability to the industry as a whole is one where the highest-cost producers are forced to exit from the industry, an excruciating process for all involved.

The sod industry may be better situated to pass along increased costs than many other segments of U.S. agriculture, particularly in a hot housing market. The number of sod producers is lower than is the case in many other agricultural enterprises, which can also help with passing increased costs to end-users. Are customers going to complain? Of course they are. Are they going to leave for another producer?

Perhaps. Are they going to return if and when that other producer’s price has also increased? Probably so. One sod producer states “Overall, for 2021, my cost of goods sold (COGS - refers to the direct costs of producing goods sold) rose by 16 percent. We raised our price three times and need to do it again. Our COGS are increasing at such a rapid pace that our price is still lagging behind. I have been telling customers to not get too comfortable with the price because it is likely going to change again.”

There are various ways producers share that they have been able to successfully pass along some of their costs increases.

They range from increases in their price of sod, as stated above, to implementing drop fees, higher pallet charges, adding fuel surcharges, and so on.

There are more factors at play than just the number of producers. Another factor at play right now is strong demand for housing. Figure 2 shows that in February 2022, new housing starts reached 1.769 million. The housing start data continues a trend of strong demand for housing, leading to large increases in new home prices. The cost of labor and materials for home building has gone up significantly as is the case with most all inputs. This strong demand in housing starts may provide the needed TPI Turf News May/June 2022

opportunity for sod producers to increase sod prices to help offset the increased costs they face today. Given the current boom in housing starts, the demand for sod may remain rather strong even if sod prices move higher.

Looking longer-term, there are risks that strong demand could wane in the coming months if economic growth slows, making it more difficult to pass along higher sod prices. This of course makes it even more important to capture the market now. “We as sod producers are a little like gas stations,” says one TPI member. “They’ve got tanks in the ground that cost them x to fill up today but likely much more than that to re-fill them tomorrow (as fuel prices increase). So, they need to sell it for more than x today to be able to buy the same fuel at a higher price when they fill up next time. Similarly, I am selling sod today that I put in the ground a year ago when things were cheaper. I am going to be re-planting at much higher costs today than I was a year ago, so I need to capture that revenue now. If next year’s market dips, then I’ll be doubly hurt because not only am I selling sod cheaper then, but it cost me more to plant that sod now than what it might next time if the market is down.” Remember the game of musical chairs?

No one wants to be left standing if the market dips 12-18 months from now with high-cost inputs invested in sod on the ground at a time of low demand.

Figure 2:

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The most important information for sod producers today is to be aware of your cost of production and understand how it has changed in today’s cost environment. One sod producer goes on to say that “Right now, with the market being strong and sod supply being short, many of us have healthy bottom lines due to the increase in sales volume. I think though it is important that no matter what your net income is showing, you must make sure not to let COGS grow faster than our pricing.” Or, as one producer puts it more simply at their farm “I’ve got to go up or go out!”

Dr. Scott Brown is director of Strategic Partnerships for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and associate extension professor of Agriculture and Applied Economics.

15

SOD CHECKOFF UPDATES FROM THE ROAD

By Casey Reynolds, PhD One of the most important components of implementing any checkoff program is industry feedback. In talking with checkoff directors at the other 22 USDA Research and Promotion programs, they all spent significant time in promoting their programs ahead of the vote, getting input from industry stakeholders, and making sure that they did everything they could to widely publicize the program. Not only does it raise awareness throughout the industry, but it also provides an opportunity to make any changes to the proposed program ahead of the vote.

The last 12 to 18 months have also provided valuable time to communicate with the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service and let them know what we are hearing from our industry.

They have said from the very beginning that this is not their program, but rather it is our industry’s program, and they are there to make sure the proposed checkoff works for us.

Many state sod associations began having in-person meetings in mid to late 2021 as state and local Covid-19 restrictions began to loosen. The first of these meetings was held in Maryland in June of last year as the Turfgrass Producers of Maryland held their annual meeting on the eastern shore.

Since then, I have attended in-person checkoff sessions in California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. I have also done virtual checkoff sessions to state sod associations in Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, as well as helped producers lead checkoff sessions in Oregon and Rhode Island.

Much of the discussion at these meetings has revolved around key details of the proposed program such as board formation, nomination and selection, voting, costs, compliance, and what type of research and promotion could or should be funded with checkoff dollars.

Timing is also a key discussion point, and as it stands today, the current timeline is as follows. We anticipate a 60-day public comment period opening sometime this summer. This public comment period is our industry’s chance to provide

16

feedback collectively and individually on any and every part of the proposed program.

It is also at this point that the USDA and I cut off all contact to prevent any impression that I, or anyone else, is having any influence on it. This is a fundamental rule at USDA to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard equally and a question I have received in my travels. Will I or anyone else be working behind the scenes to steer the USDA during the public comment period? The answer is no. Individuals, trade groups, and anyone else are forbidden from meeting with USDA staff once the public comment period opens. This ensures that all comments are handled through the Federal Register website where they are available for public viewing.

After the 60-day public comment period is complete, the USDA will review all public comments, make any changes requested by the industry, and then post the final version of the proposed program along with a 30-day notice of the voting period.

One of the potential changes to the proposed checkoff program that often comes up at recent sod producer meetings is the idea of having a set percentage of dollars automatically earmarked for funding research and promotion in the state from which it comes. There is certainly a precedent for this in other checkoffs, and there is no reason it can’t be part of our industry’s checkoff as well, if that is what the industry desires.

It can be implemented through the public comment period, and available for everyone to see in the final version of the proposal to be voted upon.

Again, this is our industry’s checkoff, not the USDA’s or anyone else’s, and you as sod producers will ultimately decide on it. I am here to serve as a resource for questions or comments, so please reach out to me anytime if you’d like to discuss the proposed checkoff or upcoming referendum.

Casey Reynolds, PhD, is executive director of Turfgrass Producers rs International.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

WHAT’S NEXT WITH THE SOD CHECKOFF? There are five steps remaining to get to our sod checkoff:

1. ORDER A draft Order establishing the Sod Checkoff has been created by sod producers working with USDA.

2. COMMENT The draft Order will be published in the federal register later this year.

Producers and the general public will have the opportunity to express their support of the checkoff, ask questions and provide general comments.

3. REGISTER In 2022 USDA will announce registration to vote.

4. APPROVE Every U.S. sod producer will have the opportunity to vote in the referendum to establish the sod checkoff.

5. IMPLEMENT If a majority of sod producers participating in the referendum vote yes, the U.S. sod checkoff will be officially established, and a board will be seated.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Drop us an email at info@sodcheckoff.org to ask questions about the checkoff, learn more about the benefits for the industry, or if you're interested in joining the many producers already at work to make the U.S. Sod Checkoff a reality.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @USSodCheckoff

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SODCHECKOFF.ORG

INTRODUCING TPI’S NEW PUBLICATION— TURFGRASS SOD AS AGRICULTURE TPI’s new publication Turfgrass Sod as Agriculture will soon arrive in your mailbox! This publication builds on a 30-yearold report that explored and listed the instances where turfgrass sod production fit the policy definition of agriculture, thus qualifying for regulatory exceptions and exemptions enjoyed by producers of other agricultural products and commodities. This document updates and expands on that idea and demonstrates the progress turfgrass sod production has made in reserving its place as an agricultural product in the broad definitions of “agriculture” and “farming,” with its production and marketing risk sharing the same policy treatment as those “traditional” farming products of crops, livestock, and dairy. The terms farming, agriculture, and horticulture can be found dispersed throughout legal codes in a wide variety of applications such as labor, transportation, insurance, tax preparation, and more. This new TPI member benefit details the many instances where courts and legislative bodies have ruled on turfgrass sod’s status as an agricultural product.

Federal Recognition

202

2

Federal Recognition

Introduction

The 2020 TPI Pest Cont rol Guide for Sod Prod uction has been developed as a reso urce to assist in cont – IRAC Code: The insec rolling turfgrass ticidal mode of actio weeds, insects, and diseases on sod farm n as defined s worldwide. It is. . . . . . . . . . . . . by the Insecticide Resistance Actio intended be used as n ........... ...... mittee (IRAC) a guide when making . . . . . . . . .Com decisions on – FRAC Code: The .fung applying herbicides, ......2 plant growth regulator icidal mode of actio n s, as defined insec and fungicides in com by the Fungicide Resis ticides, mercial turfgrass prod tance Action Committe uction and should always be used as a e (FRAC) component of best management practices . . .s .and Comments: Note . . .caut (BMPs). Given the inter . . . . . . .can . . .help . . . you . . . impr national scope of this ions . . 4ove control and learn abou guide, please refer to local and national t restricted-use pest laws for a product’s icides, use current registration status in sod productio sites, turfgrass toler n as well as specific ance application information. This guid . . . . . . . . . . . ., .etc. ..... .........6 e was created Turfgrass labe.led Turusing fgragene for application:. .Turfg of turfgrass productio ral know ss Sod ledg as e a Cro rass tolerance to p . . . .herb n and pest control prac . . . icide . . . .s .varie . . . s. by tices along with . . turfg United States and inter . . . .rass . . . spec . . . ies . . .and . . .is. listed national labeling infor . . . . on product label. Table 7 the mation from the reso1urces below.

1 lists turfgrass spec ies that herbicides in this guide can be safely applied to acco rding to their labe l.

For more infor . . . . . . . . . . . . . mati Crop Data Managem . . . .on. on . . turfg ent SystFed “Turfgrass toler . . . .rass , see the . . .toler emsera . . . ance (U.SlLabels) . . 10 ance to post.eme http://www.cdms.n rgence herbicide et/Label-Database Farm Support Policy . . . . . . . s” section. ...........

Introduction Advocacy Considerations Judicial Interpretation Federal Recognition

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Federal Tra

nsportation RegTabl Australian Pesticide 1. Turf. gras ulaetion s and Veterinary Med . . .s .app . . .licat . . . ion icines Authority . . . code . . . . s. for herbicide tole. ranc Pubcris Database . . .labe . . . led Federal Tax 16 e of various turf Law . . . . . . . . . . U.S. grass species, https://portal.apvm . . . .Nom . . . .encl . . .atur . . . e. a.gov.au/pubcris .................. . . . 18 Federal Labor Law . . . . . .

War . . . m-se . . . . ason . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coo European Commiss . . . l-sea . . . .son ion Pesticide . . . . . . . . . 27 Chaspte Datarbase 12 (Farm) Bankruptc https://ec.europa.eu/fo BA: y Bahia od/plant/pesticides/ . . .grass . . . . . . . . . . . . B:. .Blueg eu-pesticides-database . . . rass . . . (spec . . . .ies specified) . . not BE: Bermudagrass . . 30 /public/?event= CBG: Creeping bent activesubstance.selecti grass on&language=EN BU: Buffalograss F: Fescue (species not Some of the informati specified) CA: Carpetgrass on about products listed . . . . . .FF: . . Fine . . . fescu in this guide includes, but is not . . . .e. . . . . . . 32 limited to the following CE: Centipedegrass : KB: Kentucky bluegrass SA: St . Augustinegrass Common name: Prod PR: Peren . . . . . . . . . . . . . SS: nial ryegrass ucts are listed alphabet . . .Seash . . . .ore . . pasp . . . alum ically by . . . . . . .R:. .Ryeg the common name . . .rass . . .(spec . . . ies of the primary activ . . .not . . spec 52 ified) e ingredients.

Z: Zoysiagrass TF: Tall fescue Trade name: Products 1 with the same prim ary active ingredients are often sold under different trade names, Group 12 Fungicide: particularly in different countries. There may Mode of action (MOA be trade names and product ) formulations beyond classification based WSP: Formulation the ones listed. on the Herbicide, Insecticide, (water soluble packe or Application rate: Appl t).

Fungicide Resistance ication rates are prov Action ided in various units based on prod Committee (HRAC, IRAC, uct labels. Examples FRAC) include pounds per acre (lb/acre), ounc es per acre (oz/acre), GROUP 12 FUNGICIDE fluid ounces per 1,000 square feet (fl oz/1,000 ft2), etc.

Lone Star WSP: Trade name Application interval: IInfo nfo foReco rmamme tion nded presente inter vals Fungicide d inbetw applications are base thiseen guide with regard to on the product labe legal rulings(continu agri gdriccult ed from booklet attached but vary ure were gathl ered depending on sucha on turf to front of container) grass sod ’s status as factors as pest through a search of pressure/severity various federal, Active and acceptable dam Ingredient: IItt age iiss n not inte stat Fludi nde e, and oxon thres d il: to holds. be presented as an exh Fludioxonil* . . . . . . . . . . . local guidelines.

State Statutory Definitions References

TURFGRASS SOD AS AGRICULTURE

HOW (AND WHY) FEDERAL AND STATE POLICY APPLIES FARM PROTECTIONS TO SOD PRODUCTION

-Lone Star WSP

in n vvari

aust Comm ive list and on name

ther

........................

e mayIngredie ........................ be nts add . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Mode of action: Infor a ous legal rulings not presente al instance .0% s d in this text. If you hav Total:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ition a product’s mode of ........................ rrulin ulimati ngs g on (MOA) is listed to help e additional inst . . . . . . . . . 100 .0% ononturf action gras sod and wou ances. . . . . of applicato legal rs rotate sMOA s to prevent ld like them included in futu*CAS No . 131341-86-1 resistance from deve Lone loping or toplea re Star WSP is revi a 50% s sion se man water con of dispersa age tact this ble popu Dr. granule. e, guid latio weeds, insects, or disea nsCase of y Reynolds at creynold ses that are already EPA Reg. No. 100-1434 s@Turfg resistant: .org Productrass of UnitedSod . ................ 8 ounces States .............. ..............

– HRAC, WSSA Code SCP 1434A-L2A 0912 4017353 : The herbicidal MOA NET WEIGHT ............................................. as defined by ............................ the Herbicide Resistanc e Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Scien ce Society of America Figure 1. Information on product labels (WSSA) Other

......................

50 .0%

Introducti

20

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

requiring a contrary peculiar circumstances Apart from statutes or products of the earth se tho t tha es cas in many owe conclusion, it is stated and labor, and which e anc nur ma rly yea ed by all ona son which are annual, rais may be treated as per n, ma by ion ivat cult to oil soil their annual existence le still annexed to the whi n eve t, leas at es pos e chattels, for some pur and also in the absenc ir maturity. Conversely, a contrarryy and irrespective of the umstances requiring circ r ulia pec or ons ts ots roo of statutory provisi wing from perennial urales — grasses gro trees, of ts duc conclusion, fructus nat pro er oth or e courts, the fruit ass and, according to som roots — are regarded wing from perennial at 214) bushes, and plants gro rron (Ba .” soil the evered from realty while they are uns

that, on the facts of the The court concluded ): tion duc pro sod with all

Federal Farm Supp

Federal Recognition

rts mu s From time to time, cou ty or real property. Thi ent is personal proper purposes tax for whether a farm elem le, mp exa for ious farm contexts – n question arises in var l property rather tha ouse as a fixture to rea enh gre a of ion cat is when land le classifi mp exa er oth An sonal property. ether a moveable item of per rt must determine wh (cultivated) sod, a cou thee of t par and is sold with growing ) naturales” wing grass (“fructus severed and the sod is normal gro be y ma t tha t duc mercial pro vides realty, or whether a com ). One court case pro (“fructus industriales” p cro a is sod retained by the seller t tha ent ic applied to the argum illumination of the log t of real estate.

