PRESIDENT’S TURF Sod Family and Friends,

2016-2017 TPI Board of Trustees

Linda Pittillo Bradley

Since this is the annual equipment issue and there are always new things we want on our farms, we might ask ourselves: Why do we farm? Some city-folk think we farm because we can’t do anything else or maybe we just aren’t smart. Now that will make you grin!

As farmers we are keenly aware of the ‘outside and inside’ worlds of life. We were and are the first green-friendly industry and we live on the land we farm, so we must be good stewards. Recently Ms. Lou Ballew (known as the First Lady of Sod and Nursery when she worked for the Oakland Plantation in North Carolina), told me that one of the best skills farmers have is their awareness for life. After I thought about this, I completely agree. So during this Tanksgiving season, I’ve decided to list some of the gifts of awareness that I am very grateful for as a farmer.

• Farming is hard work. Farming people are not thought of as ‘lazy-folk!’ My Mom is one of the hardest working ladies I know.

• Farming requires skills not easily learned from a book. It requires trustworthy relationships. Around here honesty is the best policy.

• Farming necessitates firsthand experience. If you live it, you know what you are talking about. Certainly mistakes can be costly but the rewards can smell and feel as wonderful as freshly cut grass! Being immersed in our family farm is a gift from God.

• Farming involves patience. Growing a crop is a process. Knowing when to listen and when to speak requires patience as well.

• Farming entails having an appreciation for the earth. We must be good stewards of the land to continue making a living.

• Farming requires an understanding of economics (micro and macro). We must understand finances to make good production decisions. My family taught me to seek wisdom.

When we listen to others who have plowed the road ahead of us, we learn how to make things better on our farms. For the next issue, we are asking you to share the best pieces of advice you’ve received that have enhanced your farm. Please send them to: suztrusty@TurfGrassSod.org.

As we celebrate the spirit of the season and the beginning of another year, my hope is that you will take time to thank God for all the blessings in your life. When we are thankful people we have a glad heart. John 16:33 says: “Tese things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” Merry Christmas and may the New Year be filled with Peace and Love for you and yours.

Please sign up today for our 50th Anniversary Celebration in Tampa, Feb. 2017, registration is open.

Blessings, 2

Officers President Linda Pittillo Bradley Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-828-685-3642 turfmountain@bellsouth.net

Vice President Jimmy Fox Evergreen Turf, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-480-456-1199 jimmy@evergreenturf.com

Secretary-Treasurer Eric Heuver Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply – CANADA +1-403-235-8873 eric@eaglelakelandscape.com

Past President Will Nugent Bethel Farms – U.S.A. +1-863-494-3057 willnugent@bethelfarms.com

Interim Executive Director Sandy Reynolds Turfgrass Producers International – U.S.A. +1-847-649-5555 sreynolds@TurfGrassSod.org

Trustees John Coombs, Sr. Coombs Sod Farms, LLC – U.S.A. +1-856-358-4763 jhc@coombsfarms.com

Hugh Dampney ECO Turf – ENGLAND +44 1202 572 166 hugh.dampney@parleycourt.co.uk

Steve Griffen Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-518-664-5038 steve@saratogasod.com

Randy Jasperson Jasperson Sod Farm – U.S.A. +1-262-835-2826 rj@jaspersonsod.com

Hank Kerfoot Modern Turf – U.S.A. +1-803-713-8873 hank@modernturf.com

Mark Tribbett JB Instant Lawn, Inc. - U.S.A. +1-503-581-7823 mark@jbinstantlawn.net

Tim Wollesen Sales Midwest, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-913-254-9560 tim@salesmidwest.com

Legal Counsel Monte B. Lake CJ Lake 525 Ninth Street, NW- Suite 800 Washington, DC – U.S.A. +1-202-789-8644

Science Advisor Dr. James B Beard International Sports Turf Institute College Station, Texas – U.S.A. +1-979-693-4066 isti@neo.tamu.edu

TPI Turf News November/December 2016