Weston Guetterman,
Grassroots Sod, Missouri Te TPI Italy trip was one of the best experiences that I've had in the turf industry. Being able to rub elbows with other producers in the industry was very beneficial for myself and our operation. With our company being relatively in its infancy stages we are still growing and learning fast, taking on new ideas from a multitude of different people and farms. Interacting with growers in our market was very beneficial as we got the time to sit down and chat about our experiences and hardships without the business of our everyday lives getting in the way. Tis helped us to better take a look back and see items of improvement for the future. It was also beneficial to network with producers from across the country to listen to their challenges and needs.
Photo courtesy of Allie Roed
Being one of the younger people in the group I got the opportunity to interact with the other producers on the trip in a unique way. Being looked at as the future of the industry instead of the present helped me to have the confidence to ask any questions that came to mind. My curiosity allowed me to ask many questions to anyone willing to listen.
Another aspect that was unique about the experience was the opportunity to chat with producers from other countries that have a different set of challenges than we have in our market and in the United States whether it be regulatory, climate, or marketing challenges. Tese different perspectives helped me think outside the box in our market to find solutions to our problems and prevent other potential ones from rising. One thing that a farm did that I picked up was the potential to grow different species of plants for various purposes. One producer grew a low- cost cover plant to lay on steep slopes and waste ground. Although this species didn't produce a show lawn, it was a great cost-efficient option for alternative spaces. Another interesting idea to combat regulation pressure was to install plant blends on the walls of large industrial facilities. Tis would help to increase their green space while being efficient with the space that they have.
TPI Turf News January/February 2025
Photo courtesy of Ben Storbeck
From a tourist perspective, it was great to see all of the ancient history in Italy that we don't have in the United States. Touring the Coliseum was definitely at the top of this list for me. It had always been on my bucket list, and it was even more impressive than I could have imagined. On top of this was the opportunity to see the Pope and to visit the Vatican, both very eye-opening experiences. Another highlight of my trip was walking the streets of Verona with the group. It was a beautiful town that was more peaceful and quiet than the streets of Rome. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to tour Italy.
Allie Roed is membership and marketing manager for Turfgrass Producers International. She is the coordinator for the TPI Future Leaders Fellowship Program and the TPI Study Tours.
All photos are courtesy of Meccay Nimmer unless otherwise noted.
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