3),, 73) and not a natural par (45 Mich.App.210, 197 of Barron v. Edwards and les ura nat In the Michigan case s ctu fru ween ed the distinction bet a court of appeals not s: rial ust fructus ind

Judicial Interpretation

op Turfgrass Sod as a Cr st apply basic logic to the question of

ort Po

licy Federal farm-support policy supports and often specifically inc turfgrass sod produc ludes tion as an agriculture and/or horticulture commodity. The federa l Farm Bill – considere d and passed by Congr generally every five yea ess rs – has historically trea ted sod/turfgrass as an agricultural product under various progra ms .

Bel ow are some historical and recent examples.

Ag ricultural Research

7

Most recently, the 201 8 Farm Bill (Agricultur al Improvement Act 2018) 7 included turfgr of ass and sod in its Nat ional Research Initiati funding authorization ve . The 2018 Farm Bill – aga in the federal law tha authorizes funding for t programs in support of agricultural produc – recently included tur tion fgrass as a target com modity for research extension grant fundin and g. Such research fun ding is routinely allo for research on variou cated s agricultural commo dities, and turfgrass been added to that list has . Specifically, this pro gram authorizes fun for the following: ding • carrying out or enh ancing research related to turfgrass and sod • enhancing production issues; and uses of turfgrass for the general public; • identifying new tur fgrass varieties with superior drought, hea and pest tolerance to t, cold, reduce water, fertilize r, and pesticide use; • selecting genetically superior turfgrasses and development of improved technologie s for managing commer cial, residential, and recreational turf areas; • producing grasses tha t aid in mitigating soil erosion, protect against pollutant runoff into waterways, and provide other environmental benefits; • investigating, preserv ing, and protecting nat ive plant species, including grasses not currently used in turf systems; • creating systems for more economical and viab le turfgrass seed and sod production throughout the United States; and • investigating the tur fgrass phytobiome and developing biologic products to enh nha anc nce soil, enrich plants, and mitigate pests.

case (but consistent

by nb ilizing and cultivation existence to yearly fert rior ral prio Here the sod owed its raised this sod on seve ntiff plai t tha nt ifica s, us, man. It is also sign mercial product. Thu ntly treated it as a com nttends. plaintiff con occasions and appare “growing grass” as the red side con be not alty son . per was this sod can e cas ant inst t the sod in the We therefore hold tha

11

State Statutory Definitions State statutory law– the public policy expressed by elected state

32

Note the termino olo loggyy used in the legisla tive language, and its similarity to the crittica icall attributes of all for ms of crop production with references to wat , er, pesticides, fertiliz er, ers, genetics and see d.

legislatures –is filled with various definitions of terms recognizable to the application of the particular policy. The terms “farming’ and “agriculture” are defined in several types of laws, ranging from sales tax exemptions, reduced property taxes, authorization for farmland preservation programs, and right-to-farm laws meant to defend against nuisance lawsuits. Invariably, one or more of these definitions of agriculture will include “sod” or “turf ” production. Often, state codes contain a title devoted to agricultural policy and regulations, to which a generic definition of agriculture is applicable throughout the statutory title. Such definitions expressed by these laws focus on production in farming, and sod – raised and harvested from land with the accoutrements of farm production –agricultural land, water use exemptions, farm equipment purchased through agricultural finance systems, and labor provided through agricultural exemptions and programs – fits alongside vegetable, grain and other crops traditionally seen as “farming.” Below is a survey of generic state definitions – organized by topic – and how they include turfgrass sod production in the definition of farming and agriculture.

NOT A TPI MEMBER? JOIN TODAY! Receive your FREE copy of this new publication and much more!

See the following two pages for another FREE TPI publication— and visit www.TurfGrassSod.org to find great additional resources exclusively for TPI members.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

21

UPDATED FOR 2022 TPI’S PUBLICATION— WEED, INSECT, AND DISEASE CONTROL FOR TURFGRASS PRODUCTION The 2022 updated edition of TPI’s award-winning publication Weed, Insect, and Disease Control for Turfgrass Production is about to hit mailboxes!! This updated guide includes 109 pages of information on herbicides, insecticides, plant growth regulators, and fungicides for use in sod production. It also includes active ingredients labeled for use in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. This edition updates the publication that was the first of its kind to focus primarily on sod production and to feature various products in over 30 countries. It was written by faculty at four universities in the United States and Canada with cooperation from Australian and European collaborators. The “What’s New for 2022” page lists key updates to the original version published in 2020. This is a MEMBER-ONLY resource created for and mailed to TPI members. Additional copies are available for purchase. For more information on this publication or other TPI member benefits, please visit www.TurfGrassSod.org.

Weed, Insect, and Disease Control FOR TURFGRASS PRODUCERS

FIRST EDITION, 2022

22

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

Interpreting Produc

t Labels

Pesticide labels provi de essential instruction s and directions on the responsible use of these chemicals.

All pesticide users are required by law to follow all the instructions and use directions supp lied by the label. While most turfgrass applications (golf, lawn s, recreational areas and athletic fields) fall under the “Non-Agricultural Requ irements” of the pesticide label, sod producers must follow “Agriculture Use Requirements.”

Often, labels may conta in a statement such as this: “For appli cation to turf being grown for sale or other commercia l use as sod, follow AGRI CULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS on this label.” Review the Agricultural Use Requirements box in the label for instruction s related to the federal Worker Prote ction Standard (WPS ). This section contains required state ments on restricted entry interval (REI), personal protective equipment, and notifi cation-to-workers that are necessary for the protection of agric ultural workers on farms.

Product labels conta in vast amounts of inform can aid in proper and ation that effective application.

Much of the information on the label is designed to provide the applicator with important inform ation on use sites, rates , restrictions, personal protective equipment (PPE), restri cted entry intervals (REI), tank-mix comp atibility, adjuvants, application timing, spray volume, and more . While product label s can often vary in length, there are a few fundamental components to each label that are of partic ular importance. A few of these terms are highlighted in the sample label below and are included throughout this guide . As always, the label is the law so be sure to read and follow all directions before, during, and after application to ensure safe, effectiv e use.

Some of the inform ation about products listed in this guide includes, but is not limited to the following:

Weeds

Mode of action (MOA ): (Group 12 Fungicide) classification based on the Herbicide, Insecticide, or Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC, IRAC, FRAC) Trade name: Lone Star WSP

Common name – Produ cts are listed alphabetic the common name ally by of the primary activ e ingredients.

Trade name – Produ cts with the same prima ry active ingredients are often sold under different trade names, particularly in different countries. There may be trade names and product formulations beyond the ones listed.

Application rate – Application rates are provided in various units based on product labels. Exam ples include pounds per acre (lb/ac re), ounces per acre (oz/acre), fluid ounces per 1,000 squa re feet (fl oz/1,000 ft2 ), etc.

Application interval – Recommended interv als between applications are based on the product label but vary depending on such factors as pest press ure/severity and acceptable dama ge thresholds.

Mode of action – Inform ation on a product’s mode of action (MOA) is listed to help applicators rotate MOA s to prevent resistance from deve loping or to manage populations of weeds, insects, or disea ses that are already resistant: – HRAC, WSSA Code : The herbicidal MOA as defined by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRA and the Weed Scien C) ce Society of America (WSSA) – IRAC Code: The insec ticidal mode of actio n as defined by the Insecticide Resis tance Action Comm ittee (IRAC) – FRAC Code: The fungi cidal mode of action as defined by the Fungicide Resis tance Action Comm ittee (FRAC) Comments – Notes and cautions can help you improve control and learn abou t restricted-use pesti cides, use sites, turfgrass tolera nce, etc.

GROUP 12 FUNGICIDE

-Lone Star WSP Fungicide

(continued from booklet

Common name: Fludioxonil

4

Weeds

attached to front of contain

WSP: Formulation (water soluble packet )

er)

Active Ingredient: Fludioxonil* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.0% Other Ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.0% Total:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% *CAS No. 131341-86-1 Lone Star WSP is a 50% water dispersable granul e.

EPA Reg. No. 100-1434 Product of United States ............................................ 8 ounces SCP 1434A-L2A 0912 4017353

....................................................

.....................

2

NET WEIGHT

Introduction

Larval (caterpillar) and adult (moth) stages of an armyworm. Although several species of armyworms may injure turfgrass sod, symptoms of injury are always similar and include chewed, defoliated and thinning turf. Symptoms can occur rapidly over large areas in as little as a few days. Armyworm larvae always have longitudinal stripes that may vary in color from tan and black, to white and yellow. (Pictured: Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda)

Table 5 continued. Insecticides registered for control of Armyworms in turfgrass production Product/ 1000 ft2

IRAC Code

Notes

Common name

Trade name

Product/A

spinosad

Blackhawk Conserve SC MatchPoint Tracer Mustang Mustang Maxx Talstar Xtra GC

1.1-2.2 oz 10-52 fl oz 3.5-18 oz 1-2 fl oz 3-4.3 fl oz 2.8-4 fl oz 50-100 lb

1.15-2.3 lb

Aloft GC G Aloft GC SC Allectus GC SC

80-160 lb 11.65-23.3 fl oz 1.8-4.5 pt

1.8-3.6 lb 0.27-0.54 fl oz 0.67-1.65 fl oz

3A, 4A

Triple Crown Golf

10-15 fl oz

0.23-0.34 fl oz

3A, 4A

zeta-cypermethrin bifenthrin + zeta-cypermethrin clothianidin + bifentrin imidacloprid + bifenthrin imidacloprid + bifenthrin + zeta-cypermethrin

5 0.25-1.2 fl oz 0.08-0.41 oz

Rate varies by larval size Rate varies by larval size Rate varies by species Rate varies by species

3A 3A 3A, 4A

* See label for detailed instructions.

Insects

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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23

TPI ASSOCIATION HEALTH INSURANCE FAQs TPI has partnered with Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker who specializes in association management benefit plans, to offer this member benefit.

Q: When is this program available to members?

A: TPI members have access effective February 1, 2022.

Q: Do I have to be a TPI member in order to have access to this program?

A: Yes, insurance coverage will be available to TPI member producers, suppliers, and their employees.

Q: What if I end my TPI membership?

A: Your policy will stay in effect through its contracted end date. You will need to renew your membership to reapply for coverage.

Q: Are there options available in every state?

A: There are options available in 38 states. Product availability, rates and eligibility vary by state and individual circumstances. There are no options available in 12 states due to state legal restrictions: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Q: What kind of health plans are available?

A: PPO, or Preferred Provider Organizations, to allow freedom and flexibility when choosing physicians, hospitals, etc. Coverage for out-of-network care is also included with many policies.

Q: Will I have access to multiple plan design options?

A: Yes (choices of deductibles, out of pockets, benefit maximums, etc.). AHP will work with you to determine which plan designs best fit your needs, desires, and situation.

Q: Which health insurance providers will I have access to?

A: This varies state-by-state. A few examples are United Healthcare PPO, Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, etc.

AHP partners with A+ rated carriers to provide you with peace of mind when selecting a plan.

Q: Is my family eligible for assistance as well?

A: Absolutely! All immediate family members (i.e., spouses and dependents) are eligible.

Q: What is the advantage of purchasing health insurance through AHP? A: Unique plan designs, buying power, and superior customer service.

Q: Am I responsible for the premiums?

A: Yes, all members who purchase policies are responsible for 100% of the premiums. Payments are made directly to the insurance providers.

Q: Can I cancel a policy at any time?

A: Policies will remain active unless the individual (insured) notifies the provider of his or her desire to cancel. Cancellation will depend on the insurance provider and the type of policy.

Q: Can I purchase a policy through this program if I am already on my employer’s policy?

A: You would need to wait until your employer’s open enrollment or experience a qualifying event (birth/ adoption of child, change in employment, divorce, etc.) in order to make a change. Conversely, if you are enrolled in an ACA (on or off the marketplace) policy, you can switch to a policy through the Association if you are eligible.

Q: Will TPI receive access to any of my protected health information?

A: No, TPI does not come into possession or have access to any of your protected health information (PHI).

24

You can go to https://www.associationpros.com/tpi-inquiryform to start the TPI to Turf News May/June 2022 application process and obtain the program details that will pertain your operation.

Learn About the Many Benefits of a TPI Membership

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• Turf News magazine • TPI e-newsletter

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• Brochures for your customers that can be • Networking opportunities personalized with your logo ...and so much more!

Become a member of TPI and you’ll connect with turfgrass professionals all around the world!

TPI brings similar people, farms, institutions and industry partners together from very different parts of the world to share ideas and information that lead to progress for all.

When we all work together we grow and when we isolate ourselves we stagnate. TPI has helped Green Acres Turf Farm grow in many ways that likely would not have happened without the relationships made and information obtained through our TPI membership.

Gary Youmans | Green Acres Turf Farm, LLC, South Carolina

Contact TPI at info@TurfGrassSod.org to join now

2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(subject to change)

7

CONFERENCE & FIELD DAY RECAP Back together again—and it was WONDERFUL! Turfgrass Producers International held its International Education Conference & Field Day at California’s beautiful Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa on February 14-17, 2022. The setting was stunning, and spirits were high with this first in person gathering since the Covid shutdowns of 2020. Heading to the San Diego area to take part in this event were over 500 TPI members and guests, representing 95 farms, 38 states and 11 countries, including South Africa, Luxembourg, Germany, Turkey, and Argentina.

During this truly global event, turfgrass producers engaged with exhibitors, networked, connected with long-time friends—and made new ones—while attending two days of outstanding education programs; checking out the indoor Exhibit Hall; taking part in the Field Day at American Sod Farms, and mingling and chatting as they enjoyed the many social functions. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive: Excellent! Exciting! Super Fun! Eye-Opening! Inspiring! Totally worthwhile!

This special section of Turf News, compiled by Steve and Suz Trusty, captures many highlights of the Conference.

Share it with all your team via the online version. To view even more conference photos, just go to SmugMug at www.tpiphotos.smugmug.com/.

TPI Annual Business Meeting President Jim Keeven welcomed attendees and reported that the association remained strong through 2021 and that is continuing into 2022. He provided an overview of new initiatives for 2022. Secretary-Treasurer Diane Mischel reported that both TPI and The Lawn Institute (TLI) are on solid financial footing and thanked members for their continuing support. TPI Executive Director Casey Reynolds, PhD, continues to work in conjunction with the TPI Board of Trustees to serve the association’s members even more effectively, including in the promotion of natural grass and in regulatory affairs. The 2022 TPI officers and Board of Trustee members began their year of service on January 1, 2022. The slate of officers and trustees for 2023 was presented and elected unanimously. Stepping up as 2023 Secretary-Treasurer is Daniel Huggett; joining the 2023 Board of Trustees to serve three-year terms are Eric Hjort and Adam Russell. Those three will assume their duties on January 1, 2023.

Conference & Field Day photos by BE Videographers and Steve & Suz Trusty

The TPI 2022 Officers and Board of Trustees members are pictured here: (from left to right): Secretary-Treasurer Diane Mischel; Lindy Murff; President Jim Keeven, Wade Wilbur; Vice President Bob McCurdy; Past President Steve Griffen; Ron Schiedel, Albrecht Knigge, Larry LeMay, and Daniel Huggett. (Not pictured is Board of Trustees member Cliff Stewart.)

