SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY


Provided by Debra Barnes, Category Director – Seed (Turf & Natives) & Wildflowers


SOD SOLUTIONS Provided by Tobey Wagner, President


SiteOne Landscape Supply shared this stunning photo of a Tall Fescue seed production field in the spring of 2025.


Weather in the Pacific Northwest has been experiencing a drier than average spring. Despite the conditions, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue look healthy and are expected to be on track for an average crop. If weather conditions continue their dry pattern, the weather could impact this outlook. Te quality of crops appears clean as growers have tried to work on producing a higher value crop to offset market challenges.


Crop pricing and markets are seeing downward pressure from a combination of economic issues and carry-over inventory. Tere is hope that the situation will correct itself as other production areas are seeing a combination of winter kill, drought, or a shift downward in acreage due to pricing pressures.


Tere is anticipation that the fall market will be robust, and we will see increased usage in seed overall.


Tobey and Lee Ann Wagner of Sod Solutions pose on a field of Celebration® Bermudagrass during their January 2025 visit to turfgrass producer Itograss in Brazil. Tobey says his worldview continues to expand through TPI events and experiences.


Sod Checkoff Vote Outcome – A Moment for Reflection, Analysis and Determination: Recent news on the Checkoff initiative is on many minds so I will make a few comments and observations based on analysis and information from several growers. Te vote results for the proposed Sod Checkoff initiative have been finalized, providing a definitive look at the industry’s stance on this critical proposal. Out of the 348 valid ballots received: - 127 votes (36.49 percent) were cast in favor of the initiative. - 221 votes (63.51 percent) were cast against the initiative.


Despite extensive outreach efforts, the voter turnout was about what would be expected based on other association numbers and average voter turnout for similar initiatives. With 1,200- 1,300 government-defined potential growers eligible to vote, 348 ballots were cast, underscoring significant engagement and communication. Further details and information will be forthcoming soon from the USDA.


A special and sincere thanks goes to Dr. Casey Reynolds for his extraordinary commitment and unwavering effort throughout the Sod Checkoff initiative. Supported by the TPI organization, Dr. Reynolds diligently led the charge, investing countless hours in association meetings, Zoom sessions, and one-on-one conversations. His advocacy for natural turfgrass was instrumental in bringing the conversation to the forefront.


A Positive Path Forward – Voluntary Program and Creative Solutions: While the Sod Checkoff initiative did not pass, TPI has the opportunity to explore other means of supporting the promotion of Natural Turfgrass through voluntary and or incentivized programs for growers and the industry at large to contribute funds on an annual basis. Organized contributions could support targeted marketing, educational programs, and strategic initiatives promoting the “Natural Grass is Good” message. Stay tuned as minds are churning with ideas to come soon. Te checkoff decision is not the end but perhaps the beginning of something better.


50 TPI Turf News July/August 2025


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