Jimmy explained that the AU Turfgrass department conducts significant research on their farm. Most recently, they’re doing a nutsedge test trial with new chemistry alongside Dr. Scott McElroy, Professor of Weed Science/Turf at AU’s Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Department. In June, they hosted a busload of students from AU’s Auburn Global program, which offers international students opportunities for academic, language, and career growth.
“We had 26 students from South Korea here yesterday for a farm tour. Tat’s good for the community and for spreading turfgrass internationally. You know, what are the benefits of turfgrass and why are we growing it? Not just because it’s pretty but because of the environmental effects too. We can use that as a platform to educate the world on the benefits of turfgrass,” Wayne said.
Tey also host Auburn Turfgrass classes several times throughout the academic year, allowing students to see a sod farming operation in person. In mid-April, Beck’s Turf hosted the AU Turfgrass Club’s Spring meeting. Members kayaked and fished in the ponds on the sod farm, and they cooked dinner for them. Jimmy explained that it benefits them to form these relationships with the students down the road when they enter the field and purchase grass for their own businesses.
Product Quality “While there are so many grasses out there to pick from, I think Celebration is a consistent color, deep rooting turfgrass. In a lot of situations, it can be forgiving for the homeowners who might not follow the best management practices so they can whip it back into shape because it is a very tough, resilient turfgrass,” Wayne said.
Te Bassetts recall when Tobey Wagner, president of turfgrass research and development company Sod Solutions, visited and brought two slabs of Celebration to Beck’s Turf in the late 1990s. Tey laid the slabs in their parking lot beside some 419 and watched it hold color even as it started drying out, far longer than old-standard Tifway 419. “Tat’s just one of the attributes but one I remember the most when he brought that by in the weeks before we started growing it,” Jimmy said.
Tey appreciate the support from Sod Solutions over the years, especially from field staff members like Territory Manager Gary Bradshaw, who show up at the farm whenever they have questions or concerns. Wayne also praised their marketing efforts in the industry.
Beck’s Turf primarily grows sod for residential sales but also handles some golf course renovations in the Birmingham area and has supplied grass for the Jane B. Moore Field, home of AU softball.
Industry Changes and Future Wayne notes the importance of adapting to industry changes, such as automation and education. He emphasizes the need for municipalities to recognize the value of hiring turfgrass professionals. “Tey’ll spend millions of dollars on a sports complex but won’t hire a turfgrass professional to look after and maintain it,” he said.
Over the next decade, Wayne stresses the importance of efficiency and cost management. “Tirty years ago, the lot sizes were bigger, and the houses were bigger. As lot sizes have decreased, there are more swimming pools, more outdoor kitchens, and fire pit areas, which has reduced the use of turfgrass. Tat’s made an impact of decreased use in natural turf in residential lawns, so we have to figure out better delivery of controlling costs,” he said.
Wayne also emphasized the need to address regulatory challenges politically, improve research for EPA chemical registration, and strengthen the presentation of the industry's environmental friendliness through solid research.
Jimmy shared that increasing inflation is something they must focus on daily. Tey’ve increased the price of grass and delivery costs. “I think every farm runs into trying to grow the best quality grass that you can and selling it at a price that you can make a profit.”
Wayne Bassett, standing on one of the Celebration Bermudagrass fields that Beck’s Turf grows, reports it is a great choice for home lawns because it is a very tough, resilient turfgrass.
TPI Turf News November/December 2024 123
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