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) Super Bowl Watch Party Kick off for the Conference started early, with perfect weather for the optional Super Bowl Watch Party that extended from the lobby to the Bay Terrace. Throughout the game and half-time show, folks mingled and chatted; munched and sipped—a super start to a super Conference.

Education Sessions Excellent Two full days of education sessions matched engaging speakers with an array of topics addressing key issues ranging from industry advocacy, labor issues, the proposed U.S. sod checkoff, strides in regulatory issues related to turfgrass sod as an agricultural commodity, agronomic research, the challenges of family businesses, and the ever-popular Show & Tells presented by TPI Board members. Highlights of several of these education sessions are included in this issue and most were captured by videographers onsite and are now posted on TPI-TV, TPI’s online learning platform. TPI membership entitles you to view all the recorded education videos from past conferences. You can access the sessions on your desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone, anytime, anywhere by visiting TPI’s website, TurfGrassSod.org.

Committee Meetings Open to All Committees help guide the direction of TPI and TLI initiatives. When these committees meet in-person during the Conference, any TPI member is welcome to attend.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

27

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) EXCELLENT EVENTS FOR NETWORKING AND FUN Photos capture snippets of the multiple Monday on the Water experiences of the TPI Conference Day of Optional Events as attendees soak in the sun, take in stunning views—and enjoy more networking.

Kayaking To and Through the La Jolla Caves

Catamaran Sailing Across the Bay for Shoreline Views

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

Exploring the USS Midway and Catching Some Rays while Cruising the Bay

WOMEN IN TURFGRASS MEET, GREET, AND CHAT This annual event, sponsored and coordinated by the Turf Producers Association, Barenbrug USA, and Brouwer Kesmac, provided the perfect opportunity and the perfect setting for the women of this industry to network.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) THE LAWN INSTITUTE’S FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING

On Valentine’s evening, the Marina Terrace was transformed from a simple pool deck to a family-friendly wonderland, with carving stations and a sparkling tower of desserts, along with an array of casino games. This Lawn Institute Casino Night was sponsored by Trebro Manufacturing, Inc. and Donkey Forklifts. The $100 per person contribution provided the event, $500 in fun money, the delicious food, and a drink ticket. Additional contributions were welcomed. Tickets earned at the games were deposited in “fish bowls” for each of the prizes. With doting parents and grandparents on hand, the kids were the biggest prize winners. All proceeds go to support TLI to help in funding of turfgrass research, education, scholarships, and the campaign to promote natural grass.

CASINO NIGHT PRIZE DONORS (GIFTS RANGED IN VALUE FROM $100 TO $1000)

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Company

Prize

Cameron Financial

One gift card

Hol-Mac (Donkey)

One gift card

Jonathan Green

Four gift cards

Landmark Seed Company

One gift card

Magnum

One gift card

Mountain View Seeds

Apple Watch

MVP Genetics

Bose Headset

R&R Products, Inc.

One gift card

Sales Midwest

Four gift cards

SelecTurf, Inc.

Bose Wireless Speaker

TAMANET USA

One gift card

TPA (Jenny Carritt)

Women’s Gift Bag

Trebro Manufacturing, Inc.

One gift card

Turf Producers Association

Two gift cards

TWCA

iPad Mini

TPI Grand Prize

$1,000 gift card TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) DONKEY FORKLIFT AUCTION TOPS OFF TLI FUNDRAISING TPI Past President Eddie Keeven took on the role of auctioneer to raise even more funds for TLI. Donkey provided their latest Zero Turn Forklift for the auction, which Donkey’s Jamie Holder reported was the only one not yet sold for spring 2022. Bidding was brisk! The winning bidder was Mayfield McCraw, of Hope Plantation Farm. Pictured below, from left to right, are Eddie Keeven, Jamie Holder, and Mayfield McCraw.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) EXHIBIT HALL SHOWCASES SUPPLIERS A tremendous crowd headed to the Exhibit Hall on “Taco Tuesday” evening and again on Thursday afternoon eager to visit with the exhibitors and event sponsors that filled the room. On display were the latest and greatest in products for turfgrass sod production. The exhibitors had multiple staff members on hand, ready and able to answer questions and interact with the sod producer representatives. They had excellent opportunities to do so as individuals and small groups gathered at the displays. Connections were made; products were sold.

Tuesday’s Tacos and Thursday’s lunch were served in the Exhibit Hall with serving stations strategically placed throughout the hall giving potential buyers even more incentive to view all the offerings. The Taco Tuesday drink ticket for each attendee was sponsored by Magnum. TPI is fortunate to have so many supportive vendors and sponsors to make our events possible!

32

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change) FIELD DAY EXHIBITS AND DEMONSTRATIONS DRAW CROWDS The Field Day setting was beautiful, nestled in the San Pasqual Valley Agricultural Preserve near Escondido, and the neighbors were wild—the inhabitants of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The weather cooperated, gradually warming with a return of sunshine, following the uncharacteristic rain of the day before. The American Sod Farms partners JR Wirthlin, Jeff Nettleton, and Jimmy Fox, and their entire team had their farm in top shape and ready to host the crowd.

The event was sponsored by Brouwer Kesmac. Bus transportation was sponsored by Sod Solutions Attendees always love Field Day! There’s so much to check out, with exhibitors spread throughout the field and ample space for equipment demonstrations that show the newest and greatest machines in action. And 2022 brought a new twist—attendees could try lunch options from any of the five food trucks parked around the field, snack on popcorn, pick up a frozen treat sponsored by TAMANET, and enjoy refreshments from the Tap Truck. TPI President Jim Keeven extended TPI’s gratitude to the American Sod Farms team and extended appreciation for the sponsors and exhibitors who consistently show their support to the association and its activities.

2022 EXHIBITORS A-LIST

Nature’s Choice

Advanced Equipment Sales

Northwest Tillers

Aqua-Aid Solutions

Pennington Seed

Barenbrug USA

Prime Source

BigYellowBag

7YVÄSL 7YVK\J[Z 33* :\TTP[ :LLK

Brouwer Kesmac

Pure Seed

DLF

R&R Products, Inc.

Donkey Forklifts

Sales Midwest

Draslovka Services

SiteOne Landscape Supply

E-Cargo Tarps

Sod Production Services

Farmington Equipment

Sod Solutions

FireFly Automatix

TAMANET (USA)

Hiab USA

The Turfgrass Group

Jonathan Green & Sons, Inc.

Trebro Manufacturing, Inc.

Landmark Seed Company

Turf Merchants, Inc.

Magnum

Turf Producers Association

Mountain View Seeds

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

33

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

34

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

THANK YOU 2022 2022 SCHEDULE OFCONFERENCE EVENTS (subject toSPONSORS! change) DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

GREEN

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

BRUCE VINCENT KEYNOTE— WITH VISION THERE IS HOPE With his solid foundation of reality and passion for the environment and preserving rural America—to save the last best places and the last best people— Bruce Vincent drew a standing ovation from attendees of TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day. His keynote presentation, With Vision There is Hope, opened the education sessions held in San Diego, California, February 14-17. Vincent is a third-generation logger from Libby, Montana, and coowner of the community outreach firm Environomics. His recently completed book, Against the Odds: A Path Forward for Rural America, highlights his life journey.

Vincent began his presentation explaining that growing up in a logging family is much like growing up in a sod farming family, but there’s a divergence between our logging ag and yours—it takes us 100 years to know if we screwed up. He detailed the history of U.S. forestry, with the early timber barons moving across the continent from the east coast to the west, practicing cut and run.

Then, they determined if they wanted to keep forestry, they would need a continuous supply of trees and started planting six trees for every one cut. Though it was a novel concept at that time, it was rooted in reality—if we took care of the world, it would take care of us.

Identified by the school system and his parents as “too smart to be a logger,” and given the “your talents would be better applied elsewhere,” talk by his Dad, Vincent earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and his master’s in business. (To learn more about how this concept impacts the turfgrass sod industry and how to counteract it. see the protecting your investments focus article by Diane Mischel on page 10.) Vincent met and married his wife, moved into the city to enter the corporate world, and started his family.

36

In February of 1984, he and his wife made a quality-of-life decision. They moved back to Montana, and he joined the family business, which by then had grown to 65 employees.

He soon realized that topping the list of challenges facing the logging industry was the collision of visions—public policy is not based on your reality; it’s based on the public perceptions of your reality. Vincent’s presentation went on to address that collision of visions, identify key factors that contribute to it, and provide an action plan to counteract it by telling the reality of the industry’s story via multiple avenues to not only impact the publics’ perceptions, but also to inspire them to embrace the truth of the message.

And he shared how the same strategies can—and should be—adopted by the turfgrass sod production industry in facing very similar challenges. Vincent delivered many excellent, relevant points, and just a few of them are highlighted below. If you missed his presentation, or if you want to see it again, view it on TPI TV.

Lessons from Logging for Sod Growers The Eco-Conflict Industry has hijacked the environmental social movement, marketing crisis and fear to scare the public for its industry’s financial reward.

We initially used “reverse jeopardy, screaming at Americans what we wanted them to know about us.

But we weren’t asking them what they wanted to know.

Every day is earth day for a farmer, but the public does not know this. We finally learned the real enemy is ignorance—the public’s and more importantly, OURS. Our message needs to be built on truth and transparency to build trust.

Listen to identify the publics’ questions and concerns to create solutions that address them. Communicate effectively. Packaging our truth is often as important as the content of our truth because of the conclusions humans draw. Democracy works, but it’s not a spectator sport. The world is run by those who show up. We need to have a voice at every table.

Have hope. Society is tired of hearing what’s wrong and ple more ready now for a constructive discussion. Be a ripple and together we will make a wave that will save the last st best places and the last best people.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

37

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

AMERICA’S PUMPKIN QUEEN, SARAH FREY, SHARES HER STORY

Sarah Frey brought insight and inspiration to attendees as she shared her story as the Thursday keynote speaker of TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day. Fittingly described as “America’s Pumpkin Queen,” because she sells more pumpkins than any other producer in the U.S., she detailed that story in her book, The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life—and Saved an American Farm.

Sarah told of growing up with her four older brothers on the impoverished 80-acre (32.37-hectare) family farm, working alongside them in the fields, hunting and fishing, not for fun, but out of necessity. Since the neighboring farm families were living in poverty, too, that was all Sarah knew, until she started school and learned others lived differently.

She said, ‘There were so many events and moments in my early life when my family set me up to succeed. There were some really hard times, too.” She drew attendees into her world through the stories she told, like the staged incident of killing a rabbit with one shot during her first hunt with her brothers that made her feel powerful and competent, but also responsible for feeding the family. How jumping off the dock into the lake because a brother said he’d catch her, but didn’t, taught her to tackle new experiences. And how having her Dad order her to pick up a huge snapping turtle and throw it into the back of the pickup taught her to face her fears and overcome them. Navigating the tensions of the often strifeful and dysfunctional family dynamics was a learning process, too, helping her develop grit and determination.

38

When Sarah saw her oldest brother start on the path all four brothers would follow, entering college as their one-way ticket off the farm to a better life, she determined she would leave too. She moved out at 15 years old, going to high school and college at the same time. Sarah had accompanied her Mom when she sold their melons to small local retailers from the back of their pickup truck. Sarah did her first negotiations with one of those retailers when she was eight years old. She was about 16 when her Mom went to work at a local radio station.

That summer, Sarah took over the melon route and grew it from 12 stores to 150 stores.

At that point, the farm went into foreclosure, and by default, Sarah, being the youngest, had to liquidate the assets that were left behind. It was when she sold the last horse, alone on the land, that she says, “I thought about all the family experiences, the laughter, the love, working side by side with my brothers–investing our blood and sweat and tears.” In that split second, all she had done to prepare to leave vanished. She said, “I decided at 17 I would buy the farm, grow a business, and my brothers would come back to work with me. It was a God thing.”

She built the business on the success of that melon delivery route, within a couple years adding a regional supermarket chain to her client list. Then she stopped by the not yet officially opened Walmart distribution center, talked her way to the produce buyer, and got their business, agreeing to supply them with two or three loads of cantaloupes and watermelons a week. Ecstatic as she walked out the door, Sarah got to her pickup when it hit her—Walmart wanted semitruck loads. She called her brother John, who immediately agreed to come back to the farm to work for her. Equally bold moves continued expanding Sarah’s business and one by one the brothers returned to the farm.

Frey Farms, headquartered in Keenes, IL, now owns and operates farms and facilities in seven states.

Sarah shared much more relevant information, both in her presentation and in the question-and-answer session that el. followed with fellow female farm owner Diane Mischel.

If you missed her presentation, or if you want to see it again, view it on TPI TV. TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPII Turff N ews May/June 2022 News

39

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

IT'S NO ACCIDENT TPI’s Thursday morning Conference session opened with prayer as Jimmy Fox, co-owner of Evergreen Turf and American Sod Farms, and a past president of TPI, shared his inspiring testimony.

Jimmy Fox was introduced as a calm leader who also expects action; a man who always puts faith and family first; who grew up as a missionary kid in Thailand; was a college dropout; and did not know what a sod farm was until he was 22.

Jimmy started with prayer. Then said, “We all have a story to tell. What makes each one of us different is not where it ends, but the place where it begins.” Just a snippet from his message follows. From 7 to 17, Jimmy lived in Thailand, as a missionary kid. He had attended 13 schools, lived in 21 homes, been to eight states and 15 different countries by the end of eighth grade. His schooling was through the Bangkok International School System, where 50 or 60 nationalities were represented, and the parents of many classmates were in the UN or were high ranking military personnel or IBM executives.

He’s stayed connected with many classmates and those relationships have impacted his life.

Jimmy said, “Many times, we see God working in our lives by looking back.” While living in Thailand, his Mom was rushed to the military medical center for emergency surgery. Her ovaries had burst, and she would probably have died, if not in the right place at the right time. His Dad was on a trip taking the gospel into the remote villages when his vehicle rolled over. He had typhoid and lost consciousness. Yet, he survived. Jimmy was back in the U.S. and well into life with his wife, Lora, and their three children. Unexpectedly, Lora fell to her knees in intense pain. At the hospital, doctors found 40

a blood clot extending from her hip to her knee. They diagnosed it as a blood clot disorder, telling the couple the condition would likely be fatal during pregnancy so they shouldn’t have children. The staff were amazed to learn they had three. Why are these outcomes what they are? Were these coincidence? Or God’s hand? Too often, the world thinks of miracles as occurrences confined to Biblical days. But as Psalm 77:14 says, “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Not “you were” or “you did.”

Jimmy said, “God puts us in connections with so many people who cross our paths and influence our lives. Look at the opportunities God has put in your life. They aren’t there by accident. It’s a God thing.” Then he shared how that was evident in his career path, from his start working for a copy machine repair company to a sales job in a lawn and garden distribution company, to sales manager for their golf and landscape division, and on to a sales position with another distribution company where he earned his way to equal partner. That company’s success led to a buyout from a large, national company. Then a former customer, Jeff Nettleton, contacted him asking if he knew of a potential investor for the sod company he wanted to start. Jimmy became that investor. The 120 acres (48.56 hectares) they began with has now grown to over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) with, as Jimmy pointed out, fellow TPI members always behind the scenes offering “anything you need; we’re here to help.”

