CROP AND MARKET PREDICTIONS Compiled by Suz Trusty


Each year, Turf News invites suppliers to provide their input on the turfgrass seed and/or vegetative stock crop and market outlook based on: Teir assessment of the impact of weather conditions on crops to date and on the anticipated impact of weather conditions predicted in their area; Trends they are seeing in their market; Te production they are anticipating in terms of quality and quantity; And their assessment of anticipated pricing for those crops as stable, higher, or lower.


Industry comments for the seed and vegetative stock crop outlook were provided from mid-May to the end of May. Please note that weather conditions do impact final yields, and that seed harvests in July and August may differ from the forecasts shared here. In addition, there are multiple factors, other than weather conditions, which impact the crop and the overall market within the sod industry. Turf News welcomed input from your seed and vegetative stock sources on these factors as well. Tough no one can accurately predict the future, these industry perspectives provide insights into the outlook for these valuable crops.


Turf News thanks all those who provided the information for this article. Tat input is arranged in alphabetical order, by the respondent’s company name.


BETHEL FARMS Provided by Will Nugent, President


there are now over 1,800 acres of BIMINI® in production.


Tis significant expansion across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and now including two new growers in South Carolina, greatly enhances our network and our ability to supply premium grass for these notable projects.


2024 is poised to be a transformative year for Bethel Farms as we launch several new products and expand into new markets. We are thrilled to introduce Gateway Zoysia, developed in collaboration with MVP Genetics, which is tailored perfectly for golf courses and residential uses in Florida. Additionally, we are working with MVP Genetics on a new release of Paspalum later this year, promising to offer superior options for our clients seeking salt-tolerant grasses.


Bethel Farms has developed a strong market for its BIMINI® Bermudagrass, with the golf course industry a key part of that growth.


Bethel Farms experienced a successful year in 2023, marked by solid business operations and strategic expansions. As we enter 2024, our optimistic outlook continues to be fueled by the persistent tight supply of our products in Florida—a condition we anticipate will extend throughout the year.


Bethel Farms has expanded its operations to include a new farm in Kenansville, Florida, to address the rising demand in the marketplace. Tis addition increases our production capacity and strengthens our commitment to meeting our client's needs promptly and efficiently.


Te golf sector has shown remarkable strength, a trend expected to persist into 2024 and 2025. New course developments and extensive renovations across Florida have kept demand for sod at an all-time high. In response to this demand, Bethel Farms is proud to announce that


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As we continue to grow, Bethel Farms faces the challenges of rising labor costs and increasing prices for essential inputs. Notably, fertilizer costs have surged by 20 percent in 2024, with further increases projected. Tese challenges necessitate strategic planning and adaptation to continue providing value to our clients while maintaining our core values of serving our customers with excellence.


Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted Bethel Farms, from enhancing our marketing strategies to optimizing farm production processes. As we progress, we see AI as a valuable tool that will continue to drive efficiencies and innovations across our operations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of agricultural technology.


Bethel Farms remains committed to sustainability and excellence as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2024. We look forward to another year of working alongside our clients and industry peers, continually striving to deliver high-quality products and services.


TPI Turf News July/August 2024


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