Jimmy told of his friend, David Eubank, a man of faith who, with the full support of his family, was on a humanitarian mission, working on the front lines as Iraqi forces were attacking the Isis stronghold in Mosul. They were under heavy fire when he saw a little girl hiding among the dead and dashed to rescue her. The incident was documented and reported by news outlets. Asked why he did it, Eubanks said love, quoting scripture, “Greater love has no man than this ...” And added, we’re not superman or woman, but one person can make a difference; be a soldier of God. Jimmy said, “When you begin relying on yourself and the resources ‘you’ have accumulated, look back and see how God is in charge of your life and acknowledge that. If kids you don’t give God credit, your kids and your grandkids will think you’ve done it on your own.”

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

The Natural Choice.

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Plant a better vegetative Bermuda. One that grows vertically; one that harvests early, with deep roots. One with a legendary cold-tolerant lineage from the Oklahoma plains, bred by Dr. Charles Taliaferro (of Patriot, Northbridge, & Latitude 36® fame). IronCutterTM: A new, natural solution for sod producers wanting consistency, lowered inputs, and elite performance from bermudagrass forged for golf, sports turf, & landscapes.

-Eddie Moore (TPI Member), Collins-Wharf Sod Farm, Maryland

At MVP, we believe an elite variety can only reach its full potential with help from an exceptional sod producer. Producers like Eddie Moore & his family. Iff you agree, please contact us to join the IronCutter family!

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www.mvpgenetics.com • info@mvpgenetics.com

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

SHOW & TELL SESSIONS AGAIN A TPI CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT Show & Tell sessions, where the year’s new Board of Trustees members tell a bit about themselves and their businesses, have become a Conference highlight. Probably because many involved in turfgrass sod production report their greatest source of information and inspiration comes from their peers.

With TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Trade Show the association’s first in-person meeting since 2020, attendees were rewarded with a double-dose of Show & Tell sessions. Presentations were made by the new Board members of both 2021 and 2022. A brief preview of what you’ll find on TPI TV, where all sessions are available for viewing online, follows.

Larry LeMay Larry LeMay was the first of two Show & Tell presenters on Tuesday.

He started his three-year term in 2021.

Larry is president of A-G Sod Farms but is not an owner. He has been with A-G since 1994 and currently works with Joel Addink, company co-owner, to oversee the operations of six sod farms in three states.

Larry was born and raised in Corcoran, CA. He grew up on the 85,000-acre (34,398-hectares) farm that his father managed. He was active in sports through college, including swimming, baseball, and football. Fresno State won a football national championship while he played for them.

Ronald Schiedel Ronald Schiedel followed Larry LeMay. He also started his threeyear term January 1, 2021. Since its inception in 1975, Greenhorizons Sod Farms has been a family business, growing and harvesting sod on more than 6,000 acres (2428 hectares) of land. The family roots run deep, and the business is currently operating with its fourth generation. An avid photographer, Ron had many great pictures in his presentation, including family, farms, projects, and even wildlife and a BigYellowBag. Ron is stepping out of the day-to-day operations and said that he is now, for the most part, “cheerleader, mentor, and consultant.”

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Albrecht Knigge Albrecht was the first of the three 2022 Board members to present on Thursday.

Albrecht got into the sod business in 1992 on the farm in Pattensen, Germany (near Hanover) that has been in the family since 1370. His company, Rasenland (literally, Grassland) now has six locations around Germany. The newest Rasenland farm near Frankfurt will be the first farm in Germany to have certified organic turfgrass production.

Rasenland Pattensen will host the ETP Seminars & Turf Expo this July 7-8. They look forward to seeing many TPI members.

Lindy Murff Next up was Lindy Murff from Murff Turf Farm, Crosby, Texas. His dad started the business, about 45 minutes from Houston, in 1969. Those 10 acres (4 hectares) have grown to 3,800 acres (1,538 hectares). A couple of rather unusual uses of their fields have been paratroopers practice landings and National Guard helicopter landings. Besides many pictures of the farm operations, Lindy shared quite a few family photos. Family is very important to Lindy. He and his wife Amanda (Mandy) have three active teenagers, Noah (18), Emma (15) and Cooper (13).

Wade Wilbur The closer for the day was Wade Wilbur. He is co-owner of Sod Shop companies in Lawrence and Wichita, Kansas, with his uncle, Ted Wilbur.

They also have a hardscape supply store.

Wade received a degree in Agriculture Education from Kansas State in 2002.

His career started as an ag teacher and FFA Advisor. He transitioned into the landscape business and then into sod production. They now farm around 1,300 acres (526 hectares). His hobbies include boating, travel (especially by motorcycle) and live music.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

RESEARCH UPDATE: LEARN THE LATEST SCIENCE ON IMPROVING SOD TENSILE STRENGTH During TPI’s 2022 Conference education sessions, Dr. Aaron Patton, Professor, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, presented his research report on improving sod tensile strength. This study developed in conjunction with a broader, initial study focused on filling a critical need: diversifying sod production with sustainable turfgrasses. Patton stated that Kentucky bluegrass is the primary grass used in sod production in the northern U.S. despite the introduction of improved, low-input species, such as fine fescues.

Collaborative research at Purdue and the University of Minnesota is investigating low-input sod production, focusing on fine fescues, with projects funded by multiple sources, including The Lawn Institute (TLI). This research addresses the goal of sod producers to generate maximum production in the shortest time with the minimum input of resources. And, because the selection of turfgrasses by sod producers is what is planted by end users, this research can have a positive impact on the environment and sustainability in turfgrass management practices.

Patton reported that experiment one concentrated on seeding rates and Nitrogen fertilization rates and

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

application timing on a range of 100 percent fine fescues and no netting. Experiment two concentrated on the same areas, but with a mix of cool-season grasses that included fine fescues, and one mix with annual clover, and one with perennial clover for a “bee lawn.” In all these projects, they looked at sod harvesting results at 11, 12, 14, 20, and 22 months and tested tensile strength using both a sod tensile strength devise and “commonsense” observation. They also did shelf life and transplant studies, with sod stored (on pallets) for 24 or 72 hours, then placed back in its original location. Two weeks later, the same sod was re-harvested to observe rooting.

After sharing detailed research data, Patton concluded with “What We’ve Learned.” Strong creeping red fescue, alone or in mixture, can make high quality sod with reduced inputs. Creeping red fescue needs to be included in fine fescue blends. Seeding rates had no effect, and Nitrogen rates only a very small effect on the sod; the species selection had much more impact. Benefits to ant, promote include low input/low maintenance, salt tolerant, dy, sustainable, and shade tolerant. To request the full study, email Dr. Patton at ajpatton@purdue.edu.

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TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

FINDING WORKERS—CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Shawn M. Packer (left), principal at JPH Law and Lynn Jacquez (right), principal at CJ Lake, LLC

With finding workers a top issue across the globe, TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day had an education session to address it, “Challenges and Solutions to Find Labor.” Presenters were Lynn Jacquez, principal at CJ Lake, LLC; and Shawn M. Packer, principal at JPH Law. They reported they represent many labor associations and those who already are participating in current H-2A and H-2B programs. Jacquez and Packer delineated some of the challenges inherent with these programs and provided insights on how to handle them.

They closed their session with a Q&A segment. A few snippets of their presentation follow.

They stated that the foreign worker programs are the U.S. government’s way of supplying labor when U.S. workers are not available. The H-2A program is for workers in agriculture. For turfgrass sod production, agriculture includes, but is not limited to, planting, growing, delivering, and installing. The H-2B program is for non-skilled workers involved in tasks such as lawn maintenance and hardscape installation. TPI’s recent work in government relations solidified turfgrass sod’s status as an agricultural product. These programs also regulate what the hiring company must provide for the foreign workers in each program.

Packer explained that the complexity of classifications for how you use your H-2A workforce is one of the many tightropes to navigate. Consider this example. If you are a farmer, and you grow a product that you then install into someone else’s property, it is a step of your farming operation, so it’s classified as agriculture. Thus H-2A workers could be on that crew.

Packer further reported that one gray area comes in with any maintenance work that would take place on the newly installed sod, or if the same crew were going to install 44

other products, such as nursery stock or hardscape items.

If those tasks are all performed under the single business parameters of your farming operation, it “should” be allowed. However, if the farming operation “loans” out the labor to another segment or department of your company that is not involved in any of the procedures performed within the production operations, it does not qualify as agriculture. Another gray area is the “nurture” versus “maintenance” question. How far can you go in classifying the practices used to ensure the growth and stability of the product installed as nurture? Once you shift to maintenance, it doesn’t qualify as ag. The other gray issue to determine is the location of the work, and the other locations where the worker may potentially be working. If the agricultural entity (the sod producer, or the production segment of a sod farm with multiple departments) has 75 contractor companies that it supplies with the materials for the jobs, try to plan out as best you can what the next ten months are going to look like for your workforce, and try to have as many tasks listed as possible, showing as much diversity as possible, to enable designating those tasks as agriculture. Packer said, “Frankly, that complexity—how far can I go? How far is too far?—is why I have a job.”

Jacquez added that the classification as agriculture depends on your business model. Are you a direct client? Or are you a labor contractor? She said, “Underlying all of this is the idea that if we were “nicer” companies to work for, we’d have the domestic workers we need to do our work.”

And There Was So Much More!

Tying into the labor-related presentation, was the session on “TPI Government Relations.” TPI’s Executive Director Dr. Casey Reynolds provided an overview of what has been accomplished in this area over the past year and a report on ongoing issues and potential areas to address on the horizon. Dr. Reynolds’ work with governmental agencies has resulted in significant success. These have been reported in Turf News and TPI’s online newsletter, Industry Harvest, and they are posted on the TPI website www.TurfGrassSod.org.

And TPI’s 2022 International Education Conference & Field Day provided even more opportunities for education, visiting with suppliers, and networking with peers. Though many of the Conference education sessions were captured on video for viewing on TPI TV, you really had to be there in person to experience all that was offered.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 CONFERENCE & FIELD RECAP 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subjectDAY to change)

RESEARCH UPDATE: HERBICIDE RESISTANT POA ANNUA During TPI’s 2022 Conference education sessions, Dr. Jay McCurdy, associate professor and turfgrass extension specialist in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University, presented a research update on herbicide resistant Poa annua. The USDA-SCRI Resist Poa Project, funded by a four-year grant, is a research collaboration involving 14 universities.

McCurdy reported numerous biotypes of Poa annua exist. It is highly diverse and difficult to describe monolithically— and it’s a prolific plant. Though it’s viewed as annual (thus the name) it can perennialize. Poa annua makes up close to the majority of herbicide resistance in turfgrasses. Herbicide resistance is defined as “the inherited ability of an individual plant to survive an herbicide application that would kill a normal population of the same species.”

Strategies for combating Poa with herbicide treatments use a combination of timing—preemergence, postemergence, later preemergence, and early postemergence—and different herbicides at the same time or sequentially. Timing is a critical component of Poa preemergence control. Incorporate Growing Degree Days (GDD) data when monitoring conditions

to observe peak germination and the emergence of Poa. Attendees received copies of the collaborator-developed Herbicide Classification Poster which consolidates key information by site of action, chemical family, active ingredient, product examples (trade name) and application timing. The site-of-action groups are numerically categorized by the Society of Weed Science. McCurdy cautioned that too much reliance on herbicides can lead to more herbicide resistance.

Research has concluded that non-chemical practices are an important complement to herbicides. Any one strategy alone will have limited success. Among the multiple strategies McCurdy detailed were turfgrass species and variety selection, fertility control and increasing phosphorus levels, deep and infrequent irrigation because Poa is a water loving, short-rooted plant, nozzle selection for optimum deposition on the leaf surface, and fraze mowing for physical removal.

Looking to what’s next for Poa control, McCurdy listed several possibilities, including identification, mapping and sitespecific precision application, and new delivery methods such ys as deposition aides and nano particulations. Dr. McCurdy’s her presentation is available for viewing on TPI TV. For further information, email him at jmccurdy@pss.msstate.edu.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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ANDREW JAMES SMITH AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP Andrew James Smith has been awarded the four-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by The Lawn Institute (TLI).

Andrew is the son of Paul and Tabitha Smith of Beulaville, North Carolina. Paul Smith is co-owner of Sandy Plain Sod, LLC, located in Pink Hill, NC. Andrew is currently finishing his freshman year at North Carolina State University, majoring in Agricultural Business Management with the goal of earning a four-year degree, returning to his community, and joining his Dad’s sod business.

In his essay on how the turfgrass industry shaped his personal character, Andrew wrote, “From the time I was seven years old, I have worked alongside my dad on his sod farm after school, on weekends, and during summer vacations. I rode with him everywhere on every piece of equipment, listening to him communicate with his employees and customers, and watching him operate tractors, harvesters, sprayers, and large trucks.

As I matured and became more responsible, my dad allowed me to operate various farm equipment.” And, he wrote, “Once I got my driver’s license, my dad gave me additional tasks and responsibilities, such as handling sod orders, operating heavy equipment, and communicating and working with company employees and customers.”

And, he added, “Serving customers who purchase sod from our family farm, making things right if someone is displeased, has afforded me the opportunity to see things from others’ perspectives.”

Andrew’s essay reported that working with the farm’s Work Visa employees, “… has taught me the value of learning from others about their customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and work-related methods and techniques, many of which we have incorporated on our farm.” Along with the numerous honors classes Andrew successfully completed throughout high school, in his senior year, he took two semesters of Spanish. When asked if the Spanish classes were related to their Visa workers, he responded, “Yes, but 46

I’ve been around them since I started helping my Dad, and there’s a big difference between the lingo they use and what was taught in Spanish class. So, I guess I got the real-world experience first and the classroom Spanish second.”

Andrew wrote, “For many years, my dad has contributed to the maintenance of the local recreational fields, as well as the athletic fields at the local elementary/middle and high school. I have been right there to help him reseed, resod, spray, and fertilize those fields. When I played baseball on those fields or attended athletic events, I looked at the field and knew I had a part in making them look good.”

That spirit of giving back to the community is reflected in Andrew’s decision to become a junior firefighter with the Town of Beulaville Fire Department. In her letter of recommendation, Karen S. Jackson, his Honors English III teacher at Duplin County Schools, wrote, “Authenticity. When I think of Andrew Smith, this is what first springs to mind.” And she wrote, “Punctual and focused in class, Andrew completes work with fidelity and accuracy.” She also wrote, “Andrew’s work ethic extends beyond the classroom to the community where he was of particular assistance during the aftermath of Hurricanes Florence and Dorian, both of which caused flooding to the community at large. Andrew does these things not out of resume building but rather out of sincere concern for his community at large, illustrating maturity and character beyond many of his peers.”

Defining his career goals, Andrew wrote, “Aspirations to improve the quality of our product, to diversify and expand within our company, and to further support Duplin County’s agricultural industry, drive my desire to gain and develop knowledge of innovative practices in the field of agriculture, as well as the necessary business and economic skill sets to contribute to the future success of the family business. These expansion opportunities will allow for additional employment of community members, as well as increased support of locally owned businesses through the purchase of fertilizers, chemicals, fuel, and equipment.”

Andrew’s parents also are co-owners of the Beulaville Laundromat and Sunset Carwash. Andrew will be applying the money he has saved while working in the family-owned businesses to his college expenses. p He appreciates the financial support the scholarship provides which will help him achieve his goals and d he thanks TLI and all the donors who contribute to the scholarship program.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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KRYSTAL DIXON AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP Krystal Dixon has been awarded the one-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered

by The Lawn Institute (TLI). Krystal is the daughter of Steve and Michelle Dixon of New Hampton, New York. Her Dad is an employee of DeBuck’s Sod Farm of New York, located in Pine Island, New York.

Gregory L. DeBuck, company president, endorsed Krystal’s scholarship application. Krystal is currently finishing her sophomore year at Cornell University, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, majoring in Environment and Sustainability. Krystal is excelling in her classwork at Cornell, making the Dean’s List each of the three semesters she has completed.

In her essay, “How has the turfgrass industry shaped your personal character?” Krystal reported that, as a kid, she wanted to be a truck driver when she grew up because she thought her Dad “had the coolest job in the world. He got to work outside, drive a truck, and he had the privilege of bringing us kids to the sod farm on the weekends.” And she described how much she enjoyed being with him, “… driving around on acres of what seemed like a sea of green. We got to spot a variety of wildlife including egrets, herons, deer, turtles, and even coyotes. To me, his workplace was one of the most beautiful places on earth.” And she reported, when she was sixteen, she got a chance to drive a tractor, mowing at that same farm, noting it was a “great learning experience” and she gained “a greater appreciation for all that farmers do and saw first-hand the long hours that go into maintaining a crop. To this day, it has been my favorite job.” She wrote the experience taught her, “Working outdoors in the environment is something I wanted to continue to do. Had my father not had this job, I don’t think I would have ever discovered this was a field I could go into.

The turfgrass industry led me on a path to discovering my own passion for the environment.”

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In her essay, “What are your career goals and how will receiving this scholarship help you reach those goals?”

Krystal wrote, “I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the same fascination with nature I discovered.” And, “Environment and sustainability is a broad topic that has applications in almost every field today.” Reporting that she has chosen environmental biology and applied ecology as her area of concentration, she wrote, “I am hoping to get involved with natural resource management and wildlife conservation.”

Having gained a love of fishing from her Dad, she wrote, “One of the specific fields I am interested in is fisheries management. Receiving this scholarship would help me pay to attend a sustainable fisheries management class being offered in Maine this summer.” Cornell offers that course at the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, and as Krystal explained by phone, “Much of our time will be on a boat, out in the ocean, meeting the fishermen, those working within the actual system, seeing and learning about how sustainable fisheries actually operate. I’m hoping to gain insight to know if that’s the career course I want to pursue for sure.”

In her essay, she reported she was “…considering a minor in sustainable agriculture. The summer I spent working on a sod farm fueled my interest in farming. While my duties may have been limited to mowing fields, I still got to see sustainable farming measures first-hand.” And, “Farming is always going to be essential, and I would like to learn about ways to increase their sustainability. At Cornell, classes on sustainable weed and pest management have piqued my interest.”

Krystal’s application packet included a letter of recommendation from Erin L. Natalizio, her teacher for honors geometry at Minisink Valley High School and her varsity soccer coach. Ms. Natalizio wrote, “Krystal Dixon goes above and beyond what is expected of her in every aspect of life. Her dynamic and diverse personality leaves a footprint on those whose lives she has touched.”

Krystal extends her thank you to TLI and all the donors who contribute to the scholarship program, saying, “Receiving this scholarship will help me continue to follow my passion for working toward a more sustainable future.”

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TTPI TP PI TTu urrff N ews M ew Ma ay/ ay/ y/Ju / Ju June un nee 22022 02 2 02 Turf News May/June

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UPDATE ON LANIE CARL— TLI 2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Here’s an update on college senior Lanie Carl, the recipient of the 2018 four-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by The Lawn Institute (TLI).

Lanie is the daughter of Jay and Leigh Ann Carl, Carl & Son Turf, Harrisonville, Missouri. In midApril of 2022, Lanie was in her final quarter of undergraduate study at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) and would soon be awarded her Bachelor of Science degree in her major, Environmental Engineering. She said, “Cal Poly has a focus on ‘learn by doing,’ with no separation between the classroom and the real world. That’s why I came here, and that hands-on learning experience has been even better than I anticipated.”

Lanie reported, “The Environmental Engineering program here is focused on the water aspect, especially water quality, wastewater management, and bioremediation. We learn all the different processes of treating wastewater to get the water quality high enough to be discharged into the water system.” Lanie said Environmental Engineering is a small program within the college, with approximately 35 students majoring in it. “But that size allows all of us to know each other, which leads to more interaction and collaboration than there would be with a larger student group.”

An example of that collaboration was her SLO Senior Project, which began in the fall quarter and was completed during the final week of the winter quarter. She said, “We had four eight-person teams working on a consulting project for the City of Escalon, CA. It’s a city of about 8,000, located five hours from campus in an area of San Joaquin County that is primarily agricultural. The city needed some upgrades to its wastewater management program. They were working with a consulting firm on that project, but they also reached out to SLO for additional input. Each of our teams received the same background information on the existing system and the city’s goals. Then each team independently developed our

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recommendations. All four teams and our professors met live on campus for the presentation of our plans to the city and the consulting firm via Zoom. It was a great real-world experience and I loved doing it.”

Covid shutdowns hit during the spring quarter of Lanie’s sophomore year. From then throughout her junior year, all classes were remote. While the situation was challenging, she reported, “I was so fortunate that two of the others in my major are also my housemates. So even though our program was remote, we weren’t totally isolated because we could study together. It worked, but we’re all so happy to be back in person.”

Networking within the small group of classmates also led Lanie to her current position with the California Regional Water Control Board. She said, “A classmate was working there, and when the job of engineering student assistant opened, she told me about it. I applied and started in that position last July. It’s full-time during the summers and flexible enough to accommodate my schedule during the school year when I’m typically working 10 to 12 hours a week. It’s allowing me to learn about working within the parameters of state government.”

Lanie is also active in the Society of Environmental Engineers (SENVE), the student club that provides social, academic, and professional resources, including opportunities to network with industry speakers. She reported, “As a freshman, I served as SENVE activities coordinator. My second and third years, I was outreach coordinator, in charge of finding the industry representatives to make presentations to the club. Zoom not only made that possible, but it also allowed me to connect with speakers beyond our region.”

Lanie is now serving as SENVE secretary; her housemates are president and vice president.

SLO and environmental engineering have been the right match for Lanie, and she is grateful for the financial support of the TLI scholarship that helped make that match possible. The next step in her career is returning to SLO for her master’s degree. She’ll focus on carbon capture, specifically related to the role of nanoparticles.

Though she’ll not be involved with turfgrass production, Lanie reported, “My studies have helped me better understand and appreciate the environmental benefits of turfgrass and how my family’s sod farm operations stress sustainability. So many people are clueless about that, and it’s been fun to teach them. It’s so important for the he turfgrass industry to focus on sustainability and make it part of the narrative when telling our story.”

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI 2022 HONORARY MEMBER JOHN ADDINK SERVED AS FIELD DAY HOST IN 2015

Serving TPI and the turfgrass industry is a way of life for TPI’s 2022 Honorary Member, John Addink, owner of A-G Sod Farms, Inc. Just one example of that is serving as Field Day Host for TPI’s 2015 San Diego International Education Conference & Field Day. This photo shows the A-G Sod Farms staff that day. John and Betty Addink in the center, their son Joel, the company’ co-owner and CFO, in the back row at the left, and Larry LeMay, company president, at the right.

There are many reasons why A-G Sod Farms have been successful—sound family values, loyalty, mutual respect, and as the Addinks always point out, their dedicated and loyal employees. Learn more about John and the award on the next page.

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GKB COMBINATOR 51

JOHN ADDINK NAMED TPI’S 2022 HONORARY MEMBER He brought up the idea of starting a sod farm business to his future partner, Al Gardner. Together they teamed with a local farmer to start with three acres in 1969.

John and his family soon moved to Nebraska where he was part of the Agricultural Extension Department. During that time, Al and John grew the sod farm business as a team, plowing profits back into expansion. He and Al realized they were doing well when a banker friend told them they could start taking a salary!

TPI presented its 2022 Honorary Member award to John Addink, owner of A-G Sod Farms, Inc., Riverside, California, in recognition of the significant contributions he has made towards the improvement and advancement of TPI and the turfgrass industry.

The presentation announcement was introduced with the following comments drawn from the nominations of John for this award. John grew up on a farm in Northern Iowa as one of nine kids. With his father immigrating from Holland and his mother also of Dutch ancestry, he used to say “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much!”

John always had an entrepreneurial and impulsive spirit. He had three small business failures by the time he was 14. One was raising rabbits. He realized it was not going to pencil out when he had bought enough feed to have four-pound rabbits, but when he weighed them, they were only two pounds.

John claims that he wasn’t a very good student, and he actually dropped out of high school for a period of time to work on the family’s row crop farm. After a year, John did go back and finished three years of high school in two years.

After graduating from high school, John attended Calvin College where he met his wife Betty on a blind date.

They moved near South Dakota State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. From there, John attended Michigan State University, where he earned a master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. Last, but certainly not least, John attended Colorado State University where he attained his doctorate in Irrigation Engineering.

It was while he was in Fort Collins, Colorado, that he got interested in the sod farm business. He had started a center pivot manufacturing business and sold some to a sod farm.

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Al and John continued to start sod farms together. They split amicably in 1990, soon after John and Betty moved to California. John continued to start several other sod farms on his own and says he has been a part of starting 17 sod farms! Whether it was wise to start so many, he says is up for debate! Currently he and Betty still own six farms in California, Colorado, and Washington.

John loves people and loves to laugh. One of his contributions to the turfgrass sod industry is his desire to talk with fellow sod growers about how to be more efficient and profitable. Many growers have shared a meal and great conversation with John and Betty over the years as they travelled the U.S. John likes to challenge people, is a good listener, and gleans wisdom any way he can.

Another of his many contributions to the turfgrass sod industry is his willingness to be an early adopter of technology. Over the years, John used his educational background to adopt the most cost-efficient irrigation technologies available for each farm. He also was quick to adopt new mowing and harvesting technologies such as big roll and automatic harvesting.

John’s current passion is giving financially and of his time to share his Christian faith and help the poor, with a focus on the country of India. He has authored a book called How I Lost $1,500,000 in Missions: (And What I Learned from My Mistakes). The synopsis begins with this statement, “Consider Getting the Greatest Return on Your Investment in Missions... this book may turn your missions’ dollars into saving thousands instead of just reaching hundreds for Christ!” The book is available from multiple sources, including Amazon.

John and Betty have three children and eight grandchildren ka. who are spread around the U.S. from Maine to Alaska. d Consistent with being open to new things, John started golfing at the age of 83. He continues to walk three miles a day whenever possible.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

2022 BROUWER FEMALE LEADER AWARD HONORS SARAH NOLTE while implementing new sustainable and environmentally friendly tactics, helping to reinvigorate her team, and aiding them in operating more efficiently.

The offices, meeting space, shop and storage area of Blue Grass Enterprises, Inc., in Alburnett, Iowa.

Editors note: The following information is from a Brouwer Kesmac Press Release.

After 50 years of business, Brouwer Kesmac recognizes the collective pride and passion that lives within those in the turfgrass industry. Though automated advancements may lead you to think one could do it all on their own, the reality is, we as farmers know that nothing would be possible without a solid team of dedicated individuals behind you.

The Brouwer Female Leader Award honors a woman who shows a commitment and passion not only to the turfgrass industry, but also to the education of others and the proliferation of the industry as a whole. This individual represents the core—and often familial—values held by the community and provides overwhelming value and richness to the turfgrass farming collective.

The 2022 recipient is Sarah Nolte, the business manager of Blue Grass Enterprises, Inc., located in Alburnett, Iowa, near Cedar Rapids. She is a third-generation sod farmer who now runs and manages her family’s 400-acre farm, which was started by her grandmother Audrey in 1969, and nurtured by her parents Mike and Marilyn Loan.

Sarah is an accomplished athlete and musician who is always looking for adventure, yet at her core is a working mom who loves her job and making time for her family.

Sarah has an extensive background in researching, teaching, training, and business development, as well as in marketing and advertising, that she infuses into her business and across the turfgrass community. She is an outspoken ambassador for education who can often be found running seminars for wholesale and retail customers that incorporate sound components of turfgrass management, such as sharing her knowledge of soil sampling and disease mitigation.

Sarah strives to lead the industry with integrity and progression and is constantly improving her practices, TPI Turf News May/June 2022

Sarah is part of the Leadership for Five Seasons program (LFS). LFS is a premier community leadership program that focuses on developing top talent through formal leadership and provides participants with community knowledge, connections, and inspiration to make a positive impact on the community. She serves on several committees for TPI and TLI that focus on research, technology, and industry innovation. In addition, Sarah is part of the first cohort of TPI’s Future Leaders Fellowship.

As Sarah’s impact in the community grew, so did her farm’s reputation. Sarah’s down-to-earth approach in cultivating and growing relationships with both her customers and staff is reflected in her authenticity and the respect she has earned that is echoed throughout the industry.

One of the turfgrass production fields of the Blue Grass Enterprises farm in Eastern Iowa.

It’s not just Sarah’s measurable success, but her willingness to make mistakes and thrive through them by taking the time to do what is right; which is rarely what is easy. In 2021, Sarah helped Blue Grass Enterprises achieve new milestones and sales records while navigating the global pandemic and a subsequent natural disaster; all while becoming a new mother. She is described as a utility team player who remains steady in the eye of a storm. She is able to switch from office to field work, while continuing to maintain an ongoing active role in supporting her colleagues and community through education and the construction of sports fields and public green spaces. Even though her influence is growing, Sarah states she is “still at her best when she is out in the field, mowing, spraying, and fertilizing.”

The 2022 Brouwer Female Leader Award presentation will m in be held this summer at the Blue Grass Enterprises farm wer Alburnett, Iowa, on behalf of Bubba Simons of Brouwer Kesmac and Tim Wollesen of Sales Midwest, Inc.

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ROOTED IN RESEARCH

PLANTS AS ARCHITECTS OF SOIL

By Cale A. Bigelow, PhD Here we are again for another exciting installment of “Rooted in Research.” At this time “Spring should have sprung” for much of the United States and that means a new growing season is upon us. I don't have a crystal ball but as with every year, certainly something exciting and unexpected is likely to happen for turfgrass managers in 2022, it always does.

It is mid-March as I write this article, and for me and my educator colleagues, most of us are taking the final lap on the winter continuing education/conference season. I have to admit it was really nice to get back out and talk in person with turfgrass managers and producers in all manner of Covid-safe educational environments. More importantly, it was a pleasure to hear from so many of you and think about what kinds of issues are on your mind for the upcoming season.

physicist at The University of Aberdeen and has a strong interest in plant-soil-root interactions, the relationship between soil microorganisms and the rhizosphere and how all of these factors may affect the physical behavior of soils.

For this review article, he and his colleagues describe plants as “Architects of soil” and highlight their capacity to “build soils.” They review numerous research examples and encourage plant breeders to consider providing more attention to below-ground plant traits, in particular roots (e.g., root hairs, etc.). They outline and suggest selecting/ breeding plants not only for high yield but also for more robust root systems, especially seeking plants with an abundance of root-hairs. Why? because root-hairs can influence soil properties in numerous ways (Figure 1).

For those of us working in “The Ivory Tower” of the University I can honestly say my research program is invested in your input since it helps us give some “research with purpose” toward some of our more practical research studies. Thank you for your input!

Side note: A shameless plug for the Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day which will be held on Tuesday 26 July at our W.H. Daniel Turfgrass Research Center in West Lafayette, IN. Event information can be found at www.mrtf.org.

Now on to the good stuff from the world of research.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and “Get Down and Dirty” and dig into some fact-based information. I came across a personally fascinating review article “Building soil sustainability from root-soil interface traits” recently published in the Journal-Trends in Plant Science in February 2022: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. tplants.2022.01.010. It is authored by a team of plant-soil science colleagues located in The United Kingdom and led

by Dr. Paul Hallett. Dr. Hallett is a well-respected soil

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Figure 1. From the review article - How root surface traits influence soil properties.

The main benefit is the impact of roots on soil structure and the capacity of roots to restructure/improve soil.

Now this fact really caught my attention because for those of us managing turfgrass systems we are often TPI Turf News May/June 2022

tasked with growing turfgrass on soils that are highly disturbed, compacted, and/or lack soil structure with an impoverished nutrient condition.

Now before I get too deep into the meat of this article, I should review some important terminology the authors define so that you might have a better understanding with regard to all that is happening in the rootzone/soil.

TERMINOLOGY Rhizosphere: “soil at the interface of plant roots that has been influenced by rhizodeposits.” The rhizosphere is important because nearly all resources captured by a plant from soil enter by passing through the rhizosphere. Root hairs: “Single cell outgrowths from the root epidermis that increase root surface area and soil exploration.” Rhizodeposits: “a collective term for all materials exchanged from the plant to soil, dominated by root exudates, mucilage, and sloughed cells.”

Exudates: “substances secreted by roots, composed of a mix of sugars, amino acids, organic acids, and other organic (carbon) compounds.”

Mucilage: “viscous polysaccharide-rich (sugar) compounds secreted at the root tip.” Mucilage is important because it helps to lubricate soil particles as the root pushes though hostile and abrasive soil environments. The sugars are a significant food-source for soil microorganisms.

Rhizosheath: “the soil that adheres strongly to the root through the action of root hairs and rhizodeposits.” The plant species that were first noticed to have rhizosheaths were desert grasses that survived in extremely poor soils with low organic matter (Price, 1911).

Now that you are acquainted with these terms, let’s discuss how some of this relates to soil properties and ultimately healthy soil. First, anyone that cultivates a turfgrass knows that compared to many other plants one of the major benefits of cultivating turfgrass is that as it matures it forms a dense, fibrous root system (Figure 2).

A mature, healthy turfgrass root-system has a significant effect on mitigating soil erosion and I highlighted research documenting this fact in a prior Rooted in Research article (Turf News September/ October 2021, pages 34-35) where I reviewed a University of Wisconsin research study comparing the runoff from turfgrass and prairie vegetation (Steinke et al., 2007).

Figure 2. A tall fescue plant grown in a sandy soil-notice the dense, fibrous root system.

With respect to the Hallett et al. review article, these authors not only mention dense roots

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

but focus on the impact of plant root hairs. In one analogy they use the following language to describe the benefits of root hairs: “Just as dabbing paint with a brush allows it to penetrate into nooks and crannies on surfaces, root hairs can aid the influence of plant roots by penetrating into soil pores too small for roots and distributing rhizodeposits into a greater soil volume. This creates the adhered soil that makes up the rhizosheath, which is postulated to be a major process that aggregates carbon and makes it less subject to microbial decomposition (Rasse et al., 2005).”

In other words, it is thought that these root hairs are not only helping the plant access localized resources (e.g., water/nutrients) from small pore spaces, but they also help increase soil carbon deposits (e.g., exudates, mucilage deposits) and this ultimately improves the soil environment (e.g., cementing soil particles, improving soil structure, etc.).

In summary, one of the key take-aways from this article is the fact that plants appear to make important resource allocation decisions! Plants invest in improving their soil conditions at the soil-root interface and do what they can to buffer themselves against hostile environments. Root hairs and rhizodeposits are genetic traits and vary by plant species and genotype. Targeting these traits for future breeding efforts could provide significant benefits to both plants and soil. For example, plants with more root hairs are likely to have increased rhizodeposits. This results in: more soil carbon storage (possibly helping mitigate greenhouse gases), improved soil health (e.g. increased sugar deposits/mucilage = better structure), better structure equals more capacity to trap/retain water (e.g. improved drought/heat stress), denser root systems have more surface area resulting in improved nutrient acquisition, and dense roots limit soil erosion.

Of course, there is a lot more to read in the article, but I hopefully at least piqued your interest in Rhizosphere Ecology.

This area of research is an important scientific frontier and worth understanding as we seek more sustainable plant systems. So, with that, be well and I look forward to hearing about all your successes for the 2022 growing season.

References: Hallett, P.D., M. Marin, G.D. Bending, T.S. George, C.D. Collins and W. Otten. 2022. Building soil sustainability from root-soil interface traits.

Trends in Plant Sci. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2022.01.010 Price, S.R. 1911. The roots of some north African desert-grasses. New Phytologist 10:328-340.

Rasse, D.P. et al. 2005. Is soil carbon mostly root carbon? Mechanisms for a specific stabilization. Plant Soil 269:341-356.

Steinke, K., J.C. Stier, W.R. Kussow and A. Thompson. 2007. Prairie and turfgrass buffer strips for controlling runoff from paved surfaces” and published in the Journal of Environmental Quality 36:426-439.

Cale Bigelow, PhD, is a professor of Turfgrass Science and Ecology in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University in Indiana. Mike Fidanza, PhD, is a professor of Plant and Soil Science at Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus. They are teaming to provide a Rooted in Research article or each issue of Turf News.

All photos and graphics courtesy of Cale Bigelow, PhD.

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WEATHER WATCH

A current weekly Drought Summary Map, like the one above, with updated information is posted each week with the most recent map available at the link that follows. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap.aspx For local details and impacts, please contact your State Climatologist at the American Association of State Climatologists (https://stateclimate.org/) or your Regional Climate Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/customer-support/partnerships/regional-climate-centers) Another resource for sod producers is the Crop Condition and Soil Moisture Analytics (Crop-CASMA), a web-based tool to help visualize soil moisture and crop vegetation conditions. It was designed and developed by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in collaboration with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the George Mason University (GMU) Center for Spatial Information Science and Systems.

This tool is free to the public and available at: https://cloud.csiss.gmu.edu/Crop-CASMA/.

Crop-CASMA is not available for print because it is a web-based cloud image that constantly changes.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI ON THE ROAD AT THE GCSAA CONFERENCE Reported by Suz Trusty The 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, held in San Diego, California, February 5-10, marked the association’s first major international gathering since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Conference theme was “Moving Forward,” a concept attendees enthusiastically embraced. Though due to San Diego’s Covid protocols, all participants were required to wear their “official wristband” indicating they were “CrowdPass Approved,” showing they had presented either proof of their Covid vaccination or negative Covid test results—the overall atmosphere was cheerful and upbeat.

The GCSAA Trade Show presents a kaleidoscope of the turfgrass industry, with many TPI member suppliers exhibiting and multiple TPI turfgrass producer members who supply their sod to those within the golf course market also exhibiting. In addition, many TPI member turfgrass professors visit the trade show area—especially those making presentations during the educational sessions and/or those shepherding their student attendees, many of which are team members participating in GCSAA’s Turf Bowl. Additionally, the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) holds a breakfast meeting in conjunction with the GCSAA conference, bringing turfgrass industry editors, writers, supplier communication directors, and public relations specialists to the mix.

GCSAA Turf Bowl 2022 Top Ten: # 1 – Purdue University – Team 31 # 2 - SUNY Delhi – Team 19 # 3 - Ohio State University – Team 27 # 4 - Penn State University – Team 3 # 5 - Penn State University – Team 6 # 6 - Michigan State University – Team 22 # 7 - Oklahoma State University – Team 14 # 8 - Purdue University – Team 32 # 9 - University of Maryland – Team 29 # 10 - Purdue University – Team 33

The annual “Ladies Leading Turf ” Power Hour took place the afternoon of February 9. This year’s theme was “Mentoring Women.” The inspiring session featured leading women within the industry sharing their successful strategies for mentorship and relating their experiences in both mentorship and mentee roles. Immediately following the session, all women—and men—employed or studying in the turfgrass industry were welcome to attend a reception to network and socialize. The attendance at these two events is growing every year, as are the networking connections that are formed during them.

A highlight of the conference, for both turf docs and students, is GCSAA's Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. In 2022, forty-four teams, composed of 153 students from across North America competed in the event. Purdue University’s Team #31 took first place.

Student members of the number one team are: William Myrehn, Nicholas Oyler, William Hathaway, and Kyle Kidwell. Two additional Purdue Turf Bowl teams made the Top Ten, coming in at number 8 and number 10. The advisor to the Purdue University Turf Bowl teams is Cale A. Bigelow, PhD. Dr. Bigelow teams with Mike Fidanza, PhD, to provide the “Rooted in Research” articles for TPI’s Turf News.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES ETS Field Days 2022 | May 17-18 Girona Barcelona (Spain) JOIN US AGAIN ON THE TURF PATH! The European Turfgrass Society (ETS) is pleased to welcome ETS members and other turfgrass specialists to the ETS Field Days 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.

All of the details, as well as the registration form can be found at the link that follows. https://www.turfgrasssociety.eu/ETSFD_2022/ The ETS organizes its Field Days every two years: Valencia – Spain (2009), Ghent – Belgium (2011), Monte Carlo – Monaco (2013), Helsingør – Denmark (2015), Brno – Czech Republic (2017), and Padova - Italy (2019) were the previous hosts of these international Field Days.

After the long-term Covid-related restrictions all over the world, ETS is looking forward to again meeting in person to continue providing knowledge and connections for the benefit of the turfgrass world.

Spain has been chosen to host the event in 2022, May 17-18, in the heart of the Mediterranean region, home to beautiful natural scenery and an internationally renowned modern town. The meeting venue is the Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort in Caldes de Malavella.

This international Field Days is being prepared to provide a forum to spread innovative applications for the benefit of the turfgrass industry promoting the exchange of information among turfgrass specialists. The full schedule, hotel contact information, and the registration details are all posted on the website.

Let's meet again!

Join TPI at the ETP 2022 Turf Show Expo Turfgrass Producers International is heading to Germany to support the European Turfgrass Producers 2022 Turf Show Expo in Pattensen, Germany. Join TPI in July 2022 for the ETP Expo, farm tours, and a look at German culture. The ETP Turf Show Expo will take place on July 7-8, 2022.

Space is limited on this trip. Visit the TPI website and sign up to be among the first to receive registration information! https://www.TurfGrassSod.org/events/ The Association of European Turfgrass Producers (ETP) connects the over 700 turfgrass growers throughout Europe, many of whom are quite isolated in terms of their geography, and in terms of their interaction with other growers. Bringing all these turfgrass growers together creates a group with considerable potential for pooling resources, learning from each other, and tackling the issues facing our industry. The social element of the Association is important because that’s where some of the most fruitful conversations can be had… and where the most useful contacts can be made. The work of ETP complements the role of the national turfgrass associations which are providing excellent regional service to their members. On a European scale, ETP helps to reinforce and strengthen this increasingly important industry.

Host Farm for the ETP 2022 Turf Show Expo, Rasenland Pattensen, lies in the fertile, beautiful, and historic “Calenberger Land” only 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) south of Hanover and 30 minutes from the Hanover airport. The farm has been farmed by the current owner’s family since the 13th century.

Apart from arable crops, currently about 75 hectares (185.33 acres) of turfgrass are grown in one block on site. Rasenland Pattensen is part of the Rasenland Group comprising four production sites and several outlets in Germany. Since the beginning of turfgrass production in 1992 the Rasenland Group has developed into one of the leading suppliers for turfgrass in Germany and was the first producer to use automated production technology in Central Europe as early as 2001. Rasenland Pattensen, owned by TPI Board of Trustees member Albrecht Freiherr Knigge, is proud to be the host farm for this fantastic event.

The whole ETP-team is very much looking forward to welcoming you—Do Not Miss It!

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

ASSOCIATION UPDATES ITRC 2022 To Be Held July 10-15 in Copenhagen

Turfgrass Growers Association Demonstration Day 2022 The Turfgrass Growers Association is pleased to announce that the Turfgrass Summer Show is returning for 2022. Save The Date—Thursday, July 28, 2022. Turffit has very kindly offered to host the 2022 event. “We are looking forward to welcoming all the members and the turfgrass industry to Kinross, Scotland.”

Formed in 1995, the TGA comprises some 50 companies (including affiliates), collectively responsible for producing approximately 70 percent of the cultivated turf grown in the British Isles and supplying specialist knowledge and infrastructure to that industry.

It is with great pleasure that the ITS Board announces ITRC 2022, the fourteenth International Turfgrass Research Conference. This event, which will be arranged by the Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF), will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 10-15, 2022.

The conference theme is Development & Sustainability.

The challenges for the future of the turfgrass sector are many and diverse. Climate change impacts are exceeding the worst expectations. Strong restrictions on the use of chemicals and fertilizers, and increasing pressure on natural resources (notably water, energy, and land) are expected. There is an accelerating loss of ecosystem services and biodiversity in the urban landscapes. All this calls for more research and innovation for a sustainable future.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in Agenda 2030 will constitute the conference program framework. Seven SDGs related to the turfgrass industry have been identified: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action), SDG 14 (Life below water), SDG 15 (Life on land), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the goals).

The conference is an arena established to exchange knowledge and experiences with the best experts in this field. It will bring together researchers, greenkeepers, superintendents, planning authorities, technical experts, consultants, high level turfgrass managers, and top industry delegates. This will provide great opportunities to improve and extend important international interdisciplinary collaboration, which is the only viable strategy to overcome the current challenges and create a sustainable future.

Please join your peers in 2022 for the latest cutting-edge research in the turfgrass industry and stay to enjoy all that Copenhagen area has to offer!

For more information on the event please visit itrc2022.org.

For more information about STERF please visit www.sterf.org.

For more information about Copenhagen please visit www. visitcopenhagen.com.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

The July 2022 event will be reminiscent of the TGA shows held in previous years. It attracts all those involved in turfgrass production, from growers to the ancillary industry, and will host an excellent exhibition and demonstration to provide a great interactive opportunity for those who attend.

The event will also be registered for both BASIS* and NRoSO** points which will be available on the day. It’s an event not to be missed!

For more information, email admin@britishgrowers.org or visit https://turfgrass.co.uk/tga-summer-show-2022/. *BASIS is an independent organization committed to raising professional standards across land management and food production by supporting people and businesses with our industry leading qualifications, professional registers, and auditing schemes. **NRoSO is the National Register of Sprayer Operators.

Flooding Hits Turf Australia Extensive flooding occurred across much of Australia during February and March, and continuing threats of flooding were still being issued into early April as this issue of Turf News was being prepared for print.

In the March issue of the Turf Australia e-newsletter, Jenny Zardo reported that flood recovery was underway, and some growers were still in the process of assessing damage while others were beyond that step and concentrating on trying to get back into operation.

Zardo expressed the ongoing concern of the entire industry for those working through the frustrations and losses of the flooding and urged them to keep the safety of themselves and their staff members as their top priority.

Zardo encouraged those needing information and/or assistance to contact the association. She stressed that Turf Australia is continuing to work diligently with state and federal agencies to ensure the turfgrass industry is heard and the impact to turfgrass production farmers is understood as government aid packages are designed.

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES Turf Australia Urges Response to Turf Industry Statistics Survey Turf Australia is encouraging all growers to participate during the survey period for the levy-funded Turf Industry Statistics 2020-21 to 2024-25 (TU21000), which began in February. As Turf Australia stated, “Data drives decision making, but that data must be robust, reliable, and quantifiable. This data will be a catalyst for the industry informing strategic decisions and investment priorities. The findings are shared with growers over the five years of the project.” In addition, Turf Australia reported, “This year we will also be producing an industry benchmarking tool which will enable growers to measure themselves against other, similar businesses.”

Additional information and another call for participation were issued in the Turf Industry Statistic – You Tube video posted on April 6. To view that video, use the link that follows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lk81wYWNSA. Grower participation in this survey generates the data and helps form the insights that assist in providing a clear picture of your business and help shape the turfgrass industry. In addition, it equips Turf Australia to provide essential data to ensure our voices are heard when needs arise or disaster strikes.

Excellent NxGen Gathering

Turf Australia was absolutely thrilled to welcome over 30 of the industry’s best and brightest to the NxGen gathering held February 20-22, 2022, at Shoal Bay, NSW. It was an unforgettable event. The attendees gained valuable information and ideas from it that they can use in their own operations.

Turf Australia extends a thank you to everyone who attended and to the great NxGen presenters and partners.

Check out a few images from the event.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TURFMUTT POLL— IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY YARD SPACE Information provided by the TurfMutt Foundation More than three quarters of Americans who have a yard (76 percent) say the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a new poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll. Survey results were reported in a March 2, 2022, press release.

Nearly three quarters of Americans overall (72 percent) say a spacious yard would be at the top of their wish list if they were looking for a new home. That desire reflects a cultural shift in how Americans view their yards. Even more so, they’re willing to invest in their yards, and are using them more for everyday activities, including as work-from-home office space.

“What we are seeing with Americans is greater reliance on the backyard as an extension of the home. It’s not just a place that looks pretty—it’s a place to live and do daily activities such as working, dining, and relaxing,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “They’ve discovered that ‘backyarding’ is a better way to live and there’s no turning back. They are also willing to hire professionals and invest money into yard improvements.”

73 per cent of parents of kids under 18 say they have enjoyed doing more activities in their yard since the pandemic.

The yard has also become a place to de-stress, with more than two thirds of Americans who have a yard (69 percent) saying doing yard work, such as mowing, trimming, or planting, is one of the ways they like to de-stress these days. This is especially true among parents of kids under 18 as they are more likely than their counterparts without kids under 18 to cite this (76 percent vs. 65 percent).

A vast majority of Americans who have a yard (84 percent) plan to invest in their yard in 2022, including:

• • •

Kris Kiser and Mutt Mulligan, spokesdog for the Turf Mutt Foundation, enjoy backyarding.

People are enjoying extra time outside, too. Nearly a quarter of Americans who have a yard (24 percent) are spending more time in their yards now than before the Covid-19 pandemic. And they are really enjoying the extra time outside. Over three in five Americans who have a yard (63 percent) say they have enjoyed doing more activities in their yard since the pandemic began. Younger adults (68 percent age 18-54 vs. 52 percent age 65+) and parents of kids under 18 (73 percent vs. 58 percent who are not parents of kids under 18) are more apt to feel this way.

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67 percent say they’ll purchase plants/trees/flowers/ vegetables to plant themselves 39 percent report they will purchase items to maintain or improve their grassy areas 23 percent say they will install or update hardscaping themselves.

Parents of kids under 18 (73 percent) are more likely than their counterparts (63 percent) to say they plan to invest in their yard in 2022 by purchasing plants, trees, flowers, or vegetables to plant themselves. Parents of kids under 18 are also more likely than those without kids under 18 to purchase items to maintain or improve grassy areas on the lawn (44 percent vs. 36 percent), and more likely to hire a professional to do landscaping or hardscaping (47 percent vs. 26 percent).

This survey was conducted online within the United States

by The Harris Poll on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation from February 1-3, 2022, among 2,012 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,728 have a yard. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore lated. no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

For complete survey methodology, including weightingg mi variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Ami Neiberger, ami@fourleafpr.com.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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HAPPENINGS Ian True Announces Retirement

Editor’s note: This letter did not arrive in time to be included in the March/April issue, but we wanted to share it with you now to recognize a long-time member of this great industry and allow him to speak to all of you.

TPI VP Bob McCurdy Honored by TTA Bob McCurdy, McCurdy Sod Farms, Dyer, Tennessee, was the recipient of the Tom Samples Professional of the Year Award from the Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA). The Award was presented at the Association’s 2022 Conference. Bob is currently serving as Vice President of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI).

As reported by Julie Holt in the February/March 2022 issue of the Tennessee Turfgrass Turf Zone:

Ian True is presented with TPI’s Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Member Award at the 2019 Summer Field Day. TPI President at the time, Eric Heuver presents the awards to Ian True. Ian’s wife Cathy is at his side, while Gerry Brouwer (left) and Gregg Tvetene (right) stand behind him, affirming their support of the honors.

After 42 years of service to the turfgrass industry, I am retiring on February 25, 2022. My career in the industry began in 1975, hand-stacking sod for Brayford Sod in Alliston, Ontario. In 1979, I was hired by Brouwer Turf Equipment as a territory sales representative. In 2003, I joined Trebro Manufacturing. Trebro led the industry in production of Automatic Sod Harvesting Equipment.

During my career, I have established great relationships with customers, many of whom I am proud to call my friends.

I am honored to have been connected to Turfgrass Producers International, as a Board Member, Committee Chair for the Membership Committee, and the Manufacturer’s Advisory Council. During the TPI conference in 2019, I received the Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Member Award. I am humbled to be recognized by such a wonderful organization.

Thank you, Gregg Tvetene and Gerry Brouwer, for your support and guidance during my career. I also want to thank my lovely wife Cathy, for always being there to support me at home.

Cathy and I are looking forward to retirement. We plan to travel, golf, ski, do volunteer work, and spend time with our family including our six grandchildren. It has been a great career and I will miss everyone associated with the turfgrass industry. If you ever want to have a visit, I am only a phone call away at 705-435-5899, and look forward to hearing from you.

With Kind Regards, Ian True

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“Bob McCurdy is the senior partner of the farm and a stalwart leader in both Dyer, TN, and the turfgrass community. Bob McCurdy’s influence in the sod production segment has certainly been immense, but it’s the impression he’s made across the industry that has allowed him to be a true leader and example for turfgrass professionals of all stripes.”

And later in the article, after detailing the establishment and growth of the business, and Bob’s commitment to his family, Holt wrote, “His commitment to the Dyer Community also is a top priority. He serves on the board of Gibson Electric, which has installed broadband in the area. He’s been a Boy Scout leader for 20 years. He serves on the County Industrial Development board …”

Holt also wrote, “Bob and Suzanne are lifetime members of the Methodist Church. Bob says their faith has been the most important thing in their lives and has gotten them through the good times and the bad.

For as much effort and dedication as Bob has shown to his neighbors and his family, the natural overflow of that has been a gift to the turfgrass community. It is no secret Bob’s work ethic, commitment, and humility are the reasons he’s had such success and influence on his peers for all these years.”

After closing the article with, “Congratulations Bob, on your well-deserved recognition as TTA’s Tom Samples Professional of the Year and thank you for your dedication to the Association and the greater turfgrass industry.” Holt included quotes about Bob from others.

From a TPI past president, Bobby Winstead, Winstead Turf Farms, Inc., Arlington, TN, “Bob’s always been positive about everything and everyone. He’s extremely strong in his faith and so deserving of this award.”

From Dr. Casey Reynolds, executive director of TPI, “I’ve learned a lot from him already. I look forward to learning much more for years to come. He’s a quintessential sod farmer—great guy, member of the community, family man, astute businessperson, and I’m actually convinced he also has a second career as a comedian.”

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

HAPPENINGS Dr. Kyley Dickson Appointed New A-LIST® Executive Director On March 14, 2022, the Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST®) announced that Kyley Dickson, PhD, at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, had been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director.

The Executive Director, in cooperation with the Executive Committee and Research Committee, develops and implements the long-term strategies of the alliance. As the Executive Director of the A-LIST, Dr. Dickson will seek to utilize his experience in turfgrass research to increase awareness of the program and promote turfgrass as an environmentally friendly solution. Dr. Dickson’s interest lies in working with founding A-LIST members, university cooperators, and other industry professionals to raise awareness of the importance of planting improved natural turfgrass varieties.

“Kyley is going to help us to bring sustainable solutions to all the turfgrass markets. Our sustainable solutions reduce the hidden carbon costs of turfgrasses while enabling the benefits to be enjoyed by all. Kyley understands the long-term benefits of A-LIST varieties and brings excitement to the team,” said Dr. Leah Brilman, Director Project Management and Technical Services.

This appointment supplements the critical work Dr. Dickson will continue at UT-Knoxville.

Dr. Dickson is a native of East Tennessee, and was awarded three degrees from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville: A Doctorate in Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, a Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, with concentration in Turfgrass Management.

Dr. Dickson has worked for 15 years in the turfgrass industry on a wide variety of areas, ranging from turfgrass research to sports fields management to lawn care maintenance. His working role today is as Researcher & Associate Director at the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, and he has conducted extensive turfgrass research at his university for over 10 years.

Project EverGreen Announces Alliance with I Want to Mow Your Lawn Like Project EverGreen’s (projectevergreen.org) GreenCare for Troops, which provides complimentary lawn care and basic landscape services to families of deployed military personnel, I Want to Mow Your Lawn (iwanttomowyourlawn. com) provides complimentary lawn mowing services to senior citizens, military veterans, disabled and under-resourced

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

individuals, and families. The New Jersey-based non-profit was founded in 2020 by Brian Schwartz.

“Forming an alliance to help more military families, veterans, and other deserving individuals made sense for many reasons,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Our two organizations together can cast a wider net and help more families and individuals enjoy all the benefits healthy, accessible green spaces have to offer.”

These like-minded initiatives provide the platform for individuals and businesses with the skills and bandwidth needed to maintain healthy lawns, which in turn deliver peace of mind to families during stressful times such as deployments or rehabbing from a service-related injury. The alliance will work to raise the profile and availability of the programs to fill current gaps and provide the opportunity for new volunteers to give back to their communities.

“We’re honored to officially partner with Project EverGreen to create synergies between our two organizations. The partnership will multiply efforts to provide relief for families of active military and give back to those who have proudly served our country,” said Schwartz. “It’s our way to say thank you for the service and sacrifices families make to protect our freedoms. We never take that for granted.”

RISE Elects New Officers and Adds Board Members RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) elected new officers and welcomed new governing board members during its March meeting in Arlington, VA. The 2022 RISE executive committee includes newly elected Karen Larson of Clarke as chair, and Jose Milan of Bayer Environmental Science as vice chair. Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm, continues his term as treasurer. Elections were held during the governing board’s March meeting due to company staffing changes.

“I’m thrilled to lead the board into 2022, which so far, is a challenging year at the state and federal levels,” said Larson.

“We have an engaged RISE governing board to guide RISE through the tough issues the specialty industry is facing and to support the association’s work to promote the benefits of our products.”

The governing board elected two new members, Barbara Aguiar of BASF and Shayne Wetherall of Amguard.

Members continuing their terms serving on the governing board include: Daryl Allen, Corteva Agriscience; Kathy Bishop, Lebanon Seaboard Corp.; Bill Culpepper, SePRO Corp.; John Johnson, Prokoz; Scott Lazarczyk, SBM Life Sciences; Todd Mason, Sipcam Agro USA; Scott Reasons, Syngenta; Brian Rowan, SiteOne Landscape p Supply; pp y; and Nadia Sinno, FMC Corp.

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TURFGRASS INDUSTRY NEWS LOVING Adds 700-acre Florida Sod Farm LOVING announced on February 21 that it had expanded its footprint in Florida once again with the recent addition of a 700-acre (283 hectares) sod farm in Punta Gorda, Florida.

With the framework already in place to begin production, this expansion enables LOVING to further support homebuilders in Southwest Florida, as well as landscaping companies and DIYers alike through nextDAYsod.com.

“Production with this new farm will optimize our Southwest Florida operations significantly. This farm combined with our Babcock Ranch farming location will set us up to execute on the continued growth expected in Southwest Florida. We also are looking forward to supporting the local community through employment and outreach opportunities,” says Mike Haynes, founder and president at LOVING. LOVING is headquartered in Gastonia, NC, and offers landscaping, outdoor living, and sod supply to both local and national homebuilding clients across the Southeast. LOVING also offers a user-friendly online platform for ordering sod with free next day delivery through nextDAYsod.com. Now one of the largest landscaping and sod farming operations in the U.S., the addition of the farm in Punta Gorda puts LOVING at nearly 7,000 acres (2,833 hectares) of sod in production across all locations in the Carolinas and Florida.

DLF Acquires OreGro Seeds DLF announced on March 2 that it had acquired the assets of OreGro Seeds, a forage, cover crop, and turfgrass breeding company located in Albany, Oregon. OreGro’s proprietary cool-season forage grass, forage legume, turfgrass, cover crop, and small grain varieties are now offered exclusively through DLF and its distribution partners in the U.S. and abroad.

“This investment not only complements our expansive global research and product portfolio, but also adds significant operational capacity and staff to support customers,” said Claus Ikjaer, CEO for DLF Pickseed USA. “This is a strategic development to bolster our seed innovation, service, and support.”

The acquisition includes three warehouse facilities totaling 75,000 square feet, equipped with blending and packaging capabilities. The company will also incorporate the research activities of OreGro into its North American and global research platform and welcome twenty of OreGro’s former employees to the DLF family.

“These new team members and infrastructure will help ensure a seamless transition for OreGro partners and position our customers for future growth,” said Ikjaer. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to further invest in the Willamette Valley seed industry.”

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Heritage Acquires Green Velvet Heritage Landscape Supply Group, Inc. (“Heritage”) has acquired Green Velvet (the “Company”), a leading wholesaler of fertilizer, seed, sod, and other turf and ornamental products.

Headquartered in Bellbrook, Ohio, Green Velvet was founded in 1959 by Ray and Mary Tischer and is run today by their son, Randy Tischer, and his wife, Beth. The Company employs a team of over 40 professionals and operates out of four locations throughout Southwest and Central Ohio. Randy will continue to lead the Company’s dedicated employee base going forward alongside general manager, Nick Janovich, ensuring continuity and consistency for customer and supplier partners.

Matt McDermott, President of Heritage, commented, “Green Velvet is a perfect complement to our existing Wolf Creek branches in Ohio and greatly increases our presence in the agronomics/turf and ornamental product categories. The Tischer family has built an outstanding family business that embodies loyal customer service with operational integrity, and we are delighted to have them on our team.”

Randy Tischer, owner of Green Velvet, added, “For the last 63 years Green Velvet has earned a reputation for providing exceptional service, trusted advice, and dependable products to landscape professionals, sports turf managers, and golf course superintendents throughout the Midwest. As we look towards the future, our newfound partnership with Heritage will allow us to continue doing what made us successful while providing growth opportunities for both our company and our employees. Heritage shares our commitment to customer service and will protect the legacy our dedicated team has created over the years.”

West Coast Turf Promotes Natural Grass on Facebook West Coast Turf/Western Sod regularly posts benefits of natural grass on their Facebook page. Here is just one example that they posted on March 19.

One of the best parts of having the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in our back yard is watching everyone enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds! The West Coast Turf natural grass keeps it cool even when temperatures near the 90s artificial turf has been shown to be up to 86.5 degrees hotter than natural grass on an 81 degree day—can you even imagine? The lawn outside court 1 is a great place to watch the main match. We’re pretty certain the tennis fans are glad that they’ve “kept it real” in Indian Wells! #turfgrass #BNPParibasOpen #keepitreal TurfGrass Producers International

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TURFGRASS INDUSTRY NEWS SiteOne® Landscape Supply Acquired JK Enterprise Landscape Supply According to an article from Landscape Management online March 30, JK Enterprise Landscape Supply has been acquired

by SiteOne® Landscape Supply. JK Enterprise supplies bulk and bagged mulches and soil, hardscapes and nursery products to professional contractors and local government entities in the Virginia and Maryland areas.

“We are very excited to partner with SiteOne. We knew they would provide our associates and customers with the very best opportunities in the green industry for years to come,” said Jake Klitenic, JK Enterprise Landscape Supply founder and CEO. “We look forward to continuing our strong history of providing quality products and services to our customers as part of the SiteOne team.”

JK Enterprise Landscape company has seven locations in Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Centreville, Chantilly, Culpeper, Nokesville, and Warrenton) and Maryland (Davidsonville).

Doug Black, chairman and CEO of SiteOne Landscape Supply said this partnership “… will expand the SiteOne Landscape Supply footprint in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.”

Odell Beckham, Jr. Super Bowl Injury Renews Calls to Ban Turf When LA Rams Odell Beckham, Jr. went down with a nocontact injury in the second quarter of this year’s Super Bowl a renewed call to ban artificial turf in the NFL was all over social media. @ConnorBarwin98 Tweeted, “NFL needs to ban artificial turf in all stadiums. Hope @obj is ok.” His Tweet was Retweeted 239 times and received 2,742 Likes. Multiple NFL players took to social media to voice their displeasure with playing on artificial turf. In particular, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb and San Francisco 49ers George Kittle initiated a call-to-action by sending out a petition for the NFL to ban artificial turf in favor of real grass. Chubb noted that the issue is personal because he sprained his MCL while playing on artificial turf. George Kittle said, “I’ve been saying, artificial turf feels like playing on cement. It’s time to play smarter, not harder! Help us #FlipTheTurf by signing the petition http://change.org/fliptheturf, @Penningtonlawn, #penningtonpartner” Bayer to sell its Environmental Science Professional business to Cinven Bayer announced on March 10 that Bayer and Cinven have entered into a definitive agreement regarding the sale of Bayer’s Environmental Science Professional business for a purchase price of 2.6 billion U.S. dollars (2.4 billion euros). “This divestment represents a very attractive purchase price and allows us to focus on our core agricultural business and the successful

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implementation of our Crop Science Division growth strategy,” said Rodrigo Santos, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and president of the Crop Science Division.

Environmental Science Professional is a global leader offering environmental solutions to control pests, diseases, and weeds in areas such as vector control, professional pest management, vegetation management, forestry, and turf and ornamentals. In 2021, the business had approximately 800 employees supporting operations and sales in more than 100 countries. It is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, USA. Bayer had announced its decision to divest the business in February 2021. “… We are convinced by Cinven’s focus and its commitment to the long-term growth potential for the business and its people,” Santos said. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Its net proceeds are to be used to reduce Bayer’s net financial debt. Until closing, Environmental Science Professional will continue operating as usual. The sale does not include glyphosate, the product and the legal action surrounding it.

Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global companies.

Cinven has offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Guernsey, and Luxembourg.

Cinven takes a responsible approach towards its portfolio companies, their employees, suppliers, local communities, the environment, and society.

TN Turf Tuesdays: New & Improved for 2022 Faculty, staff, and students within the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Science & Management program are excited to continue their popular digital learning series: Tennessee Turf Tuesdays.

The objective of this series is to provide individuals managing golf courses, sports fields, residential/commercial lawns, and sod farms the latest research on optimizing turfgrass aesthetic and functional quality via sustainable cultural and pest management practices. The 2022 series will feature more sessions, more speakers, and more pesticide credits and is not limited to Tennessee residents. CEUs are available from the LIVE webinars for many professional associations and in numerous states.

Webinars will be conducted LIVE on the first Tuesday of every month from April through October 2022.

All webinars will be live from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm EDT and recorded. Recorded webinars will be posted on the UT

Turfgrass YouTube Channel and made available through ough Apple Podcasts. More information can be found by searching for Turf Tuesday at https://www.utk.edu.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

TURF MARKETPLACE

Visit www.TurfGrassSod.org

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S-Series The global standard in wide area grass collecting.

Telephone: 864.332.9776 - info@trilo.com - www.trilo.com

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE: Barber 600 Turf Rake: Good condition, pick up grass clippings, small rocks, and small sod chunks.

Asking $10,000.

Please contact Gordon at gordon@redhenturf.com or 574-876-4159.

FOR SALE: Kesmac 2700, We have moved to a newer machine and no longer need in our current fleet. Asking $75,000.

Please call or email with any questions: dmilligan@ superscapesnc.com or 910-540-6452.

FOR SALE: 2008 Trebro Autostack I. Excellent condition, well maintained, field ready, kept in shed in winter months. Comes with John Deere engine, extra lighting, rear camera, and upgraded wheel drive motors. 8147.8 hrs and has over $20,000. in spare parts. Asking $110,000 US, price includes spare parts.

Please contact 780-939-2226 or email svsfarm@gmail.com; located in Alberta, Canada.

FOR SALE: 2006 Trebro Autostack #175; Purchased new September 2006; Although it has 15,827 hours, it is in excellent condition. New JD motor at 10,530 hours. Stored indoors and completely re-furbed each winter. Heat and air conditioning are working in cab. Dual auto steer, 20 skid capacity (has extensions installed). Electric over HYDRAULIC depth control, auto lube, touch screen computer control. Main head bearings done 2 years ago. Electronic scale installed; Bought new harvester last summer, unit is spare now. Can help arrange shipping; Ready to harvest. Asking $85,000 US or $105,000 CAN Please contact Claus at claus@zandersod.com.

HELP WANTED: NOW HIRING @Liberty Sod Farm in Great Meadows, NJ 07838 Position Available-Hands on farm manager: We are looking for a hardworking dedicated person to join our team as a farm manager. This is a hands-on agricultural job working outside with farm equipment, trucks and trailers and black dirt. Experience and knowledge required include farm maintenance, operating forklifts, loading flatbed trucks/trailers, and basic to intermediate mechanical jobs. Having knowledge of Firefly Automatix machinery is a big plus!!

Please contact 908-637-4203 or libertysod@comcast.net.

FOR SALE: Atmax Traxmax 250 Kubota, turbo charged diesel, good working condition, holds slopes well. Asking $15,000.

Please call Shawn at 270-836-5372.

FOR SALE: 2004 Autostack I: AS-061 with 6697 hours.

Excellent condition, well maintained and field ready, heads rebuilt every year and kept in shed through winter months, new cutter head pump and conveyor belt. 6697 hours. Asking $97,000 OBO. Contact Steve at 262-303-6052.

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Visit TurfGrassSod.org to view the advertiser's photos or click on the camera icon in the electronic version of this page.

FOR SALE: 2018 Brouwer 4000, 1800 hours, well maintained, was purchased new in 2018. Asking $220,000.00 Please contact Alane Carter at 401-295-8449 or WXU¿QF#DRO FRP. FOR SALE: Tractors, Harvesters, Mowers, Forklifts: Tractors:JD 5310 2wd open cab with turf tires, JD 5420 2wd open cab with turf tires, JD 5075m cab, 4wd, turf tires. Harvesters: Magnum BR 42 roll harvester, TSH 55 slab harvester. Mowers: 2-9 gang Jacobson fairway mowers, Trimax Pegasus 20'. Forklifts: 5500 Navigator, Terex Princeton D50 (needs work) Please text Paul at 662-357-5126 for photos, prices & details.

TPI CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING—TARGETED TO TURFGRASS PRODUCERS WORLDWIDE Buying or selling equipment, supplies, properties, or looking for employees or employment opportunities?

TPI classified advertising is the answer! Reach your target market with a free or low cost classified ad in Turf News magazine and on the TPI website at www.TurfGrassSod.org.

The classified ad section is the first place many TPI members look when they receive the most recent issue of Turf News magazine and the most viewed area on the TPI website.

All classified ads are posted to the TPI website within 24 hours of approval and featured in the next issue of Turf News!

TPI Member: FREE / Non-Member: $50 Rates are determined in one-inch vertical increments.

Please estimate approximately 65 words per inch.

Photos are limited to the website and no more than two photographs per ad.

View full details at: www.TurfGrassSod.org/classifieds Deadline: 30-days prior to Turf News issue date (e.g., July/August Turf News issue, ad is due by June 1).

Upload your classified ad at: www.TurfGrassSod.org/classifieds or send to Geri Hannah via email: ghannah@TurfGrassSod.org Fax: 847-649-5678 Mail: Turfgrass Producers International 444 E. Roosevelt Road #346 | Lombard, IL 60148 U.S.A All classified ads are subject to review; TPI does not endorse any ad and reserves the right to edit or decline any ad.

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

AD INDEX FOR MAY/JUNE TURF NEWS MAGAZINE Advanced Equipment Sales …………………...…….………. 57, 69

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc. ….………………………….… 61

A-List …….………............………........…………....….………… 47

R&R Products, Inc. ……….……………..……………………….. 43

Brouwer Kesmac ……………………………....….………...… 39, 69

Sod Solutions ® …………………………...…..…..…..……………. 37

Cameron Financial ……………………..………………………… 69

STEC Equipment, Inc. …………...…...…..……………………. 51

FireFly Automatix ……………...……...………………………… 13

Summit Seed – Profile Products ……........……………….……... 45

Jonathan Green & Sons, Inc. …………….……………………… 63

TAMANET (USA) …………………….………………...………... 3

KWMI …………………………………..……..………..……. 49, 69

Trebro Manufacturing, Inc. ………………….…………………… 5

Landmark Seed Company ……………...….. Outside Back Cover

Trilo ® /Vanmac bv …………………..……………………………. 69

Load Lifter ………….................…...….……......…..…..………. 67

Turfgrass Producers International …..............….……....... 25, 69

Magnum ……………………………...… Inside Front Cover, 18-19

Van Vuuren Machines ………….…………...…. Inside Back Cover

Mountain View Seeds ……………...…...…….....…..…..………. 41

WELCOME NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS Tommy Hanka Hanka Sod PO Box 1209 Mission, TX 78573 956-792-4889 janie@tommyhanka.com

J. Ware Green Horizons Turf Farm 153 Doctor Flanighan Kearneysville, WV 25430 304-725-2895 jware@GreenHorizonsTurf.com

John Gardner, Jr. Tuckerton Turf Farms, Inc. 320 Tuckerton Road Tabernacle, NJ 08088 609-268-0615 tuckturf@aol.com

George Bravos Sod and Seed Inc. 2087 E Chennault Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 925-435-7874 sodandseed@gmail.com

TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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TURFGRASS INDUSTRY CALENDAR Editor’s note: The following information was up to date as of April 1, 2022. Please check the websites listed for the most current information as you do your planning.

2022 MAY

OCTOBER

May 17-18 ETS (European Turfgrass Society} Field Days 2022 Barcelona, Spain https://www.turfgrasssociety.eu/ETSFD_2022/

October 18-21 Equip Exposition - Formerly GIE+EXPO Louisville, KY https://www.equipexposition.com October 18-21 Deep South Turf Expo Biloxi, MS http://www.deepshouthturfexpo.org.com

JULY July 7-8 - Rescheduled from September 2021 ETP (European Turfgrass Producers} Turf Show Expo & Field Day Pattensen, Germany info@turfgrassproducers.eu July 10-15 - Rescheduled from July 11-16, 2021 ITRC 14th International Turfgrass Research Conference Copenhagen, Denmark https://itrc2022.org/ July 24-26 Texas Turfgrass Association Summer Conference Lake Conroe - Houston, Texas https://texasturf.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/58549-TTA-Save-theDates-Flyer.pdf

NOVEMBER November 14-17 Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. Conference Myrtle Beach, SC https://www.carolinasgcsa.org/Education-Conference/Conference-and-Show November 16 SC Sod Producers Association Meeting Myrtle Beach, SC

2023 JANUARY

July 26 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day. West Lafayette, IN www.mrtf.org

January 16-19 Sports Field Management Association Conference Salt Lake City, UT https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/conference/

July 28 TGA Summer Show Kincross, Scotland - UK https://turfgrass.co.uk

FEBRUARY February 6-9 GCSAA Conference Orlando, FL

SEPTEMBER

https://www.gcsaaconference.com/future-dates

September 18-21 NALP ELEVATE Conference and Expo Orlando, FL https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ELEVATE

February 20-22 TPI International Education Conference Nashville, TN

INTERNATIONAL INTE NTERNAT RNA IONA RNAT ONALL

https://www.TurfGrassSod.org/events/

CONFERENCE CONF CO NFER NFER NF EREN REN ENCE C CE

GAY GAYLORD GGAYL GAYLO AYLO AY A AYL YLLO YL YLO LOR LORD OORD OR RRDD OP OPRYLAND OPRY OOPR PRY PR PPRYL RYLAND RYL RRY YLAND YLA YL Y LLA LAND LAN AND AN A NDD RRESO N RESORT RE RES RESOR ESO ES EESORT SOORRT SOR SO RT

CONVENT CONVE CON CCO CONVENTION ONVENT OON ONVE NVE N VENTION VEN VENT VE V ENTI ENTION ENT EEN N NTT IION NTIO IOON O N CCEN CEEEN CENTER ENTE NTTTER NTER N TEEERR

NASHVILLE, NASH S VILL VILLE,E,E TEN VIL TENNESS TENNESSEE N EE NESS

FEBRUARY FEBR FE BRUA BR UARY UA RY

2200THT - 2222ND

September 22 Mississippi State Turfgrass Research Field Day Starkville, MS www.pss.msstate.edu/workshops/turf/registration.php

EDUCATION EDUCAT EDU DUCAT CATION CA CAT ATION IOON

MUS MUSIC U IC CI CITY TY U.S.A. U S.A U. S A. A.

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JULY July 24-28 TPI Summer Convention & Field Day Detroit, MI https://www.TurfGrassSod.org/events/

If you are planning an industry event of interest to our readers please send the information to: creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org and put “Industry Calendar” in the subject line.

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TPI Turf News May/June 2022

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